oPEN Lab Genk – Building an positive energy neighborhood together: how the industrial partners of oPEN Lab Genk are joining forces to create the positive energy neighborhood of the future
In New Texas and the garden district of Waterschei (Genk), significant efforts are being made to create a future-proof neighborhood. As such, since October 2021, extensive work has been underway to transform a social housing community and a former miners’ district into a positive energy neighborhood – i.e. a neighborhood that produces more energy than it consumes.
All this is taking place within the framework of the European oPEN Lab project, in which 32 partners from 7 countries are working together on the revitalization of urban areas in several regions in Europe (Pamplona, Tartu and Genk) to accelerate the transition to positive energy neighborhoods.
The power of collaboration
Behind this impressive transformation lies a strong collaboration among diverse partners. Each bringing unique expertise to the table, from technological innovations to social support. By working together, the partners enable a collective renovation that goes far beyond individual home improvements. The ultimate goal? The development of a living lab within an positieve energy residential area that generates more energy than it consumes—a valuable model for cities and municipalities worldwide.
Partner contributions in the spotlight
With one of the project’s key milestones—the renovation of 27 social housing units in New Texas—now completed, the living lab in Genk is entering a new phase. Hence, it has become the perfect time to highlight the industrial partners contributing to this initiative.
- Wonen in Limburg: making soical housing future-proof As a social housing company, Wonen in Limburg plays a central role in the project. They made 27 social housing units available for renovation, invested in upgrading building envelopes, and ensured that residents are actively involved in the process. This includes not only physical improvements to the homes but also a focus on the social aspects of the transformation.
“In New Texas, we worked with residents to find solutions that are not only technically sustainable but also fit their daily lives. Through co-creation and intensive participation, the renovation became more than just a technical upgrade—it became a socially supported transformation of the neighborhood. This project shows that sustainable renovations are not just about technology but, above all, about people. Residents are not just users but crucial partners in making neighborhoods more sustainable. The project in Nieuw Texas serves as a blueprint of how technical and social innovation, with connection as its foundation, can go hand in hand to build future-proof communities in Europe.”
– [Lore Parade and Anneleen Baptist, Team Members Resident Engagement, Wonen in Limburg].
- VITO (partner in EnergyVille): Technological innovation and energy management VITO/EnergyVille is the driver of technological innovations within the project. From smart energy management systems to monitoring and data collection, VITO/EnergyVille ensures that the neighborhood operates as a ‘living lab’ where data is continuously analyzed. This optimizes not only energy consumption but also the interoperability of various technical systems.
“By testing these innovative techniques in people’s homes, we optimize operational performance and demonstrate that neighborhood renovation can be both sustainable and socially inclusive for all residents.”
– [Evi Lambie + Project coordinator, VITO/EnergyVille]
- Stad Genk: pioneer in sustainable urban development As a local government, the City of Genk plays a connecting role within the project. The city supports resident communication, ensures smooth coordination, and helps disseminate project results to other cities and municipalities. By positioning the neighborhood as a model project, the city strengthens its position as a pioneer in sustainable urban development.
“The City of Genk aims to contribute to energy-positive neighborhoods—communities that generate more electricity than they consume. The New Texas neighborhood is an example of how cities, together with residents, can actively participate in the energy transition.”
– [Karel Kriekemans, Alderman for Sustainable Development, City of Genk]
- Peeters NV.: Implementing various HVAC-concepts in inhabited homes Peeters NV was responsible for implementing various HVAC systems within oPEN Lab. A crucial aspect of the work was coordinating different subcontractors—from installing monitoring and control systems to placing new radiators and integrating energy boxes.
“The project faced its challenges, but thanks to a meticulous approach and strong collaboration, we successfully completed it. The result speaks for itself: efficient and energy-saving solutions that meet both current requirements and the needs of residents and stakeholders.”
– [Jaak Schetz, Cost Estimation and Project Monitoring, Peeters NV]
- HABENU-VANDEKREEKE: general contractor The renovation of the New Texas neighborhood in Genk was an excellent example of innovative and sustainable neighborhood renewal. The temporary partnership Habenu-van de Kreeke & Artem played a key role in this as coordinating general contractor. We were involved at an early stage, long before the design team was appointed. This gave us the opportunity to use our knowledge and experience from the beginning to make the optimal choices in terms of renovation methods, material choices, energy efficiency and occupant comfort. This early involvement and close cooperation with all partners allowed us to steer the project in the right direction and realize high-quality, sustainable solutions. The open communication and shared ambition to create a future-proof neighborhood made this collaboration especially valuable. This project shows how joint expertise and a shared vision can lead to a successful result that both residents and housing company Wonen In Limburg can be proud of.
