WBE | Wallonie-Bruxelles Enseignement
Client : Wallonie-Bruxelles Enseignement
Architects : Reservoir A
Location : Brussels
Year of completion : 2026
At the heart of Brussels, on Pacheco Boulevard, Wallonie-Bruxelles Enseignement (WBE) has established its new headquarters in the fully redeveloped Pacheco building. This iconic 1970s landmark, formerly known as the National Mint building, has been transformed into a vibrant, multifunctional and sustainable hub. With a total surface area of 11,600 m², including 9,400 m² of office space, Pacheco offers a future-oriented environment focused on flexibility, wellbeing, circularity and innovation.
A new home for the largest education network in Wallonia-Brussels
Wallonie-Bruxelles Enseignement (WBE) is the largest education network within the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, bringing together nearly 500 educational and support institutions, more than 200,000 pupils and students, and over 30,000 employees. For an organisation of this scale, the renewed Pacheco building provided the ideal opportunity to centralise its activities in a modern, sustainable and futureproof workspace.
From former Mint Building to a benchmark for circular renovation
The redevelopment of the former Mint building was deliberately based on renovation and repurposing rather than demolition. Thanks to this approach, approximately 70% of the existing materials and structures were preserved, significantly reducing the project's environmental impact. In 2022, this circular renovation strategy was recognised with the Renolab Award, honouring innovative and sustainable renovation projects in the Brussels-Capital Region.
Sustainability was a guiding principle throughout the entire project. From the earliest design stages, the focus was placed on maximising the reuse and valorisation of existing materials, combined with energy-efficient technologies and sustainable construction solutions based on the principles of the Trias Energetica. Material choices further reinforced this vision, including high-performance insulation and circular finishing materials. This integrated approach earned the project a BREEAM Outstanding certification for the design phase.
Beddeleem Circular in practice
Circularity played a key role in the interior fit-out of the new WBE offices. Beddeleem supplied and installed 2,800 m² of JB 2000 FULL partition systems incorporating reclaimed insulation and profiles, complemented by 1,050 m² of JB 2000 FRAME built with reclaimed profiles.
The commitment to reuse extended throughout the project. The sanitary facilities were equipped with REuse tiles, washbasins and toilets, while more than 4,000 m² of reclaimed carpet was installed across the office spaces. By giving existing materials and finishes a second life, the project significantly reduced the consumption of new raw materials and further minimised its environmental footprint.
Custom solutions & coordination
In addition to JB 2000 FULL and FRAME and JB PURE partitions, Beddeleem delivered a range of bespoke JB CUSTOM solutions, including two reception desks, several kitchenettes and various fixed interior elements.
One of the most striking features of the interior is the series of bright yellow phone booths, which introduce a playful and dynamic touch to the workplace. The fresh yellow accents subtly break up the black-and-white interior concept while complementing the warm timber finishes that form a recurring theme throughout the building.
Beddeleem was also responsible for coordinating the electrical installations, HVAC works and painting works, ensuring efficient project execution and seamless collaboration between all parties involved.
Beyond the circular ambitions and technical complexity, the project was defined by a demanding timeline. Completing the works within just 4.5 months required outstanding collaboration between all project partners. Thanks to the dedication and expertise of everyone involved, this challenge was successfully met.
