The proposal by evr-architecten, BC Architects and Studies and Callebaut Architecten paid special attention to the restoration, highlighting existing structures and reclaiming on-site resources to create a new research and living environment, an urban mining at the architectural scale. The project used a circular innovation process. Materials such as bricks, stone and glazing were recovered and carefully integrated with new elements of biological origin (hemp concrete and clay plasters of local origin), respecting the rich heritage of the place.
Approximately 130 m³ of reclaimed bricks, 120 glazing panels, and marble fragments were reused and subjected to structural performance and durability testing. The existing masonry was complemented with modular timber structures and demountable plywood partitions, secured with custom-made clips for easy dismantling. Bio-based materials, such as hemp walls and clay plasters from Brussels soil, ensure acoustic and hygrothermal comfort. Reused marble fragments were embedded in terrazzo floors, transforming the remnants into ornamental elements.
This careful layering of old and new drastically reduced CO₂ emissions while preserving embodied energy. Maintenance is facilitated by reversible and visible systems, allowing components to evolve with future use.
Usquare by evr-architecten. Photograph by Stijn Bollaert.
Project description by evr-architecten, BC Architects and Studies and Callebaut Architecten
The former barracks in Ixelles are an icon of the district and the city. They have been vacant for the last few years due to the relocation of the federal police. This site, close to the ULB and VUB university campuses, but also at a major public transport hub, had huge potential for redevelopment as an international university campus and new urban district. The full design brief includes the renovation and repurposing of seven historic buildings for university and neighbourhood facilities: a research centre, an international reception centre, an experience centre, the Brussels Institute for Advanced Studies (BIAS) and a sustainable food market.
Usquare.Brussels is intended to be an ‘open’ neighbourhood where students, researchers and professors from home and abroad, as well as Brussels residents, can meet, interact and develop innovative ideas together. Usquare Feder is an interesting place to study and work, but also a pleasant place to live, where the people of Brussels feel at home.
During the restoration and renovation process, the architectural team paid particular attention to the following objectives: openness to the city, appreciation of the heritage, development of housing for researchers and students, design of pleasant public spaces and creating facilities accessible to local residents. Sustainability and circularity were key themes throughout this project. The buildings were restored to their original state, but with a new purpose.
An inventory of materials was made. Demolished materials such as masonry, bricks, tiles and wooden flooring were salvaged on site where possible. Where it was not possible to reuse existing building materials, alternative sites and recycling methods were investigated. This required exemplary management of material resources. Buildings were only demolished when their stability was insufficient, and new structures were designed in a flexible way to adapt to changing needs. Biobased-materials were chosen for the new buildings, such as lime hemp walls, acoustic clay plaster and even shell insulation panels for the foundations.
We also sought to enhance the interior by preserving and restoring valuable historic finishes. These included wood and marble floors, marble fireplace mantels, moulded walls and ceilings, marble panelling, granite and glazed tile finishes. By properly managing the input and output of building materials, we have reduced CO₂.
In addition to material reuse, energy efficiency was also a key consideration. The "Light as a Service" concept includes both reused luminaires from the site and new lighting. In addition, a new heat network will be installed to heat the VUB buildings. This approach, known as circular financing, has also been extended to the lift contract. Instead of owning the lifts, they will now be leased.
