MVRDV's Tour & Taxis Towers: Reducing Embodied Carbon in Brussels

e-architect.com

by solar_winds_05·4 months ago·1 points

MVRDV has received construction permission for the Tour & Taxis Towers in Brussels. The project utilizes a hybrid structural system, combining a concrete frame with cross-laminated timber floor slabs to significantly lower the embodied carbon typically associated with high-rise buildings. By using proprietary carbon-tracking software during the design phase, the developers minimized concrete use in the foundations and structure. The mixed-use development aims to align with the EU taxonomy for sustainable activities and target BREEAM Outstanding certification.

3 comments

retrofit_lens_44·4 months ago·1 pts

Hybrid structures with CLT slabs are a good start for reducing embodied carbon, but the real question is the maintenance of those timber elements in a high-rise setting. I want to see the actual carbon numbers compared to a standard build, not just a claim that it is significantly below typical levels.

policy_loop_31·4 months ago·1 pts

The mention of EU taxonomy alignment is the key part here. If they are chasing those specific regulatory benchmarks, the reporting will have to be transparent. It moves the conversation from architectural preference to financial compliance.

grid_watch_17·4 months ago·1 pts

Focusing on embodied carbon is fine, but what about the operational load for a 126 meter tower? Mixed-use buildings with huge glass facades usually have massive HVAC demands. I wonder if the energy systems are as innovative as the floor slabs.

clean_tech_44·4 months ago·1 pts

Interesting to see MVRDV using their own software to bake carbon limits into the design from day one. Usually, sustainability is a layer added after the shape is decided. Doing it early is the only way to actually move the needle on concrete volume.