Meet ‘The Nest’, TVH Equipment’s iconic head office in Waregem, Belgium
Belgian company TVH Equipment specializes in the sale, rental and maintenance of construction equipment such as platforms, forklifts and earthmoving machines. Earlier in 2024, they moved their activities to a brand new, state-of-the-art head office in Waregem, strategically located next to the E17 highway.
The iconic round building, designed by DEMO Architects, was built between August 2021 and April 2024. The building was nicknamed 'The Nest' because of its round shape and striking facade that is very similar to a bird's nest structure.
| Project ID | |
|---|---|
| Location | Waregem, Belgium |
| Application | Green roofs |
| Project type | New build |
| Building type | Industrial building + office space |
| Roof surface | ca. 8,525 m² |
| Product used | UltraPly TPO 1.5 mm |
| System used | Mechanically attached |
The ground floor of The Nest is occupied by several large workshops destined for the repair and maintenance of construction machinery, and a centrally located warehouse. In addition to allowing plenty of natural light, the large windows in the 33 sectional doors also guarantee an optimal connection with the first floor, where the offices are located. The inner glass ring ensures maximum visual contact and the beautiful inner courtyard is perfect for informal meetings. The second floor is occupied by more office space, a refectory with an outdoor terrace, a large relaxation area and a high-tech training room. The outer facade of the top floor is composed of a double layer of aluminium slats that form a diamond-shaped sun protection.
The roof of The Nest was waterproofed with Elevate’s white UltraPly TPO membrane by experienced roofing contractor MUTEC. First, a vapor barrier membrane was laid over the concrete roof deck, followed by PIR insulation boards and finally the TPO roofing membrane, which was mechanically attached on the main part of the roof and ballasted on the lower terraces and intensive green garden. The membrane was chosen for its durability, root resistance and suitability for rainwater recuperation.
Sustainability at the forefront
The Nest embodies a modern, sustainable workspace. The building was certified ‘Nearly Energy Neutral’ (BEN in Dutch), with a 400,000 m³ BEO field (Ground Energy Storage) which is fully responsible for heating and cooling the building. About 144 geothermal heat exchangers allow heat or cold (depending on the season) to be exchanged with the ground up to a depth of 58 meters. In this way, TVH Equipment reduces its ecological footprint by 106,000 kg CO²/year. In addition, there is also an extensive solar energy system and an ingenious rainwater buffer system with a capacity of 400,000 liters.
The smart sun protection on the top floor increases energy efficiency and comfort inside the building. The grid structure adapts to the position of the sun and always offers the right amount of shade, taking the seasons into account. In winter, more sun - good for extra warmth - is allowed through.
