Case Study

Cité Adminstrative

Window/Facade Manufacturer

Sprimoglass

Architect

Canevas

Project completion date

2023

Localisation

Potiérue 5 Liège 比利时

“Zero carbon” building with Swisspacer

Urban planning showcase project in terms of sustainability

The “Cité Administrative” building in Liège has been extensively renovated and designed to be virtually CO2-neutral. State-of-the-art insulating glass with warm edge spacer bars from Swisspacer was installed to meet the strict energy efficiency requirements.

The iconic administrative building “Cité Administrative” in the Belgian metropolis of Liège was built in the 1960s as a pioneering Belgian administrative building that centralized municipal services in one place. Since then, the 18-storey tower has long since become a landmark in the cityscape.

Funded by the EU and the Province of Wallonia, among others, the 67-metre-high building was to be extensively renovated and transformed into a flagship urban development project in terms of sustainability.

Pleasant working conditions and comprehensive service

Stéphane Marville, architect at the Canevas planning office, explains the refurbishment concept: “In addition to the sustainability goals, the main aim was to optimize the use of space and create a future-proof environment for employees and citizens.”

The office tower was completely renovated, while the existing base structure was removed and replaced by a new, four-storey volume on the south side of the building. Inside, the “Cité Administrative” now combines all municipal services and social services with the new extension.

One highlight is the spacious panoramic terrace on the 18th floor, which offers an impressive view over the city of Liège.

Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) are available for all Swisspacer spacers, with all the information required for a sustainable building assessment. This was an important factor in the selection process for this prestigious project.

Camille Trachet, Sales Manager at Sprimoglass

Focus on CO2 neutrality: energy refurbishment of the “Cité Administrative”

The energy refurbishment and modernization of the “Cité Administrative” in Liège included numerous measures to achieve CO2-neutrality. The entire building envelope was upgraded and optimized in terms of energy efficiency. Photovoltaic panels covering 1600 m² were installed on two façades to generate energy.

A holistic concept for the building's automated ventilation, cooling, heating and lighting was developed - this even extends to the façade design. Stéphane Marville explains: “We had to find the right balance between natural lighting and limiting overheating in summer. We therefore proposed projecting hoods on the vertical façade and horizontal valances on the south façade. This made it possible to work with glazing with a relatively low solar factor on the north façade, allowing plenty of sunlight into the interior and achieving a high level of transparency. This reduces the need for artificial light.”

Construction data at a glance

Project	„Zero carbon“ building, Cité Adminstrative
Location	Liège, Belgium
Year of completion	2023
Architects	Canevas
Images	© groven+portal
IGU-Glass	Sprimoglass
Facade	Groven + Portal SA (Herstal/Belgien)

The spacer bars installed in the glazing edge increase the Temp1.0 W/m²K - the spacer bars from Swisspacer also make an important contribution to this." Following the completion of the renovation measures, which cost a total of 31,000,000 euros, the “Cité Administrative” in Liège is now future-proof and virtually CO2-neutral.

High-quality double insulating glass with Swisspacer spacers was installed in the “Cité Administrative” building in Liège.

The 18-storey administration building was extensively renovated and transformed into a showcase urban development project in terms of sustainability.

In order to meet the high requirements for thermal insulation and energy efficiency, aluminium façade elements were fitted with Ultraone NG insulating glazing and SprimoLight 70/37 solar control glass. All glass units contain the innovative warm edge spacer bar Swisspacer Ultimate.