Basic care close to the people
AZ Diest emerged from a merger between a public OCMW hospital and a private hospital. From the very beginning, the goal was to evolve into a unified healthcare campus. Thanks to the new building at Verversgracht, the outdated campus at Hasseltsestraat could be phased out.
The new facility includes a surgical day hospital and focuses on the care of elderly patients (geriatrics and rehabilitation), as well as maternal and child care. A connecting bridge links the central reception area with the existing infrastructure on Statiestraat, making healthcare more accessible and user-friendly in the heart of Diest.
Building under strict deadlines
The biggest challenge in constructing the new facility was adhering to the tight schedule. Redevelopment of the old hospital site into residential housing depended on the move to the unified campus. AZ Diest therefore sought partners who could actively contribute to a well-structured and realistic planning process.
“VMA excels at keeping the schedule tight and accelerating processes and installations when necessary. Potential issues are discussed immediately and addressed constructively. I truly value that approach.”
— David Van Eykeren, Technical Facility Director, AZ Diest
Complex technical systems in tight spaces
The new hospital building consists of four floors and covers 21,600 m², including parking. The superstructure was built using concrete columns and prefab concrete slabs to reduce construction time. Since there are no beams underneath the load-bearing floor, technical systems could be mounted directly onto the underside of the slab.
However, the number and complexity of technical systems in modern hospitals are substantial. The biggest challenge was installing all systems in the ceiling without conflicts, especially given the limited space. VMA worked closely with the architect and client to deliver the project on time and within scope.
Systems installed by VMA at AZ Diest
VMA handled the complete electrical installation, including safety systems, energy management, and integrated lighting.
- High- and low-voltage installation
- UPS systems for power outages
- Diesel generator and capacitor bank
- KNX building automation and motion detectors
- (Outdoor) lighting and emergency lighting
- Data and internet infrastructure
- Video intercom, nurse call systems, and PA system
- Fire detection
- ASTRID network for emergency communications
- Access control and CCTV systems
- Interlock systems for (fire) doors and airlocks
- Insect killers
- CO detection in the parking garage
- Fire-resistant sealing
Why partner with VMA
With over 50 years of experience, VMA is a trusted name in building technologies across multiple sectors. As a dynamic company specialized in turnkey solutions, we relieve clients of all concerns regarding electrical systems, HVAC, smart and sustainable building management, and cooling.
Thanks to our regional presence in Belgium and abroad, we deploy our experts flexibly and collaboratively. Our teams are perfectly aligned, ensuring a smooth project flow from design and engineering to installation, commissioning, and maintenance. You benefit from short communication lines and a constructive, long-term partnership.