An innovative and sustainable project is modifying the Brussels skyline: the emblematic towers of the WTC will be dismantled and reassembled. A virtuous example of circular architecture. 

ZIN – this is the project’s name – covers 110,000m² above ground, including 75,000 square metres of offices. The offer will be varied and mixed: co-working, accommodation, a world-class hotel, spaces dedicated to sport, leisure, commerce and catering. On completion, ZIN will be a constant bubble of life, seven days a week. The Flemish Administration has already pre-rented the entire office space. 

(re)build and respect

The originality of the project lies above all in its circular aspect. It was decided not to destroy these towers but to “undress” them by keeping only the central heart of the two buildings and reusing everything that could be reused. In doing so, ZIN is a major architectural project in terms of respect for the environment and circularity. More than 65% of the existing buildings will be maintained. 

Take the example of concrete. Thirty thousand tons were recovered, sorted, crushed and transformed into new concrete, benefiting from a C2C certification. All the materials were also removed by water (the site is near the canal), a less polluting means of transport. The Brussels port infrastructure will also make it possible to store essential components of the site (concrete slabs, for example) until they are fitted in the new building. 

The whole system involves a series of partners located near the site (less than 15km) to limit the environmental impact of the construction. Architectural firm Jaspers-Eyers and developer Befimmo are in charge of this gigantic project, the delivery of which will take place between 2023 and 2025. 

ZIN is a unique opportunity to revitalise the North district and reconcile the different functions of a building in an environment that has abandoned housing in recent decades in favour of single-use office buildings.

Tags: Brussels, circular architecture, WTC, ZIN.