beMatrix takes the lead in CO2-neutral ambitions with CircuMatrix
beMatrix HQ is experiencing a true metamorphosis. Enter: CircuMatrix! 3Architects worked out the concept for the new building, taking an approach that creatively reuses many materials from the old site. ‘We want to translate the way we have to deal with materials in the event industry to other areas as much as possible,’ Edwin outlines.
How is the new project doing? VOKA, the Flemish network of enterprises, dropped by to take a pulse for their Entrepreneurs magazine.
CircuMatrix
CircuMatrix is fully designed by 3Architects. ‘Energy neutrality and circularity are central,’ architect Jan Tyvaert points out. ‘Via geothermal energy , we can heat and cool the building. The energy for this will come as much as possible from solar panels on the new roofs.
Our analysis of the existing buildings showed that one production hall will definitely be usable for a long time to come, provided the façade is better insulated and new heating techniques are used. We will have the second production hall and offices demolished, but we can still use numerous materials from those structures.’ The aerated concrete façade panels are a good example. ‘We will have those panels carefully dismantled, cut into 125-centimetre blocks on site and placed on their sides. A test arrangement with horizontal stacking of those panels showed that it is a very stable construction, representing a high insulation value. In this way, they emerged as the building blocks for the new office façade. In this way, they form the best possible visual illustration of reuse.
The façade will further integrate small glazed areas, which strike a good balance between the comfort of sufficient daylight for staff and the energetic character of the building.’
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