Neutelings Riedijk designs sustainable & health-oriented redevelopment for former Total HQ

The ISALA mixed-use redevelopment in the European Quarter of Brussels, designed by Tenderstream member Neutelings Riedijk architects, has achieved WELL Platinum Pre-Certification - the highest level of recognition from the WELL Building Standard™. Developed by Immobel, ISALA sets a benchmark for sustainable and health-forward real estate in Brussels, combining office spaces, premium housing, and retail functions into an urban ecosystem designed around well-being, comfort, and circularity.

The design involves a transformation of the Isala building, former headquarters of French company Total, which is named after Isala van Diest, Belgium’s first female university graduate and female physician. The existing 1950s building fabric is preserved and upgraded to meet contemporary environmental standards, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions, while maintaining the distinct character of the original façades.

At its heart, the open garden and light-filled atria create a restorative environment that brings nature back into the daily life of residents and users. A high-end working environment is established by the introduction of a new green inner courtyard, which lets daylight into the offices, provides views, and creates attractive break-out space. 

The building benefits from geothermal and solar energy solutions, combined with a renovation of the building envelope. Respecting the original architecture, the natural stone cladding is preserved or re-used on site. The original structure is approached as a potential ‘materials bank”, while ‘urban mining’ provides additional resources, through the re-use and recycling of materials from other projects located nearby.

Health, well-being, circularity and biodiversity were the driving forces behind the design choices, embracing a bold regeneration strategy. Isala aspires to become one of Europe’s top buildings in terms of sustainability, which contributes to its neighbourhood with an inviting ground floor and gardens, becoming a new space for the city that functions beyond working hours. 

Lucy Nordberg
Tenderstream Head of Research

Start your free trial here or email our team directly at customerservices@tenderstream.com

Explore the Tenderstream archive here