Showcase project

BNP Paribas Fortis

Brussels, Belgium
Construction
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Siège de BNP Paribas Fortis à Bruxelles
Low carbon construction

An architectural jewel,
an example of sustainable construction

BNP Paribas Fortis Brussels

Sustainable and green

The headquarters of BNP Paribas Fortis, located in the heart of Brussels, on which work began on 1 August 2017, was delivered by our Belgian teams in November 2021. The colossal building has a surface area of almost 100,000 m². It is designed as a passive building that meets the most demanding standards in terms of innovation and environmental performance. This project is fully in line with the Group's ambition to become a leader in low-carbon construction.

When the previous building was demolished, the foundations were retained. The materials were reused and recycled as much as possible. As part of the original basement space was no longer needed, the lower level could be used for seasonal thermal energy storage (STES).

Underneath the building is no less than 14,000 m³ of water, enough to fill four Olympic-sized swimming pools. The heat stored in the water during the summer months can be used in winter, without the need for fossil fuels. The building also has a large green roof of 5,500 m², visible from many places, and a large number of photovoltaic panels. It is therefore not surprising that the building has been awarded the BREEAM Excellent label.

The ecological character of the building is also appreciated by users and visitors, as more than 1,400 m² of greenery in the patios and around the building bring nature inside. The right mix of a positive atmosphere, interwoven with comfort and user experience, are at the heart of the new BNP Paribas Fortis headquarters.

BNP Paribas Fortis Brussels

Remarkable architecture,
in dialogue with the city...

The old head office, which dated from 1979, was completely demolished. In its place stands the new headquarters, whose architecture is both unique and emblematic. The majestic facades are made of white architectural concrete columns and emerald green Norwegian aggregate, which give the whole structure a sense of scale.

The new headquarters includes an auditorium, a conference centre, underground parking for 268 cars, 40 motorbikes and 330 bicycles, and a shopping arcade.

On the Montagne du Parc Street side, the building is three storeys higher than on the Baron Horta Street side. Nevertheless, thanks to the wave-like roof levels, it is connected to its surroundings in an organic and almost natural way. An integrated public lift for pedestrians and cyclists connects the upper and lower city. The building has several entrances, almost all of which lead to two courtyards and the Atrium, from which all office areas are accessible.

The Atrium, which extends over four floors, has a prominent connecting role. Dining areas make it a lively meeting place, evoking the atmosphere of the city inside. The commercial areas on the ground floor communicate with both the interior dynamics and the urban life of the street.

Inside, open and modern spaces invite encounters and interactions. In addition, the spaces are flexible and adaptable, so that they can respond to the changing and evolving needs of the users.

BNP Paribas Fortis Brussels

Numerous awards

The project has already been awarded the highest distinctions.

For its BIM (Building Information Modeling) design, the project won the BIM Award 2018 Gold in the category "tertiary, industrial, commercial and residential projects". Organised by the Belgian weeklies 'La Chronique' and 'Bouwkroniek', the BIM Awards recognise the best BIM projects in the Benelux;

For the entire operation, the head office won the MIPIM Award 2022 in the "Best office & business development" category, attesting to its many qualities as a tertiary real estate project.

For the quality of its working environment, the project won the Belfa Facility Public Award, a coveted prize in the facility management sector.

This award covers everything that contributes to a pleasant, healthy and safe working environment, including infrastructure, mobility, energy and waste management.

In all these respects, the new BNP Paribas Fortis headquarters had a lot to offer.

BNP Paribas Fortis Brussels

Briefly :

A few figures :
- 100,000 m² of floor space
- 5 underground floors
- 9 floors above ground
- 400 solar panels
- 4,100 workstations
- 549 workers

A synergy project: Valens (40%), Duchêne (10%), Eiffage Construction (20%), Besix (30%) Architects: Baumschlager Eberle Architekten, Styfhals & Partners, Jaspers-Eyers Architects

Our new building is the very symbol of our mission: to build a positive future together. Designed to evolve with the times and at the cutting edge of technology, it is above all a model of sustainability. The building was made possible by the expertise of our national suppliers and contractors. I am very proud that our sustainable project has received the prestigious MIPIM award.

Max Jadot, CEO BNP Paribas Fortis
Max Jadot
CEO BNP Paribas Fortis

We are extremely proud to have contributed to the achievement of this iconic award. This success is the result of an excellent collaboration with BNP Paribas Fortis Bank, which I would like to thank for its confidence, with the architects Baumschlager Eberle Architekten, Styfhals & Partners and Jaspers-Eyers, and with all our partners, including Besix. The greatest achievements are made when we work together in confidence and transparency, and this project is proof of that.

Christophe Van Ophem, CEO Eiffage Benelux
Christophe Van Ophem
CEO Eiffage Benelux