The new building for Mundo responds to the particular constraints of the site with a structure that behaves like a bridge. Behind the plot there is another public building, which explains the decision to keep the ground level open. Moreover, underneath the plot runs an emergency staircase and a ventilation shaft for the metro, making it advantageous to limit the support lines to only two concrete walls on either side of the site. The structure therefore spans 30 meters.The bridge is created using three trusses, each four storeys high, made of glued-laminated timber. The beams are interconnected with multi-layered, slotted steel plates. The floors are composed of ribbed panels made of LVL, a type of laminated wood. The entire structure is made of timber, which was preferred here because it allows the weight of the building to be kept as low as possible. Naturally, a fully timber structure also helps to make the building as sustainable as possible, which was an important requirement for the client.

ARC19 Architectuur Award construction of a passive office building for the eco-house MUNDO, Antwerp (BARC-14-MUND), architect : B-architecten

Belgian Building Award 2021 category ‘Circular Building’ : new construction of a passive office building for the eco-house MUNDO, Antwerp (BARC-14-MUND), architect : B-architecten