The Royale Belge building in Brussels, a celebrated icon of 1960s modernist architecture, has undergone a remarkable transformation, earning prestigious accolades including Best Refurbished Building and the Special Jury Award at the MIPIM Awards 2025. This project stands as a strong demonstration of how visionary renovation can carefully balance the preservation of architectural heritage with the demands of modern sustainability and use.
History and Design
Nestled amidst the lakes and beech forests southeast of Brussels, the Royale Belge was originally commissioned as the imposing headquarters for the eponymous insurance company. Designed by architects René Stapels and Pierre Dufau and completed in the late 1960s, its distinctive cross-shaped tower rising above a two-story podium, clad in signature bronze-tinted glass façades, quickly established it as a landmark of post-war corporate architecture. Recognizing its unique architectural and historical value, the building was granted regional heritage protection in 2019.
The Challenge of Renewal
After years of vacancy left the building in disrepair, its future seemed uncertain. In 2018, the Souverain 25 consortium initiated an ambitious renovation project. The primary goal involved several aims: transform the monolithic structure into a lively mixed-use facility, drastically improve its energy performance, and adapt it for contemporary needs, all while safeguarding its inherent historical character. The winning design, conceived by Caruso St John Architects and Bovenbouw Architectuur in collaboration with DDS+, championed an approach of “minimal intervention.” This philosophy focused on preserving the building’s original spirit and essential features while strategically upgrading its functionality and environmental footprint.
Sustainable Innovation within Heritage Constraints
A cornerstone of the refurbishment was the integration of advanced sustainable technologies within the constraints of a protected heritage building. One of the most significant upgrades involved replacing the iconic, yet inefficient, gold-coloured glass. This was very carefully substituted with high-performance solar control glass that closely matches the original aesthetic while significantly boosting thermal insulation and reducing energy consumption (by an estimated 4% from this measure alone). Additionally, enhancing its green credentials, photovoltaic solar panels were installed on the roof, alongside cogeneration systems and optimized lighting and ventilation. These measures are crucial components of a thorough strategy aimed at achieving net-zero CO₂ emissions.
An Active Hub: Mixed-Use Transformation
The revitalized Royale Belge now thrives as a multi-functional destination, smoothly integrating:
- State-of-the-art Offices
- A stylish Hotel
- A well-equipped Health Club
- An inviting Restaurant
- Modern Conference Facilities
Crucially, a new vertical hall was introduced, creating a central circulation spine that connects shared spaces across different floors. This enhances accessibility and encourages interaction between the various functions, all designed in harmony with the building’s original spatial logic. This thoughtful transformation breathes new life into the architectural gem, successfully reintegrating it into the social and economic fabric of Brussels.
Acclaim and Legacy
The project’s sensitive and innovative approach has garnered widespread acclaim. Prior to the MIPIM success, it received the Conservation & Adaptive Reuse Award at the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards in 2024. These honours celebrate the project not just for its aesthetic and functional success, but for demonstrating how significant modernist heritage sites can be thoughtfully preserved and adapted to meet rigorous contemporary standards of sustainability and use. The Royale Belge now stands not only as a monument to its era but as a forward-looking model for the future of sustainable heritage renovation worldwide.
