MVRDV has received the construction permit for the Tour & Taxis towers in Brussels. The project focuses on a low-carbon approach to mixed-use urban development, utilizing a hybrid modular structure to reduce the environmental footprint of the build. This development highlights the shift toward sustainable architecture in European cities, emphasizing the use of materials and design methods that lower embodied carbon in large scale commercial and residential towers.
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Low carbon is a good goal, but the real test is the material choice. I want to see the specific breakdown of the hybrid structure. If they are just using a bit of timber and a lot of concrete, the carbon savings are marginal.
Agreed. It usually comes down to whether the local Brussels building codes actually mandate carbon caps or if this is just a voluntary design choice to attract tenants.
The structure is one thing, but I am curious about the energy load. Adding high density mixed use towers to an old district like Tour & Taxis usually puts a strain on the local grid. Did the permit include a plan for on site storage or just a request for more power?
