Extension of the EUROCONTROL site in Haren

The project involves extending the Eurocontrol site in Haren.

It mainly houses an operations room, classrooms and rooms for testing new software or technical systems, as well as visitor reception facilities. The building also houses offices, rest rooms with all the comforts required for 24-hour operation, as well as a green roof incorporating a user-friendly terrace and a 177 kWp photovoltaic installation.

The Eurocontrol site extension project was developed using a global sustainable design approach. The project was designed and developed to create a building with high energy and environmental performance, meeting the objectives of BREEAM EXCELLENT.

Most of the energy for heating, cooling and DHW production is produced by heat pumps. The ventilation systems are equipped with very high efficiency energy recovery units. LED lighting is controlled by luminosity sensors or presence detectors.

These design choices have resulted in a project that exceeds the requirements of the EPB regulations (primary energy consumption CEP = 73.68 kWh/m².an) and meets the criteria for NZEB (Nearly zero energy building) buildings.

Particular attention had to be paid to the design of the operational rooms. Very strict requirements in terms of acoustics and thermal comfort were included in the studies because of the high concentration of people and the need for «non-disturbing» conditions. The aeraulic study led to the implementation of a network of high-flow microperforated ducts. In addition, a system of electrochromic glazing managed by the BMS will also contribute to the feeling of both visual and thermal comfort.

The new building must ensure a very high level of safety and security for the operations delivered by Eurocontrol NM. Secure power supplies for equipment will be provided by redundant power supplies for critical circuits, switchboards and UPS serving them.

Information security requires a high level of IT connections (more than 3,000 copper connections, fibre optic redundancy, 4 levels of false-floor cable trays).

In addition, there is a comprehensive range of techniques to ensure the safety of the site and its occupants, including access control, camera surveillance, extensive fire detection and an EN54 audio system.

Photos © Piraux