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aGC GLaSS EUROPE aND aXa BELGIUM
Three main aims re ect the ambition of AGC for their building project:
–To provide a comfortable, contemporary working environment that encourages informal communication between employees; this does not mean luxury premises, but rather of ces of the ‘lounge’ type.
–To use building techniques and operational methods that are wholly consistent with the principle of sustainability, resulting
in low energy consumption.
–To create timeless architecture of the very highest quality, which allows the newest AGC products to be used in an innovative manner in combination with other simple, natural materials.
The building programme resulted in a gross oor area of
10,800 m2. In addition to suf cient of ce space for 475 employees, the building volume also contains meeting and conference facili- ties, and a kitchen with a 150-seat dining area (300 meals) for both staff and visitors. Parking requirements are adequately met by a covered car park with 241 spaces for employees and an additional 24 spaces for visitors.
AGC chose AXA Belgium, widely known for its expertise in real estate, as its partner for the nancial aspects of the project. AXA will provide the necessary funding and arrange the actual con- struction of the building, which will then be leased to AGC for
a period of 15 years.
As the future owner of the building, AXA underwrites the building programme as proposed by AGC, but has also stipulated the fol- lowing additional requirements:
– BREEAM certi cation (Building Research Establishment Environ- mental Assessment Method) must ensure that sustainability and
SIte PROGReSS
February 2012 – Start of the building work
proper respect for the environment are guaranteed both during and after the building process.The BREEAM quality label applies strict conditions for the use of building techniques, with the aim of creating healthy and comfortable buildings with a limited envi- ronmental impact measured over the full life cycle of the building. AXA Belgium requires the BREEAM label to be rated at the level ‘excellent’.
–The building must guarantee a degree of exibility that will allow it to be adapted to the requirements of possible future users with- out the need for major structural alterations.This means that the internal con guration must be modular and divisible, so that the building is assured of a long life cycle.
– A technical inspection conducted by SECO to support project designers and help them in their choice of structures and materi- als.This collaboration has allowed us to bene t from their exper- tise in elds related to building stability, facades and technical facilities, during both the project design phase and execution.
The real estate activities of AXA Belgium are conducted within
the framework of a strategy of sustainable entrepreneurship. Its property investments and ‘green’ renovation projects must employ environment-friendly methods and materials, and offer sustainable solutions for mobility-related issues.
As the owner, AXA Belgium wishes to know exactly how its real estate projects are constructed and how well they will last over time. Using its experience and know-how acquired over many years, AXA will carefully monitor the building process in all its many different aspects.
This must result in the creation of a high-quality of ce environment with guaranteed longevity and a suf cient degree of exibility.
1 - BReeam is the leading international measure of a building’s sustainability and a leader in the drive for a more sustainable built environment.
2012
2012-02
2013 2014
Site preparation and groundwork
Foundation posts and foundation basement
Massive concrete slabs and columns on ground level; shell work basement First- oor slab
Concrete core activation in oor slabs Second- oor slab
Roof slab
Assembly main staircase
Steel structure gallery
Roof covering
Exterior woodwork and bamboo facade covering
Wooden terraces and interior gardens Second facade in glass panels
Technical installations in shafts or under the raised oor Installation of raised oors
Drywall partitions and spray-plaster ceilings
Lifts
Interior woodwork
Wood ooring and carpet
Kitchen and restaurant
Technical installations in basement; BTES eld; PV panels
Surround works Delivery