InnovOcean, new lab building for maritime research in Ostend

In Ostend a new building will be constructed where the VLIZ and the ILVO will conduct marine research and education. The VLIZ, Flemish Institute for the Sea, promotes the international image of Flemish marine scientific research and international marine education. The ILVO, Institute for Agricultural, Fisheries and Food Research, is an internationally renowned scientific institute of the Flemish government. Both institutions are housed separately in outdated buildings, but actually work in a complementary way.

GRO and nZEB building

Realized in a Design & Build formula, the design team ensures a sustainable approach, with the highest comfort classes for winter and summer comfort. In addition, the user can influence the comfort him- or herself, by operating interior curtains or opening windows.

With an E-level of E56 and a GRO score of 73% or 'Better', InnovOcean is a sustainable and cost-optimised research building, which allows for the integration of sustainable applications in the future.

Robust lab building

Due to the maritime climate, with sea salts, gusts of wind and sand, the choice was made for a robust, low-maintenance building with a facade that is as smooth as possible.

The labs also require a special approach, such as the labs with seawater because of the high corrosion that can accompany them.