DCR art hub

retrofitting energy performance

The former office section of the municipal energy company located at ‘De Constant Rebecqueplein’ is in use as work and exhibition space for artists. Before the renovation, the existing façade contained mostly single glass and the installations were no longer equipped for the changed use. There was no ventilation system.

MIXD was asked to design the energy performance improvement using an ‘EPA-U Customized Energy Performance Advice’ and to supervise the redesigned installations and the redesign of the façade. Removal of chromium 6 and radioactive slag wool also took place. A new innovative sash window with improved draft control replaced the traditionally ‘rattling’ ones.

BUILDING FEATURES

The building has both wood and steel frames which makes it a good case study for making existing buildings more sustainable with bio-based materials. The interior walls will be insulated with flax and ‘ESB’ (formaldehyde free) board. The single glazing will be replaced with vacuum glass with a very low U-value of 0.45.
Part of the façade is protected cityscape. The heating will provide a higher efficiency through VRF units (heat pumps) and electric radiators with the possibility of individual adjustment (the basic design temperature of 18 degrees will be “plusable” to about 21 degrees).

MIXD took care of the architectural design, building permit and prepared the tender in good cooperation with installation consultant Van der Vlugt.

MIXD is in charge of the overall construction management, while Ontwerpburo van de Vlugt is in charge of the installation work.

The project is currently under construction.