"Size doesn't matter": Gare Maritime
Renson supplied windproof screens of unprecedented size for the exclusive Gare Maritime project, which is part of the Tour & Taxis site in Brussels. The client came to Renson because no other manufacturer could meet the requirements. Renson created customised screens no less than 36 m² in size. These were installed at a height of 13 metres by Suncomfort, a Renson Ambassador. It was quite an accomplishment!
A multifunctional complex with historical roots
Gare Maritime was a freight station in the 1900s. It is part of the Brussels Tour & Taxis site, which used to be one of the largest hubs in the world for transporting goods by rail and waterways. In 2015, the site was acquired by real estate company Extensa, which decided to renovate the old buildings. The old Gare Maritime station is currently being redesigned as a multifunctional complex with 30,000 m² of offices (10 separate new buildings) and 12,000 m² of retail & commercial space.
An exceptional assignment
The renovation of the building takes into account the unique view and the original building structure. There is a steel support structure every 12 metres. The space between the structures has huge glass sections that provide natural light in the building. Screens were installed to prevent overheating in the summer. To preserve the pleasant vista and limit costs, Extensa wanted screens that could span the windows in one piece. No other manufacturer was able to offer a solution, which is why Extensa came to Renson.
1750 m² screens
We have gained a lot of expertise when it comes to large screens. Thanks to our experience, we were able to offer Extensa a solution that spans the windows with two screens, each 6 metres wide. Renson external solar screens were installed on the two 280-metre-long internal façades. It involved a total of 1,750 m² of cloth.
Each façade has 5 modules of 6 screens each. The largest is 6 metres wide and 6 metres high and is mounted 13 metres above the ground. The size and height required tailor-made screens with, among other things, special motors and fabrics that can handle very large wind loads. The screens were installed by our Ambassador Suncomfort.
Creating a healthy and comfortable indoor climate
The ecological footprint is also important in this project. Both Extensa and Renson believe in natural solutions to create a healthy and comfortable indoor climate. The giant glass windows would allow the inside the building to warm up like a greenhouse if there was no sun protection. By choosing Renson sun protection fabric, sunlight is prevented from reaching the glass and heating up the interior. And this is not a needless luxury given the heat waves of recent years!
Check out the full video below:
