Neobuild Innovation Centre

​Since this is a real laboratory incorporating over 100different materials, products and systems, this 2,200 m² high technology, “nearlyzero energy” building is extremely impressive. Both experimental and educational,it offers many possibilities for monitoring and full-scale tests.

The Neobuild Innovation Centre, as a proper LivingLab, incorporates many innovative technologies, such as the Neostein® project, developedby IMSIM, which is a learning pathway for the building.

This is a living building which can keep evolving, notonly according to the needs of its occupants – companies which have theopportunity to learn about new materials and innovative technologies andintroduce others to them – but it is also a building which is constantly movingforwards as it strives to comply with natural and necessary environmentalrequirements.

It is for these reasons that the Neobuild InnovationCentre is an excellent candidate for these four categories.

Bio-based and recycled materials

By using for the most part solid wood, cellulose, cementparticle board, stone aggregates, wooden cladding and 100% bio-based paint, weare very well positioned to support the Greater Region’s commitment to bio-basedmaterials.

Renewable Energies

Geothermal drilling, ice tanks, buried containers andthermal solar panels provide various sources of renewable energy to supply thebuilding’s three heat pumps. These pumps get their electricity from seven solarpanel systems and from the greatest inexhaustible energy system available –human energy input.

Health & Comfort

One of the main concerns underlying the project wasthe comfort of those using the building. To get this right, the concept of “comfort”had to be defined for everyone concerned. After a few interviews, a compromisewas reached that took into account both comfort and the environment. Today,each person using the building can enjoy a bright, functional space while atthe same time accepting that summer temperatures have to be managed by adaptingtheir behaviour and not by using an air-conditioning system. Using materials thatnaturally regulate humidity in the rooms, suitable ventilation and safe materialssuch as eco paints and formaldehyde-free adhesives has ensured that there isplenty of clean air for the people using the building. This air is regulated bynumerous sensors which alert the building manager should there be any malfunction.In conjunction with this regulation system, satisfaction surveys are carriedout on a regular basis to ensure that the needs of those using the building arebeing met, needs which constantly change and develop.

Smart Buildings

It is possible to monitor the building and itstechnical installations rigorously because there are over 1,500 sensors withmultiple functions, which makes the building fully in line with its primary functionalcapabilities. Moreover, the technologies which have been installed make top-levelload-shedding possible. The building’s “smart” aspect is also supported becausethe people using it are aware of it, have taken the concept readily on boardand want to play an active part in its development.