Liberal House, Bruges

For the conversion of the former police station on Hauwerstraat in Bruges into a liberal community center and student residence, De Klerck Engineering carried out the structural engineering and building services studies, as well as EPB reporting. Commissioned by the City of Bruges, the existing building was transformed under a Design & Build contract into a nearly energy-neutral public building, featuring a new multipurpose hall in the courtyard.

The energy concept combines a ground-source heat pump with condensing gas boilers and underground energy storage via a BEO system. During the heating season, the heat pump provides sustainable heat, while the simultaneously generated cooling energy is stored underground. During the cooling season, that stored energy is reused for comfort cooling via adapted distribution systems for high-temperature cooling and low-temperature heating.

In addition, the buildings were equipped with ventilation with heat recovery, controlled LED lighting, and a 10 kWp PV system, distributed across the two buildings. With E-levels of 36 and 38, the public facilities more than meet the BEN standard and serve as a sustainable starting point for the revitalization of the neighborhood around Beursplein.