Mixed-Use Royale Belge in Brussels

Thanks to its location amidst lakes and surrounded by beech forests, the former headquarters of the Royale Belge insurance group has a truly stately appearance. Designed in the 1960s by René Stapels and Pierre Dufau, the building is located on the south-eastern outskirts of Brussels. A high-rise building with a cross-shaped floor plan rises from a glazed base, with a low-rise building inserted into one corner. Following a renovation planned by Caruso St John Architects and Bovenbouw Architectuur, in collaboration with DDS+ Architects and Metzger et Associés Architecture, the complex now comprises a mix of hotel rooms, offices, conference and event spaces, co-working areas, restaurants, and wellness and fitness facilities.

The entrance floor features a frameless glass construction over 7 m high which appears completely transparent. In contrast, the high-rise building is enveloped in a varied structure characterised by the golden tone of the glazing and Corten steel. During the renovation, the entire shell was renewed, including the redesign of the facade's load transfer, yet the appearance of the listed shell remained largely unchanged.  
 
Further details on the existing structures and the solutions developed by the planning team for this construction project can be found in Detail Issue 12.2025 and the Detail Inspiration database.