Architectes: Karbon’ + Label
Client: SLRB + Binhôme
Construction site

The renovation project of the former Federal Police service apartments, located on Boulevard Général Jacques in Ixelles, follows an exemplary circular economy approach.This building, previously used for temporary occupations, is undergoing rehabilitation to modernize 61 apartments without altering their existing layouts. Half of the site is involved in this mission.

The Brussels Regional Housing Company (SLRB) has defined a sustainability-focused approach, based on an inventory of reusable materials and deconstruction tests, while aligning with regional objectives for improving energy performance. The goal is to preserve, reuse materials on-site, or source reclaimed materials, while promoting the use of existing materials through specialized channels.

The Karbon’ Label team proposes a restoration that respects the original structure. The façades will be restored, cleaned, and insulated from the inside. A community workshop will be set up at the corner of Avenue Général Jacques and Rue Juliette Wytsman, providing a creative space for residents and local associations.

Inside, the renovation aims to enhance the existing living spaces’ qualities through minimal interventions. The living room will be expanded by removing partitions. The small existing loggia will be enlarged to create a true outdoor living space, connected to the main room through large windows. The bathroom will be optimized by reducing the air vent’s sizes, and the already spacious bedrooms will be preserved with their built-in wardrobes, which will be refurbished.

The surrounding areas will be entirely redesigned to promote sustainable mobility on the surface and encourage bicycle use. The shared garden will be redeveloped to include a vegetable garden and will be planted with species that support biodiversity.

This project aims to improve the existing qualities of the building while respecting its architectural heritage and maximizing its potential to meet the sustainability criteria defined by the SLRB.

This project is a RENOLAB.B. winner.

RENOLAB is the laboratory for sustainable and circular renovation projects, which is part of the RENOLUTION strategy for the sustainable renovation of buildings in Brussels, launched in 2020. To combat climate change, reduce energy bills and ensure a healthy living environment for the people of Brussels, it is essential to free the Region from its dependence on fossil fuels, by massively insulating our buildings and developing renewable energies. Coordinated by Brussels Environment, RENOLAB is one of the ways in which this can be achieved, and is aimed at all Brussels residents (building owners, contractors and designers) who want to renovate in a different way to make existing buildings less energy-intensive and reduce their impact on resources, health and the environment.

Important: The project is currently in progress. Please wear solid heavy soled shoes, boots or work shoes. Heels should be avoided. A hard hat will be provided at the site entrance. This tour is not suitable for children, people with reduced mobility.