Modular student housing

Large glass surfaces increase comfort in student housing

The Ghent-based project developer Unibricks has built a new student complex in Anderlecht, in the Brussels Canal Zone. The design of this project is by architect Frédéric Haesevoets (AAFH), while Bouwadvies en Coördinatie was responsible for the construction coordination. Van Hecke Windows and Doors assembled and installed the exterior joinery: more than 200 windows and fire-resistant doors of the Aliplast brand.

Complex stability and tight deadlines were the biggest challenges.

There is a significant shortage of student housing in Brussels: every year the number of students in Belgium increases, but the supply of student real estate does not grow fast enough. The new Erasmus project, called Unest, was therefore more than welcome. Unest Student Housing offers affordable communal living for both international and national students, with shared spaces and facilities that improve student life.

Brecht D’Artois, director at Bouwadvies en Coördinatie, explains: “On behalf of project developer Unibricks, we were asked to build a new student complex on the corner of Moderne Schoolstraat. An extremely interesting and strategic location, as there are 10 university campuses within a radius of 3 km. There were some stability challenges: 10 years ago, a base plate and foundation piles were poured by another project developer. This project was not completed, so the pit was closed again. We now had to open the plate in several places to add new piles. This caused delays, but we still managed to complete the project within the strict timing."

Large windows and modular layout

The complex, consisting of 119 student rooms, was designed by architect Frédéric Haesevoets of AAFH. Frédéric explains the project: a lot of attention was paid to social interaction by integrating various communal spaces on all floors: a fitness room, game room, study space, and a large green outdoor area. Brown-yellow bricks in Brazilian masonry were chosen. Large glass surfaces ensure that all spaces receive sufficient daylight.

When developing the concept, we took into account the adaptability of the spaces: the current complex serves as student accommodation but can easily be converted into a residential housing project.

Star 75 windows and fire-resistant FR 90 doors from Aliplast.

Unibricks chose Van Hecke Windows & Doors to install the exterior joinery: two hundred and ten Star75 windows of the Aliplast brand, equipped with mirror glass to prevent viewing. These windows perfectly meet the strictest requirements in terms of acoustic and thermal insulation, with a UW value of 0.94 W/m²K.

Fire-resistant FR90 doors from Aliplast were also installed, equipped with motorized locks that are controlled via access control. With a resistance class of EW30, EW60, EI30, and EI60, these doors are extremely suitable for fire-resistant applications.

Tom Van Hecke: we worked on this for 5 weeks: while we installed the windows on one floor, they were produced for the next floor. This was necessary to meet the deadline.

Fortunately, Van Hecke could rely on the fast service of system supplier Aliplast. Jourik Duwez, sales manager at Aliplast: “The timing for this project was very strict. But this is not a problem for us: we extrude, powder coat, and insulate our profiles ourselves. Everything happens under one roof. This distinguishes us from our competitors. As a result, we are much more flexible and can guarantee short but also very reliable delivery times.

High color guarantee up to 25 years

Jourik: “Because all steps of the coating process are carried out in-house, we ensure maximum control of the quality process. By powder coating the aluminum with high-quality powders, the windows and doors are resistant to the harshest weather conditions. Therefore, we standardly offer our profiles with a 15-year coating guarantee. We even have a full color range with a 25-year coating guarantee, unique in the sector compared to the usual 10 years.

“By realizing everything under one roof, we reduce transport, resulting in a significantly lower CO2 footprint. We are therefore very proud of the gold sustainability certificate we recently received from Duurzaam Schrijnwerk (BCCA).”