DUCO Focus Tronic System with TronicVent window vents and MEV system DucoBox Focus | Renovation project, Hasselt

PROJECT AT A GLANCE

Location: Thonissenlaan, Hasselt, Belgium

Client: Dethier

Architect: POLO Architects

Installer: Ramen Dexters(window vents) + Peeters & Zonen HVAC + VGELEC (electrical works)

Project type: Deep energy renovation — conversion of an office building into 35 residential units

Completion: End of 2024

Products installed: TronicVent window vents + DucoBox Focus (DUCO Focus Tronic System — MEV system)

From vacant office block to vibrant residential project

The former Winterthur building on the Thonissenlaan in Hasselt had stood largely empty since the municipal services moved out in 2018. Dethier seized the opportunity to breathe new life into this iconic building in a prime location on the city's inner ring road under the name The Upside Hasselt.

The concept centres on high-quality, flexible living for a broad audience: young professionals, recent graduates and single occupants who want to make the most of city-centre life. The 35 apartments are offered fully furnished, with building-wide connectivity, a shared space on the ground floor, a rooftop terrace and an underground car park with charging points.

The renovation involved a far-reaching energy upgrade: the entire building was brought up to contemporary sustainability standards in terms of comfort and technical systems. That presented the project team with concrete challenges — including in the area of ventilation.

The challenge: ventilating without compromising space or comfort

A renovation project brings constraints that rarely arise in new builds. At The Upside, two critical requirements had to be met by the ventilation system:

• The floor build-up was limited, ruling out any in-slab ductwork.
• Suspended ceilings were not an option: the clear ceiling height had to be maintained.

The conversion from administrative to residential use was an additional factor. The new room layout served as the starting point for the ventilation solution. A system with minimal ductwork was essential: An MEV unit was the logical choice.

The building's location also played a role. The Thonissenlaan on Hasselt's inner ring road carries heavy traffic, which brings the risk of noise nuisance. Acoustic performance was therefore a criterion that could not be overlooked.

The solution: DUCO Focus Tronic System

The DUCO Focus Tronic System answered all of the requirements above. It combines electronically controlled TronicVent window grilles for fresh air supply with the DucoBox Focus as the central, intelligent extract unit — driven entirely by CO₂ and humidity measurement.

TronicVent: tailored fresh air supply

The window openings of the renovated Winterthur building proved particularly well suited to the integration of TronicVent window vents. Thanks to the width of the facade openings, the grilles could be installed across the full width of each window, ensuring that ventilation flow rates per room were comfortably achieved in line with the applicable standards.

For living spaces beneath sloped roofs, DUCO also offers a dedicated solution: grilles that can be integrated into the pitched roof and connected seamlessly to the Tronic control system.

The electronically controlled grilles open and close automatically based on CO₂ readings in each room. This not only maintains a healthy indoor climate but also reduces sound transmission from the busy ring road. Wendy van Edom of Ramen Dexters confirms this:

DucoBox Focus: zonal extraction with built-in intelligence

The DucoBox Focus handles the removal of stale and/or moist air via a patented system of integrated control dampers. Each connection can be fitted with a CO₂ control damper (for dry rooms) or a humidity control damper (for wet rooms such as bathrooms). Ventilation only activates where and when needed — and at precisely the right rate.

Key technical features of the DucoBox Focus:

• 7 standard connections (ø 125 mm), expandable to 11 zones with an additional distribution piece
• Patented internal control dampers: completely hidden once the unit is closed
• All seven dampers can be commissioned in under four minutes
• Acoustic provisions integrated as standard (identical to the DucoBox Silent)
• Energy-efficient: dampers close automatically once the indoor climate is optimised

 

Smooth installation, proven collaboration

Ramen Dexters was already familiar with the Tronic system. The installer had built up experience on previous projects, which made collaboration with all parties involved that much smoother.

The physical installation of the TronicVent grilles went without any notable issues. The screw positions were clearly marked, which significantly sped up the process. After one joint installation session with a DUCO technician, the rest followed without difficulty.

 

Result: satisfied residents, no complaints

The Upside Hasselt is now occupied. Early feedback from the project is encouraging: no negative responses have been received regarding the ventilation system.

"The entire project is occupied by tenants and we have not received any negative feedback so far. In this case, no news is good news."
— Geert Romaen, Dethier

The combination of demand-controlled ventilation, effective acoustic attenuation and minimal architectural impact makes the DUCO Focus Tronic System an excellent choice for renovation projects where space, comfort and ease of use are central priorities.

 

💡 TIP  Are you using the Duco Installation App? It significantly speeds up the commissioning process and automatically generates a ventilation report in line with STS-73. Ideal for saving time during installation and future service visits.

 

Why choose the DUCO Focus Tronic System?

This project shows how the DUCO Focus Tronic System delivers a considered, future-proof response even in complex renovation scenarios. In summary, its key strengths are:

• No in-slab ductwork or suspended ceilings required — ideal for renovations with a limited floor build-up
• Demand-controlled ventilation based on CO₂ and humidity — energy-efficient and comfort-focused
• Outstanding acoustic performance — essential for buildings along busy roads
• Scalable to 11 zones per DucoBox Focus — suited to apartment buildings and multi-occupancy residential projects
• Simple and fast installation — proven in combination with window suppliers and electricians

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Want to find out more about DUCO ventilation solutions?

Download the brochure or contact us to arrange a personal appointment.