B2Ai technical engineering

B2Ai technical engineering advises, designs and supervises the execution of sustainable building installations for heating, cooling, ventilation, plumbing and electricity. As a specialist in energy-efficient construction, the team has certified energy experts.

Based in Brussels, Ghent and Roeselare, the multidisciplinary team works on future-proof projects with highly diverse programmes, both new construction and renovation work.

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The department offers its services independently to other architects, project owners and contractors, separately from B2Ai’s core architectural practice.

Our engineers, energy experts and BIM specialists are developing the most sustainable building techniques. We keep our finger on the pulse for the benefit of our clients. This aspect, inseparably linked with architecture, is so comprehensive today that it is of crucial importance. The integration of technology and architecture is a routine matter for our practice. B2Ai’s specialists not only have up-to-date knowledge of the latest technologies, but also know how to apply them flawlessly to the most complex construction projects.

B2Ai advocates an integrated approach, anchored in a socially responsible context. In this technical narrative, the focus is on EPB and sustainability. In B2Ai’s day to day design work, our engineers combine their vision of technical installations with expertise in sustainability and energy-conscious building. Architecture and technologies are deliberately bundled. The goal is to achieve energy-efficiency and user comfort while respecting the architectural vision. Environment and climate benefit.

B2Ai technical engineering is a strong team with solid technical know-how and years of experience, but above all who complement each other. It is one link in B2Ai’s multidisciplinary team where architects, structural and technical engineers, interior architects and urban planners work together on tomorrow’s projects, paying particular attention to people and environment.

“That is the strength of B2Ai,” says Frederik. “It creates an exciting interaction between our in-house architecture, interior design, master planning and engineering departments. Our collective knowledge and experience means that we can handle the most complex projects.”

technical engineering + energy consulting
Our technical engineers advise and design sustainable building technologies including HVAC, electrical and plumbing. As specialists in energy-efficient construction, our team also has qualified energy experts. In day-to-day design practice, we combine our vision of technical installations with expertise in sustainability and energy-conscious construction.

The integration of technology and architecture is a routine matter for our practice. Architecture and technologies are deliberately bundled.

“This collaboration is typical of B2Ai,” Frederik goes on. “The thresholds are low, we can readily jump in on each other’s work. That makes for deeper engagement, allowing us to adjust things faster throughout the design and construction process.”

However, we also operate as an independent engineering, consulting and design firm. Technical Engineering also offers its services independently, separately from B2Ai’s core architectural practice, to other architects, project owners and contractors. Our experience supervising construction processes from design to execution as part of the construction team offers great added value for our clients.

smart team
In Technical Engineering, each team member covers every discipline. “They learn this with us on the job,” Frederik clarifies, “because there is no real generalising training in engineering techniques. A team that works tightly together with attention to quality and open communication results in reliable knowledge transfer to new engineers.”

versatile head of department
I draw up the schedule for our department and make offers in collaboration with the architects. As the client’s point of contact, I work together with our architects during the design process of a concrete project or an architectural competition. After that, our engineers take over. The finance has to be set up right; I go into that in more depth.

I think it is important for the whole team to keep its finger on the pulse when it comes to technical developments in the construction industry. Technical installations for buildings are becoming increasingly complex. They have to meet strict regulations and increasing comfort requirements for users. Our engineers not only have up-to-date knowledge of the latest technologies but also know how to apply them faultlessly to the most complex building programmes.

sustainable perspective
Frederik is closely following the rapid transition to sustainable construction. Today fossil fuels are almost completely excluded from the building process, in favour of energy from water, wind and sun. In our department, an integrated approach to sustainable techniques, embedded in a socially responsible context, can be taken for granted. Our engineers, in close consultation with our architects, combine their vision of technical installations with expertise in sustainability and energy-conscious construction. The aim is to create energy-efficient, user-friendly buildings while respecting the architectural vision.

optimising the construction process
B2Ai is constantly innovating. We are always exploring how to further optimise the construction process. Computerisation is a must. Intelligent tools and software applications can increase our productivity, manage growing complexity, reduce delays, avoid escalating costs and improve safety, sustainability and quality.

An example of this is BIM (Building Information Modelling), a method of working together in which all those involved in a project use a single 3D computer model that contains all information on planning, costs, sustainability, materials, operations and maintenance. “Our architects and engineers build a 3D model and generate the bills of quantities from it. These are quickly, clearly and conveniently visualised and shared to all internal and external stakeholders.”

B2Ai’s advantages according to a veteran
Frederik has been an established figure at B2Ai for decades. Why he has been working here for so long? “Because B2Ai always strives for the highest quality,” he laughs. “We have a huge wealth of knowledge in-house. At the same time, we keep on encouraging each other to gather and share knowledge. We have now built up expertise and references in health and social care, sports and cultural centres, schools, offices, commercial, residential and urban development projects all over Belgium and beyond.”

And how does that go in his own department? “Here, the variety of the work and the multidisciplinary nature of the team is a daily incentive to give our best.”