Thinking logistics and production infrastructures with a sustainable and circular approach
There is no standard solution: every company has its own specific needs and objectives. Our architects propose an affordable, eco-design approach suited for logistical and industrial infrastructures. That's why we naturally collaborate with innovative companies that share healthy ambitions for sustainability and sustainable growth, based among other principles on the circular economy. And the result? More efficient organisations who are resolutely turned towards the future. In this spirit, archipelago is also involved in the Green Deal initiated by the Flemish Government, aiming to make circular construction a daily reality.
Bringing a site’s potential to life
For our architects, to be involved at the earliest stage of a project is a unique opportunity to start a co-creation design approach that includes all the elements necessary for a coherent and ambitious sustainable vision. That is why we systematically analyse the full potential of a context, we participate in the strategic vision of the project, and define the best development opportunities.
We start with a feasibility study with the aim to create in the long term an economic environment that is efficient and climate-neutral. In this context, we regularly propose to integrate as much as possible the public and private space in our thinking in order to draw out the best potential of a location and its surroundings, and to increase workers’ and neighbours’ well-being.
Sustainable design for industry
Construction standards have evolved dramatically in recent years. The logistical and industrial infrastructure we design is always optimised to economically achieve the regulatory environmental performance thresholds. The infrastructure’s environmental footprint is minimised and where possible it takes advantage of the best-suited free and renewable energies, such as geothermal or solar energy, with the ultimate objective of reaching a positive energy balance. We also study the treatment and reuse of building effluent on the site, and if the situation allows it, we favour natural filtration via lagoons with aquatic plants.
In the same vein, we favour natural lighting; artificial lighting when used benefits from the latest technologies and automated management to minimise consumption. Some buildings are dressed in smart glass, able to optimally filter or reflect the sun’s rays to regulate heat and lighting in the building. All of these concepts, optimised iteratively from the earliest stages of design via performance-based 3D modelling, target a minimal life cycle cost for our projects. The integrated BIM approach, which we systematically offer our clients and partners, provides a solid support for our eco-design approach.
Building on solid expertise
We are proud to have been able to support many dynamic players, in Belgium and abroad, with their vision and eco-design approach for logistical and industrial infrastructures: Reynaers Aluminum, REO-Veiling, BelOrta, Euro Pool System, Brussels Airport Company, ORES, Eandis, Danone, Actemium, the Flemish Government, Montea, the University of Ghent (UGent), etc.
With this in mind, archipelago has naturally embarked on the Green Deal “Circular Building” initiated by the Flemish Government, aimed at making circular construction a daily reality. This commitment reflects a long-standing investment by our in-house experts in sustainable and circular design, supported in particular by our academic and professional collaborations with organisations recognised in Belgium and abroad such as VITO or the Belgian Building Research Institute (BBRI).