The ‘Union Nationale des Mutualités Socialistes’ (UNMS; National Union of Socialist Health Care Funds) unites and coordinates the Belgian French-speaking socialist health care funds and defends their interests with the government.
The offices were housed in a building dating from the 1960s, just a stone’s throw from the Grand Place in Brussels, on the edge of the Sablon. The building was in poor condition and no longer adapted to current standards. Over the years, the adjoining buildings were taken over during various expansions. The choice between a new construction or a reconversion was weighed in depth against each other. Eventually, the building was preserved and, through a number of structural changes, transformed into a sustainable, energy-efficient building with low energy consumption and spaces that meet contemporary comfort standards.
The complex has been given a new outer skin that respects the architectural and compositional characteristics of the old façade. It had to be done this way because it’s in the middle of a historic protected zone.
Together with the building, the square in front of the building was redesigned, with more space for meeting and relaxation.
Location
Brussel
Region
Brussels
Status
Completed in 2019
Floor area
15.364 m² (above ground)
6.123 m² (underground)
Team
Client: Union des Mutualités Socialistes
Architecture: A.M.A. GARCIA – B2Ai
Structural engineering Greish
Technical engineering: Boydens