Brussels Airport Compass Gebouw Zaventem

The Challenge

The construction of the “Compass” building at Brussels Airport was driven by the urgent need to accommodate a new baggage handling and screening system in compliance with European “Standard 3” regulations. This system, installed across the underground and ground levels, became fully operational on 15 June 2021. Above these levels, floors +2 to +4 were structurally designed to mirror the New Terminal built in the 1990s, now housing non-public airport functions while aligning with the airport’s long-term “Vision 2040”. Further extending the building’s utility, five upper levels were developed to host offices and meeting spaces, with the top three floors designated as the future Head Office of Brussels Airport Company, inaugurated in September 2022.

The Solution

Tractebel was entrusted with a comprehensive engineering mission for the Compass building, encompassing project management and multidisciplinary expertise. Our teams delivered structural engineering solutions, advanced HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems, and rigorous fire safety studies. Sustainability was a core focus throughout the design and execution phases, ensuring that the building would meet modern environmental standards while supporting the operational and strategic goals of Brussels Airport.

The Impact

The Compass building now stands as a state-of-the-art, sustainable administrative hub for Brussels Airport Company, offering panoramic views of the tarmac and embodying the airport’s forward-looking vision. It not only fulfills immediate regulatory and operational needs but also reinforces the airport’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility, positioning the site as a benchmark for future infrastructure development.