The Art of Structural Design - page 55

Title - City, Country
53
SE AP
Category 1: Buildings
1
Contact Jan Meijer
Address Prins Boudewijnlaan 53/2
2650 Edegem, Belgium
Websitewww.meijer.be
Ingenieursbureau Meijer is a Belgian structural engineering company
that was created in 1976. It has steadily built up a strong reputation for
optimising the quality/cost ratio of structural solutions. This is done
through the combination of 40 years of practical experience and state-
of-the-art engineering tools. The company is regularly invited by leading
architects to form part of the teams running for architectural contests.
This collaboration style made it possible to participate in the prestigious
“Résidence Palace” project in Brussels, which will host the European
Council.
Owner Belgian Buildings Agency
Architect Philippe Samyn and Partners architects &
engineers (LEAD and DESIGN PARTNER),
Studio Valle Progettazioni architects
General Contractor Interbuild NV
Engineering Office Philippe Samyn And Partners architects &
engineers(LEAD and DESIGN PARTNER),
Buro Happold Limited engineers,
Ingenieursbureau Meijer bvba
Construction Period 09/2011 - 12/2015
The project consists of a number of steel structures: the iconic lantern
stabilised by 2 concrete cores; the atrium roof and double facade, which
enclose the lantern; a photovoltaic support structure on top of the roof;
a large Vierendeel inner facade and two gateways (“passerelles”) to the
neighbouring Justus lipsius building.
The complete 3D lantern structure, together with its connecting ‘foyer’
beams and the concrete floors of the two concrete cores were modelled
as one; the atrium double facade (internal facade load carrying), roof and
photovoltaic structure were modelled together.
Challenges faced:
Lantern: using concrete floors for horizontal stability of lantern via
concrete diaphragms, checking stability of lantern in case of thermal
dilatation due to fire, etc.
Facade: optimization, taking bomb-blast loads under consideration, etc.
Company
New headquarters of the Council of the European Union - Brussels Belgium
Ingenieursbureau Meijer bvba