19,340 VMZINC® scales in AZENGAR®, Europe’s first rolled engraved zinc façade scales, have been used to create a façade at Docks Bruxsel. 6,650 m² of zinc façade scales was used in a design by Art & Build Architects which has transformed an industrial wasteland. VMZINC prefabricated the scales to save time on site and to enable the entire envelope to be completed in ten months. To follow the curvature at every level varying dimensions from 0.25 to 0.5 m² were used.
Materials were used to create continuity between interior and exterior areas while respecting the district’s industrial history. The sustainable approach achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating through use of canal water, recovery of heat from a nearby incinerator, harnessing solar gain and photovoltaic panels installed on green roofs.
Architect Lilia Popcheva explained. “We wanted a texture that was matt, heterogeneous and luminous and loved AZENGAR for its bright, naturally pre-weathered appearance.”