Office building with a view

Architecture significantly influences the well-being of the people in the buildings. The Quantum Building in Ghent is a prime example of how not only to develop high-quality workspace for employees with optimal views and lots of light, but also how to take into account the sustainability in the use of materials and the energy concept.

Quantum Building in Ghent

The goal of evr-Architecten was to create a building that, on the one hand, attracts attention through its façade and exterior design, and on the other, creates a perfect working environment. It is divided into three areas: two office buildings and a glass atrium combined to create an H-shaped floor plan. “No matter where people work, they always have a beautiful view and, above all, enough daylight. Not only does that help reduce energy consumption, it also improves the experience and well-being of the workers,” says architect Luc Reuse.

Quiet inside, bustle outside

The architects paid special attention to the acoustics of the offices. Employees are able to work in tranquillity while watching the bustle of city life outside. The Quantum Building is located at one of Ghent’s traffic junctions. The side façades were clad with Koramic Tegelpan 301 clay tiles, impressive not only because of their colour range, but also because of their lightness. They fit perfectly into the local context of the neighbouring buildings. The task of the glass atrium is to flood the office areas with natural light.

The goal of noticeably improving the quality of the time spent in the office was completely met by the architects. Thanks to such a concept, the building fulfils the criteria for the BREEAM “Excellent” rating. BREEAM stands for “Building Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Methodology” and is the oldest and most widely used certification system for sustainable construction.

"Designing the façade was a big task for the developer, but thanks to a lot of commitment and appropriate advice an exquisite final result was achieved. It shows that architecture can only be successful if everyone plays their part". - Luc Reuse, evr-Architecten.

Burning Design

Before the clay tiles were selected, various studies were conducted to create the perfect colour gradient. From the ground floor to the upper floors, the colour scheme of the Koramic Tegelplan 301 tiles gradually transitions from blue to red. “The structure that we designed in advance, tile by tile, is based on a repetitive but concealed pattern. You could say that we created a wall from fire and flame,” explains Luc Reuse.