rhythmic slats by evr-architecten shade sustainable ghent campus

evr-architecten transforms campus into eco-conscious facility

Through sustainable design and practices, evr-architecten and Bureau Bouwtechniek transform the ACV-CSC-METEA campus in Ghent, Belgium, into an environmentally conscious facility. The facade features vertical wooden slats and horizontal fins, providing effective sun protection and allowing diffused daylight to penetrate deep into the building. Adjustable louvers reduce harsh sunlight throughout the day, enhancing the building’s visual rhythm and thermal efficiency. While efforts were made to retain the existing infrastructure, the main volumes were replaced with a new wooden structure due to compatibility issues with modern comfort standards. This change reduces the building’s carbon footprint and supports the campus’s programs.

all images by Stijn Bollaert

Sustainable Reuse Strategies Enhance Ghent Campus Facade

The design of the ACV-CSC-METEA campus facade by evr-architecten in collaboration with Bureau Bouwtechniek, is based on a detailed daylight and shading study. This approach balances daylight access, shading, exterior visibility, and maintenance. Angled vertical louvers help mitigate peak sunlight exposure throughout the day. Made from thermally treated FSC pine, these wooden slats offer passive sun protection and add a rhythmic aesthetic to the building’s exterior.

During renovations, the Ghent-based design team worked with the renovation crew Labeur vzw to inventory movable and fixed infrastructure during demolition. This effort aimed to salvage materials like insulation, joinery, and interior finishes for reuse, aligning with sustainable building practices. Items such as cupboard doors, kitchen appliances, and acoustic sliding walls were integrated into the new construction. Additionally, the architects repurposed the old archives cellar into a bicycle shed accessible from the street and renovated three rear volumes to meet BEN energy standards.

vertical wooden slats and horizontally oriented fins form the facade

Revitalized building Enhances Connectivity and Sustainability

The original campus consisted of disjointed buildings that didn’t engage with their surroundings or reveal their semi-public functions to the neighborhood. Years of fragmented renovations had further compromised structural coherence and functional clarity. The new main volume features a transparent, inward-sloping glass structure and a spacious passageway that enhances connectivity between the inner courtyard and the street.

The ground floor hosts informal workspaces and a cafeteria at the street front, while service functions and meeting rooms are located towards the rear. Above, lecture halls, offices, and additional meeting spaces cater to the needs of ACV-CSC-METEA. Structurally, the building rests on a new concrete basement housing technical facilities, with upper floors constructed entirely from solid wood. This design ensures a sustainable framework offering a warm interior ambiance with exposed timber surfaces. The flexibility of the open floor plan allows for future reconfigurations, supporting dynamic work environments.

adjustable louvers reduce harsh sunlight throughout the day

made from thermally treated FSC pine, wooden slats add a rhythmic aesthetic to the building’s exterior

angled vertical louvers help mitigate peak sunlight exposure throughout the day

years of fragmented renovations had compromised the structural coherence of the building

lecture halls, offices, and additional meeting spaces cater to the needs of ACV-CSC-METEA

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open floor plan allows for future reconfigurations

the upper floors are constructed entirely from solid wood

a complete inventory of the existing movable and fixed infrastructure was made in the demolition phase

the ground floor hosts informal workspaces and a cafeteria at the street front

project info:

name: ACV-CSC-METEA Campus
architect: evr-architecten | @evrarchitecten
area: 3161 sqm
facade consultancy: Bureau Bouwtechniek
photographer: Stijn Bollaert | @stijn_bollaert

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edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom