Not only do very few buildings manage to earn three certifications, but The Wings – located in Diegem next to the Brussels ring road – is the only one in Belgium to have done just that, earning BREEAM Excellent, WELL Gold and DGNB Gold. Setting a new standard in the international office district near Brussels Airport was no mean feat, but developer Ghelamco and Assar architects pulled it off in style with The Wings.
The complex, consisting of four quadrants of varying heights, sets a new standard for comfort, well-being and sustainability. The name says it all: more than 51,000 m2 of floor space –for offices, a hotel, a gym, restaurants, co-working facilities, a large atrium and an auditorium – is spread over four wings. One of the occupants is EY Belgium, which has established its new headquarters there. The project features 13,600 m² of insulating and solar control safety glass, specifically Polycool with AGC Stopray Silver 47/29. Not only did this glass contribute significantly towards achieving BREEAM Excellent certification, but it is crucial for delivering sustainability in terms of design, construction and use.
PIONEERING
Ghelamco has plenty of experience delivering pioneering projects featuring bold architecture and The Wings does not disappoint, seamlessly balancing work and well-being in a perfect location. Ghelamco aimed to make The Wings the first certified CO2- and energy-neutral office environment in Belgium. The building itself generates the energy needed for all internal activities and facilities, without consuming any fossil fuels.
With its organically inspired design, The Wings is a feast for the eyes. Featuring a spacious atrium bathed in natural light, the complex is a prime example of the modern workplace: creative, dynamic, innovative and communicative. The organic architecture is characterised by an abundance of glass, rounded corners and horizontal facade elements in light grey aluminium, providing plenty of light and ensuring subtle integration into the green surroundings. The organic shape efficiently captures daylight, with each wing receding and featuring a large green terrace. These flows through the wings create high-quality communal spaces and connect the quadrants. At night, the contours of the building are subtly illuminated by LED lights on the underside of the terraces. This, combined with the abundance of greenery on the site, gives The Wings a unique appearance and its unique design contributes to the balance between work and well-being.
HIGHEST QUALITY
This is no empty boast: the project has earned the most demanding certifications. BREEAM is a benchmark for improving wellbeing, protecting natural resources and creating valuable real estate investments. WELL certifies buildings that enhance the health, engagement and productivity of all employees. DGNB assesses a maximum of fifty criteria across six categories to assess the sustainability of the building throughout its life cycle.
Construction of The Wings was completed in early 2024 and proved a challenge for insulating glass manufacturer Polypane and its installation department Miraxvit – and not just because of its size. Polypane Managing Director Franky Symoens explains: "The insulating glass is double-coated and has a recessed structural joint, ensuring the glass forms a sleek, flat facade. Installation wasn't easy but it fits our DNA, precisely because we originated from the installation side. Since we handled the entire project, we were also able to make smart logistical choices by producing the glass in sync with the installation rhythm.'"
