Centrum voor Basiseducatie (CBE) Leuven – Hageland gave a new life to the site of the former army barracks in Leuven, a new open school. The old fashioned campus at the Ruelensvest and the rising demand for basic education stimulated the city of Leuven, CBE Open School, AGION, EFRO and Provincie Vlaams Brabant to invest in this innovative project. The brand-new CBE includes professional basic education to companies and private persons. The centre contains 24 classrooms and an open learning environment equipped with the newest communication resources for 2000 course members in the city center of Louvain.
STRABAG Belgium was responsible for the turn-key completion of this new complex. The construction involved a transparent façade and a cafeteria, which functions as the connection between street-school and old-new. Glass materials and sustainable techniques were used to minimize the energy level. The energy performance meets the strong regulations according to isolation and airthightness. Furthermore, the old barracks received a new isolated roof finished with zinc. Solar panels and special connections for the smart boards were installed as well. The combination of green elements and re-used paving setts of the old barracks mould the patio and the indoor garden. The integration of the side buildings into the concept creates a clear school unity. A two-level parking lot with automated access control is situated under the schoolyard. The total depth is realised using soulmix propping and concrete retaining walls. This project also includes a parking lot, a bicycle garage, a sanitary, kitchen, a storeroom and a few technical rooms.
