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Logistics service provider H. Essers continues to grow. To secure its future, the Limburg family business decided to build a new headquarters. Not a glass eye-catcher that rises above everything and everyone, but a durable architectural gem that fits perfectly into the local context. The rough shell evokes memories of the industrial mining past and flows seamlessly into a sleek and stylish interior. The facade of the building is fully dressed with black rectangular DucoSun Cubic 150 louvres.
H. Essers dreamed of a unique, future-proof building that would reflect the company's identity and its history. "Every choice made testifies to the dynamism, ambitions and constant striving for efficiency, sustainability and quality that so characterize the company," says Michel Bylois, architect-manager at ILB Architects. The architectural firm used the Genk industrial landscape with its characteristic slag heaps as a starting point and built on that by opting for raw materials such as steel and exposed concrete,
which, according to the "shell is finish" principle, create a specific look and experience. The black facades and tall windows are a nod to the region's mining past. We also incorporated the strength of the logistics sector into the design as much as possible, including through ceilings with concrete ribs and a floor in
ground concrete.
The facade construction was optimized to perfection. "One of the main concerns was the cast shadow from the wind turbines on the site, which at times caused annoyance in the former commercial building," explains Bylois. "At the same time, it was important to provide sufficient light and air. Hence, we opted for a double facade quite early on. The outer shell in concrete and glass is flanked by a steel front facade with strategically positioned horizontal black sun protection slats DucoSun Cubic 150 slats (inspired by the Krook in Ghent), which not only provide a pleasant interior experience (without limiting the view!), but also make a valuable contribution to the overall aesthetics."
The facade of the building is dressed at the top with black rectangular DucoSun Cubic louvers. Those aluminum slats have a double function. On the one hand, they serve as sun protection and avoid privacy. On the other hand, they create a playful dynamic and give the building a special appearance. ■
