Photographer - PSG Studio
In the “Fleurus Heppignies Ouest” economic zone, just a stone’s throw from Charleroi Airport, Architeam and its partners developed a forward-thinking office building for the retail chain Trafic (specializing in local discount and non-food retail). The project represents a key step in the continued development of the WDP site, where a large logistics center (warehouse) was already operational.
From Abandoned Industrial Site to Logistics Hotspot
The site underwent a remarkable transformation. Once a derelict site where pharmaceutical company GSK produced penicillin, it has become a major logistics hub.
After not being used since 2009, WDP acquired the site in 2011. Following thorough soil remediation and proactively obtaining a building permit, the groundwork was laid for an impressive transformation.
Construction began in 2015 with a warehouse (phase 1) on the 4-hectare site. This was followed by expansions (phase 2 and 3). The site now comprises approx. 78,000 m² of warehouse space.
Trafic became the first tenant, leasing around 20,000 m²—a deal that became the largest real estate transaction of the year in Wallonia.
Thanks to its strategic location and rapid development potential, the site quickly grew into a logistics hotspot.
Phases 4 and 5 followed shortly after: the construction of a modern office building (4) and the addition of an internal mezzanine in the warehouse (5).
An Office Building That Connects
The new office building, designed by Architeam, is more than just administrative space. It serves as a functional and visual link between people and logistics.
A glass walkway connects the office to the warehouse, enhancing collaboration between operational and administrative teams.
Each floor spans approx. 1,350 m², accommodating around 150 employees.
The architecture is sleek and industrial, featuring grey concrete panels, aluminum exterior joinery, and white canopy accents that visually link the warehouse and office.
A Work Environment in Harmony with Nature
The outdoor layout is an integral part of the design. A spacious 300 m² terrace on the west side and a 435 m² multifunctional sports field promote relaxation and well-being at work.
The carefully designed garden landscape is part of the holistic concept, incorporating layered, diverse, high-quality native planting around the building and roads.
A natural infiltration and buffer pond supports water management, while a bee hotel enhances local biodiversity.
Sustainability as a Foundation
The project is infused with sustainable choices:
- A large portion of the parking spaces includes electric charging stations. The remaining are pre-equipped for future installations.
- Heat pumps provide energy-efficient heating.
- A rainwater harvesting system supplies the showers and toilets.
- An infiltration basin manages rain and wastewater ecologically.
- Permeable paving is minimized to preserve green space and support optimal on-site water infiltration.
- Prior soil remediation was completed.
Mobility and Accessibility
The site is optimally accessible via several main access roads: E42, R3, and N568. The subproject for TRAFIC’s administrative building also includes 168 car parking spaces, 20 bicycle parking spaces, and 10 truck parking spaces. A designated and safe bicycle and pedestrian path connects the various parking zones to the office building.
A Collective Realisation
This project was realized through the collaboration of many partners:
- WDP NV - Owner and project developer
- Sogesma S.A. – Trafic NV – Tenant
- Architeam BV – Multidisciplinary architectural firm
- Groep Infrabo BV – Engineering consultant
- Willy Naessens Industriebouw NV – Structural contractor
- Aclagro NV – Earthworks and sewerage contractor
- Weygers NV – Finishing contractor
- Alitech BV – HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection
- DKE NV – Electrical contractor
- Ms. Valerie Chevolet – Landscape architect
- Mr. Thibault Pierard – Landscape contractor
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