Union Investment has successfully completed the comprehensive modernisation of the office and commercial building “The Precedent” in Brussels. The building, which was built in 1988 and is getting on in years, has been completely renovated and expanded. According to a design and under the direction of the architectural firm YUGENING, a modern and sustainable property has been created. Union Investment has invested around 43 million euros in this project. The property has been part of the portfolio of the open-ended real estate special fund UniInstitutional European Real Estate since 2004.
“The Precedent now offers a unique combination of user well-being and cost-effectiveness. The building meets the latest standards in terms of user comfort, technical equipment performance and sustainability. In addition, The Precedent is home to two top restaurants on the ground floor: Mimi and Samourai,” explains Laurence Simillon, Head of Union Investment's Belgian branch.
During the renovation, the existing concrete structure was retained for reasons of sustainability. In addition, the building was extended by a new part in timber construction. The property consists of nine floors with flexibly adaptable office space and excellent acoustic properties, four of which have now been connected by large staircases that are also places of encounter, letting in more light overall and maximising views over Brussels. The building's fully glazed facades were equipped with dynamic glass panels that can change their hue from light to dark depending on the intensity of the sun's rays. They maximise natural light and provide thermal and visual protection without the need for additional blinds. “The Precedent” meets the Passive House standards (EPB Brussels 2015) and has the BREEAM Excellent and WELL Gold certifications.
The building is located in the south of Brussels, in the Ixelles/Elsene district, which is characterised by a mix of different types of use. The good location on the famous Avenue Louise ensures optimal connections.
