The challenge
Located in the heart of Ghent’s shopping district, Léon involved the transformation of a renowned brutalist landmark into a contemporary mixed-use building combining retail and office spaces. The challenge was to preserve the architectural identity of the former C&A and Fnac building while creating comfortable, energy-efficient interiors that meet today's expectations for modern workplaces. The renovation required solutions that could integrate seamlessly within the existing structure while supporting ambitious sustainability targets.
The collaborative process
The redevelopment brought together a multidisciplinary team including aNNo Architecten, developer Qrf, contractor Verstraete.team, engineering firm HP Engineers and Interalu. Through close collaboration, architectural heritage, technical performance and occupant comfort were carefully balanced throughout the renovation process. This integrated approach enabled the creation of future-ready office spaces while respecting the character of the original building.
The solution
Interalu climate ceilings were selected to provide a comfortable and energy-efficient indoor environment while complementing the building’s bold architectural character. White climate ceilings maximise daylight reflection and contribute to a bright, open workspace, while black ceilings create contrast and enhance multifunctional areas. Together with the building's sustainable technologies, including heat pumps, the solution contributes to the project's nearly zero-energy ambitions and delivers outstanding thermal comfort for occupants.
