Multitechnical installations and prefabricated technical shafts for Antwerp Remand Prison

Detention in humane conditions

The first prefabricated technical shafts were delivered and installed on site in early April. The transport is carried out in partnership with Castelein, a pioneer in sustainable transport solutions.
The shafts are transported using Flanders’ first fully electric truck, significantly reducing the environmental footprint of our activities. This innovative collaboration perfectly reflects EEG’s vision: investing in projects and initiatives that create a positive impact on people, the environment and society.

In the summer of 2021, the Belgian Buildings Agency awarded the contract to the Hortus Conclusus consortium, which includes EEG and Jan De Nul. Kristien De Vries, Project Director at Hortus Conclusus, explains:
“The Remand Prison will be a facility of approximately 40,000 m² where detainees will live together in small communities. We strongly embrace the philosophy behind this project, which focuses on collaboration and fostering a positive team spirit.”

Prefabrication for efficient execution

EEG has been actively preparing the project from the very beginning, aiming for the most efficient execution possible. After careful consideration, we concluded that prefabricating the vertical technical shafts would be the most suitable solution for this project.
This approach offers numerous advantages, particularly in terms of saving time during construction, as on-site assembly is highly labour-intensive. The project comprises approximately twenty shafts per unit and 118 shafts in total. With a maximum of three storeys per unit, this results in more than 226 shaft sections. By prefabricating these sections, we can adhere to an exceptionally strict construction schedule.

226 prefabricated modules

At the end of last year, EEG successfully designed a first mock-up: a full-scale model of the prefabricated shaft. Based on this mock-up, the project team further developed a second digital version of the prefabricated shaft using BIM.
As our intention is to prefabricate the shafts across multiple floors, we will ultimately produce 226 shaft modules, a true first for EEG.

“This level of commitment to prefabrication is new for EEG,” explains Maarten Nuytten, COO of EEG Group. “The shafts are now in production, and we are extremely pleased with this way of working. Because we have mapped the production process of the prefabricated shaft in detail, we will be able to apply this approach easily to future projects as well.”

A sustainable solution

The prefabrication of the technical shafts is not only a technological innovation but also a sustainable response to the challenges facing the construction industry.
By manufacturing the shafts in our Gavere facility, we significantly reduce the transport of both personnel and materials to and from the construction site. In addition, our employees can work under optimal conditions. The prefabrication workshop allows them to fully utilise their expertise while consistently delivering the highest quality standards.