Where guests used to think mostly of “location, location, location,” anno 2024 they have many more desires. From more comfort and luxury to sustainable and historical experiences and even staying in a technologically advanced setting. As a building partner, it is a challenge to score on these different facets or more even seamlessly connect these requirements. With hotels such as The Usual, Van der Valk, The Hoxton and the Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria Brussels in our portfolio, we know better than anyone how to put our expertise to optimal use. Michel Weijters and Philippe Peters, project directors at Group Jansen, and Sarai Bervoets, CCO at Group Jansen, are happy to share more about our integrated approach in the hotel sector.
Smart Van der Valk
There are not many smart building pioneers in the hotel sector yet. Sarai Bervoets explains: “Group Van der Valk dares to go against the grain. For their Ghent establishment, they are opting for the latest technologies to improve their guests’ stay. In other words, you book a smart room with control over lighting, ventilation and temperature control. This approach ensures that every guest enjoys an optimal indoor climate in the most sustainable way possible. Within this project we fulfilled several roles: as a general contractor, specializing in interior finishing and techniques, we finished a shell building from a to z. We also integrated climate ceilings and remain responsible for data capture and analysis, with which this hotel focuses on optimal comfort with minimal energy consumption.”
The Usual: sustainable hospitality
Both in Antwerp and Brussels, The Usual is having renovations performed by Group Jansen. The work in Brussels has now been successfully completed. The Usual in Brussels is an innovative hospitality concept with an eye for comfort, well-being, and fun. A hybrid design hotel that lets guests experience new cities in a more responsible way. From meeting rooms, coworking spaces, a mindgym to a striking terrace on the beautiful setting of Adolphe Maxlaan: every detail has been thought through! Group Jansen is known as a thinker. But also as a doer. So … say hello to next-level-hospitality!
Philippe Peters says, “In an era of growing environmental awareness, sustainability is crucial in the construction industry, and hotels are no exception. Think green roofs, solar energy and water-saving technologies. Sustainable hotels are not only environmentally friendly, but also offer a unique experience for guests who value responsible travel. At The Usual, we integrated sustainability into our design & build project, from gyproc work to solar panels to reusing recycled furniture. We also helped them achieve BREEAM certification. Every Brussels hotel guest now enjoys a stay where quality, luxury and ecology go hand in hand. We are also building a similar story in Antwerp.”
Trendy Hoxton Brussels
For a third hotel project, we descend on the former Victoria Regina Tower. In addition to the underground parking for Indigo and offices for media giant WPP, The Hoxton Brussels was also a challenge for project director Michel Weijters and his team. “The tower was completely gutted, only the skeleton remained. Jansen Building Projects took care of the structural alterations and was responsible for the complete interior finishing. Floors, walls, ceilings, joinery, everything was finished according to the high standards of The Hoxton. For facades, techniques, elevators, access control and furniture, we coordinated the subsidiary contractors. The end result? A hip and modern hotel with 198 rooms, a double-height lobby, bar and restaurant, and a rooftop terrace with vistas over Brussels.”
Luxeus Corinthia Hotels
One of the most exciting projects for Group Jansen is the Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria Brussels. This monumental building from 1909, originally built for the 1910 World Expo, has hosted numerous kings, dignitaries and celebrities over the years. Corinthia Hotels wants to revitalize the former Astoria as a luxury hotel. For the renovation and restoration, they are working with architects Francis Metzger, Group Jansen and Herpain. They are currently putting the finishing touches on 126 bedrooms and suites, exclusive private dining areas, swimming pools and wellness facilities.
Sarai Bervoets: “For Group Jansen, this is a unique opportunity. There are few projects of this magnitude. Within our temporary partnership with Herpain, we are taking care of structural works, facade restoration, roofing works, special techniques and the total high-end interior design, including fixed furniture, marble elements, carpets and trims. In short: an impressive challenge.”
