R-building: A Flexible and Sustainable Expansion of Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg Genk

The R-building is a multifunctional extension of Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, designed to include a rehabilitation center, general practitioner post, outpatient clinics, a care center, consultation rooms, and serve as a new entrance building with reception functions and connections to other hospital buildings. The project was developed with the goal of achieving a BREEAM Excellent certification, emphasizing sustainability and high environmental standards.

The building is designed with a clear and robust structure, featuring a square floor plan and a modular layout that allows for flexibility in the future. The generic dimensions facilitate easy adaptability, ensuring the building’s long-term sustainability. Flexibility is particularly important for the outpatient clinic areas, where treatment rooms are centrally located, and the surrounding corridors for doctors and nurses are arranged in a ring, providing clear sightlines to the outdoors from both corridors and consultation rooms.

The facade of the R-building is designed to be light, both in appearance and weight, contributing to better thermal performance. This reduces the need for cooling on warmer days. The facade modules are made of anodized aluminum, which reflects light differently, giving the building a dynamic and horizontal appearance. The design also ensures a bright and open atmosphere, offering maximum views of the surrounding park and the environment. The large rehabilitation room in the sports medical center has double-height windows that bring the outside in, enhancing the spatial experience.

Access to the R-building is straightforward, with the main entrance located at -1, making it immediately visible and easily accessible from the street. Additional entrances for specific services, such as cardiac rehabilitation and multidisciplinary outpatient clinics, are located on different levels, ensuring smooth circulation and efficient connections with neighboring buildings. The material palette consists of four basic materials: concrete, wood, aluminum, and glass. This simple yet effective choice gives the building a warm and inviting atmosphere, combining a modern aesthetic with functional design.

eld was assigned as structural engineer for this project.