High-tech research greenhouse for KU Leuven

The project

Construction on Campus Arenberg in Heverlee is in full swing. The existing greenhouses  no longer met today’s standards regarding energy efficiency, biosafety, and flexibility. Therefore, they are being completely replaced by a modular, technologically advanced greenhouse complex. This new facility is not only twice the size of the original but also operates entirely without fossil fuels.

This feat of engineering includes:

• Advanced research facilities, including climate chambers, laboratories, preparation rooms, and practical teaching spaces.
• Quarantine compartments featuring both the highest biosafety level G2Q and several compartments meeting the G2 biosafety standard.
• A total of 34 flexibly designed research compartments of various sizes.
• Educational facilities for practical courses with space for 40 students.
• Integrated logistical and administrative zones.

Sustainable energy concept – fossil-free in practice

In line with the Flemish climate targets for 2030 and 2050 and KU Leuven’s ambition to build fossil-free, this project is a pioneer in its field.
The greenhouse is being realized completely fossil-free, which is exceptional in a sector where gas boilers and combined heat and power systems are still the norm.

The energy concept includes:

• A geothermal energy system (borehole field) as a sustainable base.
• Four heat pumps for heating and cooling.
• A mobile emergency heating unit, deployable during extreme cold (temperature control is crucial for banana cultivation).
• Backup power supply for essential systems (ventilation, windows, automation).
• Photovoltaic  roof panels in the front box-in-box space, providing about 25% of the annual energy consumption.
• Energy screens to minimize heat loss and enable shading.
• Broad-spectrum LED assimilation lighting with the highest achievable uniformity index.
• Energy-efficient air handling units with HEPA filters to meet biosafety requirements.
• A high-performance irrigation system largely integrated into gutters for optimal light penetration.

Thanks to these technologies, annual CO₂ emissions are reduced by approximately 400 tons — a 98% decrease compared to the current situation.

Technological and architectural integration

The greenhouse is not only a showcase of technological innovation but also of spatial harmony. The construction site is located within a protected landscape surrounding the Celestijnenhoeve and the Priory of Heverlee. Combining a high-tech research greenhouse with a historically valuable context presented a unique challenge for our design and construction team, which we are addressing with respect for the environment and a clear focus on the future.