Case Study: Project PAN - Conversion with Innovative ventilation in the heart of Brussels

Project background

In the Brussels district of Laken, on Pannenhuisstraat, a remarkable conversion project has emerged. The former stables of the Hollandia dairy factory located at the rear were transformed by office—u architects for urbanity into a multifunctional building combining medical and paramedical practices with a multipurpose hall.

The project distinguishes itself not only through its architectural quality, but also through its integrated, energy-efficient approach in which ventilation was considered an essential component of the building concept. Architects Pieter Thibaut and Pieter Maes deliberately chose a high-quality ventilation solution that aligns with the project's sustainable ambitions.

The Challenge: A flexible and high-performance ventilation concept within a phased conversion

The use of multiple, independent units also offers additional flexibility: when parts of the building are not in use, certain appliances can operate at a lower setting, without complicated and expensive control devices. In addition, privacy plays an important role within medical practice. By placing the waiting room on a different air handling unit from the consultation rooms, the risk of sound transmission between spaces via the ventilation was avoided.

This approach placed specific requirements on the chosen ventilation system: it had to be energy-efficient, deliver reliable performance, and be integrated into the design without complex engineering.

The Solution: Zonal ventilation with DucoBox Energy Premium 400

For Project PAN, four DucoBox Energy Premium 400 units were selected, distributed across four functional zones:

1. Medical practices: 1 DucoBox Energy Premium 400 unit
2. Waiting room and secretariat: 1 DucoBox Energy Premium 400 unit
3. Paramedical practices: 1 DucoBox Energy Premium 400 unit
4. Multipurpose hall: 1 DucoBox Energy Premium 400 unit

"The DucoFlex air ducting are almost a work of art in themselves!" according to Pieter Maes, referring to the photographs taken by photographer Stijn Bollaert after completion of the first phase. This statement illustrates how technology and aesthetics come together when installations are integrated with care into the architecture.

Why DucoBox Energy Premium?

Jan Tratsaert, DUCO adviser, emphasises the unique properties of the system: "The DucoBox Energy Premium combines three crucial characteristics that make it ideal for projects such as PAN."

Three defining advantages

1. Intelligent zonal ventilation

   The integrated 2-zone control with demand-based control on CO2, humidity, and time ensures optimal energy efficiency. By controlling day and night zones separately, the system only ventilates where and when necessary, resulting in the highest EPB reduction and a green A+ energy label. The plug & play concept with integrated control eliminates the need for complex external electronics
   
   

2. Automatic commissioning

   "For an architect who carries out the sizing themselves, the automatic commissioning of the DucoBox Energy Premium is a lifesaver," explains Pieter Maes. "The measurement and control technology based on constant pressure guarantees a quality end result and saves the installer up to 50 % commissioning time. That's concretely about €30 savings on the installation cost per appliance”, legt Jan uit.
   
   

3. Exceptional acoustic comfort

   With a sound power level of only 55 dB on the supply side at 325 m³/h, the DucoBox Energy Premium is considered the quietest MVHR system in Europe. For medical and paramedical practices, where quiet is essential, this is a decisive argument.

Heat recovery and Passive House quality

The DucoBox Energy Premium features high-quality heat recovery from the extracted air, whereby this heat is transferred to the supplied fresh air. The system is certified by the independent "Passive House Institute" for its performance in the field of heat recovery.

"In addition, the ventilation box has a night mode whereby temporary ventilation at increased flow rate is provided. In this project, this function is set so that during the summer months in the early morning (between 5am and 7am, when the outside temperature is at its lowest) ventilation occurs at full flow. In this way, the accumulated heat can be removed from the building and the ventilation units contribute to night cooling of the spaces."

"In times of energy scarcity and strict energy standards, heat recovery is not a luxury but a necessity," according to Jan Tratsaert. "The DucoBox Energy Premium is part of what we call The Energy Family – products that provide an answer to the tightening of energy standards and make the construction of passive houses possible."

Collaboration and Execution

The main contractor I.D.R. Construct from Sint-Lambrechts-Woluwe realised the project in close collaboration with office—u architects.

Result: Technology as an architectural element

The combination of a well-considered ventilation concept, energy-efficient technology, and aesthetic integration resulted in a building that unites comfort, sustainability, and architectural quality. A conversion that not only succeeds functionally, but also sets an example for future projects in which architect, adviser, and manufacturer work hand in hand on healthy, energy-efficient buildings.

Project details

• Location: Pannenhuisstraat 46, Laken (Brussels)
• Architect: office—u architects
• Contractor: I.D.R. Construct, Sint-Lambrechts-Woluwe
• Ventilation system: 4x DucoBox Energy Premium 400
• DUCO adviser: Jan Tratsaert
• Photography: Stijn Bollaert

Want to find out more about DUCO ventilation systems?

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