On Thursday May 17, the first edition of the RES awards took place. RES, Real Estate Society, is the alumni association of the Master in Real Estate Management of Antwerp Management School. The award ceremony took place at the Realty stock market and the purpose of these real estate Oscars was to celebrate high-quality real estate developments.

All real estate developments of over 5,000 square meters above ground that were achieved between January 1, 2017 and February 1, 2018 in Belgium could participate in the contest. A professional, independent jury of top real estate professionals made a preselection of the projects that were sent in.

On May 17, a jury of seven experts and public figures, including Flemish minister Joke Schauvliege and Brussels master builder Kristiaan Borret, announced the winners in three categories. They won thanks to their efforts in sustainability, design, environmental impact and vacancy control.

Best project for institutional investors

The first project to win a prize was the Herman Teirlinck building. With its 65,000 square meters, it is the largest passive office building in Belgium. The state-of-the-art, green and sustainable office building with long-term leases is a top listing with international real estate investors. It was developed by the Brussels project developer Extensa, the Rotterdam architectural firm Neutelings Riedijk Architects, the Flemish Community and the construction firm Van Laere.

Best housing project

‘t Groen Kwartier in Antwerp, the former military hospital, won in the category ‘Best Housing Project’. Between 2007 and 2017, ‘t Groen Kwartier was transformed into a new residential neighborhood with 400 residences right in the city center, yet with a lot of green space. The jury: “It is a wonderful housing complex, in part new and in part a renovated old military hospital. There has been exceptional attention to the old patrimony, to nature and green spaces, and to sustainability. Many comfortable cycle routes have been provided and vehicles have been banned from the project.”

Best public project

With its 18,000 square meters, De Krook in Ghent is the largest public building that has been constructed in Flanders in 2017. The jury: “De Krook is an absolute eye catcher, it has revitalized an outdated and sometimes even degenerate city area. It has become a beautifully renovated, lively site, between the south of Ghent and the city center. In addition, the building has several functions: a library, offices, UGhent laboratories, catering industry and public green spaces. De Krook has been developed by the city of Ghent, the Ghent architectural office Coussée & Goris, and their Spanish partner TV RCR Aranda Pigem Vilalta Arquitectes.

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Want to know more about the activities of RES?
Contact Bert De Vos
Program Manager Master in Real Estate Management
bert.devos@ams.ac.be
0032 (0)475 60 22 82