Les Papeteries de Genval
– Rixensart, Belgium
| Total built area | 60,000 m² |
| Asset type | Mixed use |
| Location | Rixensart, Belgium |
| Status |
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| Fund | JEC |
The transformation of a polluted industrial wasteland into an inclusive neighborhood
On the former site of the historic Genval Paper Mills, Equilis imagined and delivered a new urban district that transformed a polluted industrial wasteland into a modern, green and inclusive neighborhood, with large public spaces. Since its inauguration in September 2015, the site has become a lively hub in the Brabant Wallon, where residents and visitors enjoy living, shopping, and meeting in an environment that blends industrial heritage with contemporary quality of life.
A major milestone in the regeneration of Belgian brownfields
With 390 housing units, 101 senior residences and 15.000 m² of retail space, Les Papeteries de GenvalLes Papeteries de Genval represents a major milestone in the regeneration of Belgian brownfields. The reopening of the Lasne river at the heart of the site, a bold technical choice, symbolizes Equilis’ commitment to building the living environment of tomorrow. A challenging but happy story that started in 2006 with the acquisition of the land untill the last stage of construction in 2022.
A major milestone in the regeneration of Belgian brownfields
With 390 housing units, 101 senior residences and 15.000 m² of retail space, Les Papeteries de GenvalLes Papeteries de Genval represents a major milestone in the regeneration of Belgian brownfields. The reopening of the Lasne river at the heart of the site, a bold technical choice, symbolizes Equilis’ commitment to building the living environment of tomorrow. A challenging but happy story that started in 2006 with the acquisition of the land untill the last stage of construction in 2022.
KEY ESG
HIGHLIGHTS
Even though the Happiness Performance internal label did not yet exist, Les Papeteries de Genval pioneered sustainable urban redevelopment practices that would today qualify as Very good:
Nature
- 7-hectare site completely depolluted and rehabilitated.
- Reopening of the Lasne river, formerly buried, restoring ecological balance and offering new quality public spaces.
- Landscaping with green roofs, planted gardens, and public areas integrating biodiversity.
Energy
- Residential buildings designed as low-energy homes, with most apartments achieving A or A+ energy ratings.
- Features included double-flow ventilation with heat recovery, over-insulated façades and roofs, and photovoltaic panels.
- Mixed typologies, from standard apartments to high-end penthouses, delivered with energy efficiency as a core principle.
Inclusion & Community
- 390 housing units across different typologies, including 101 senior flats arranged around 20 ares of suspended gardens.
- 15,000 m² of commercial space with 46 retail units ranging from 70 to 2,000 m², balancing local shops with national brands.
- Public animations, events, and a strong integration of services to make the site a community meeting place.
- Mobility facilitated: 400 m from Genval train station, direct access to buses and future RER, 280 public parking places, and proximity to the E411 (15 minutes from Brussels).
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