Wood Hub sets a new standard for sustainable and smart buildings. As the new headquarters of CFE in Brussels, the building combines timber construction with concrete, offering both structural innovation and environmental performance. VMA was responsible for the delivery of energy-efficient, intelligently controlled HVAC and electrical installations—including the integration of renewable energy sources.
General project info
Architect
ARCHi2000
Client
BPI Real Estate
Execution period
2022 – 2023
Contract value
approx. €4,880,000
A comfortable and sustainable workplace
The new headquarters of CFE, BPI and BPC had to reflect the group’s values: innovation and sustainability, with a strong focus on people and supporting their work. That vision materialized in Wood Hub, built with the unique hybrid CREE® system of timber and concrete, which reduces CO₂ emissions by nearly 30% compared to traditional construction methods.
To equip the building with energy-efficient technical installations, the developer turned to VMA. Wood Hub is one of the first office buildings in Belgium to produce nearly as much energy as it consumes—powered by geothermal energy, heat pumps, solar panels and smart, energy-efficient LED lighting.
With an energy consumption of just 8.59 kWh per m², the building was certified ‘BREEAM Outstanding’ and ‘WELL Platinum’ by the International WELL Building Institute.
High-performance HVAC and electrical systems
Two heat pumps provide comfortable temperatures throughout the offices and warm domestic water. Conditioned air is delivered via high-induction ducts and four air purification units to 2,300 m² of radiant ceiling panels, creating an optimal indoor climate powered by geothermal energy.
VMA also handled the building’s entire electrical system, including an 800 kVA high-voltage substation, backup and emergency systems. Solar panels on the roof power the building and its EV charging stations. For added safety and user convenience, we also installed systems for videophone, fire detection and access control.
Smart building management with VMANAGER
While the building itself is designed for maximum sustainability (sustainable construction, renewable energy, energy-efficient technology), its beating heart takes performance to the next level. All technical systems are connected to VMANAGER, VMA’s building management system.
This allows 24/7 real-time monitoring and control of all installations. Users can keep a constant eye on energy consumption, and building managers receive alerts when thresholds are exceeded—so they can take immediate action to optimize performance.
Finally, VMA’s expert technicians also provide ongoing maintenance. Through VMANAGER, our team can proactively perform predictive maintenance—avoiding failures before they happen, without unnecessary interventions.
Technical scope delivered by VMA for Wood Hub
Electrical installations
HVAC systems
High-voltage substation (800 kVA), autonomous and emergency systems
Electrical infrastructure: 27 distribution boards, 20 km of copper wiring, 231 outlets, 200 presence sensors, 1,200 LED fixtures, EV charging stations
Low-voltage systems: fire detection, access control, videophone, alarm
Building management system: VMANAGER
2,300 m² radiant ceilings (heating & cooling – 100 V6V)
4 air purification systems (ranging from 5,000 m³/h to 12,400 m³/h)
Automated controls and certified commissioning
Sanitary systems
Building management system
cold & hot water, drainage,
sinks, toilets
VMANAGER
Why partner with VMA?
With over 50 years of experience in technical building solutions across sectors, VMA is a dynamic and reliable partner for total project execution. We offer complete peace of mind in electrical engineering, HVAC, smart and sustainable building management, and climate control.
Our nationwide and international presence allows us to flexibly deploy expert teams. With seamless collaboration and short communication lines, we ensure smooth delivery from design and engineering to installation, commissioning, and maintenance—building lasting partnerships every step of the way.
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