“Through innovative projects like oPEN Lab, we are building the sustainable world of tomorrow. Our early involvement in the New Texas renovation allowed us to make the right choices and, together with strong partners, realize a future-proof neighborhood. We call that POWERFUL FOR TOMORROW.”
– [Bart Leeflang, Project leader, HABENU-VANDEKREEKE]
- dbv architecten: integrating a new architecture into existing homes dbv architecten was responsible for the architectural realization of the shell renovation and interior finishing. Their expertise ensured the successful combination of energy-efficient building envelopes, integrated technologies, and digitalized construction processes.
“The oPEN Lab construction process was a pioneering project for us, combining an energy-efficient building envelope with integrated techniques, PV panels, and digitalization. The modern design reflects our ambition, though continuous occupancy during the renovation posed a significant challenge.”
– [Luc Baert, architect partner & Chênée Andeweg, architect, dbv architecten]
- Study bureau Heedfeld – engineering and technical oversight Studiebureel Heedfeld, as study bureau, was responsible for the detailed engineering as well as the site follow-up of all the techniques involved in the project. Together with VITO all possible scenarios were first established. Then all the techniques in each house were worked out in detail. Here Heedfeld’s expertise in renewable energy also came in handy. The techniques consisted of: sanitary installations (including production of sanitary hot water), electrical installations (including installation of all kinds of detectors), heating installations (replacement of radiators or installation of underfloor heating whether or not based on geothermal energy), installations for ventilation (all homes were equipped with a ventilation system, type C or D) and PV installations. Study bureau Heedfeld also described the automatic control, where all installations were matched and all parameters could be adjusted by VITO and results could be read in and compared.
“By integrating numerous sustainable technologies into these social housing units, we are taking a significant step towards a climate-neutral future that benefits both residents and the planet. Analyzing the vast amount of measurement data from installed sensors will allow us to design even more efficient and cost-effective installations in the future.”
– [Pieter Bronzwaar – HVAC designer and site supervisor oPEN Lab, Study bureau Heedfeld]
- Machiels Building Solutions: seamless integration of energy efficient building façades Machiels Building Solutions was responsible for the production and assembly of the façades, including prefabricated brick strips and exterior carpentry, for the oPEN Lab project. What makes this contribution unique is the seamless integration of energy-efficient façades that enhance both the aesthetics and sustainability of the renovated homes.
“This project showcases our expertise in delivering customized solutions for complex renovation projects. By closely collaborating with other partners, we have made a significant contribution to a more sustainable future for residents.”
– [Tristan Schoofs – Business Development Manager, Machiels Building Solutions]
- Divatec – Precision measurements for efficient renovation planning As a surveying expert, DIVATEC played a key role in accurately mapping the existing buildings. By using a combination of advanced measurement techniques, the homes were meticulously modeled in 3D.
“For this project, an axis system was predetermined for each home, allowing for faster comparisons of housing typologies to enhance scalability. The measurements were carried out using a combination of different surveying methods with built-in self-checks.”
– [Dieter Vandepoel – Managing Director, Divatec]
- Cast4All – smart control via an innovative energy management platform Cast4All’s energy management platform connects various energy and comfort systems within homes. By collecting and making sensor and device data available, we simplify and enhance both monitoring and control. This ensures that residents within oPEN Lab benefit from optimal comfort and energy efficiency through smart control signals, without requiring in-depth technical knowledge.
“Integrating so many different systems was a significant challenge involving multiple iterations, but it was an incredible learning experience. We laid the foundation by interconnecting systems, and in the coming years, we will see how smart and efficient they can truly work together. We eagerly await the results and look forward to seeing what we have accomplished together.”
– [Diederik De Coninck – Business Developer, Cast4All]
- Daikin – innovative, custom-made heatpumps As a global leader in heating and cooling solutions, Daikin is committed to energy-efficient and sustainable technologies. Within oPEN Lab, Daikin provided innovative heat pumps that contribute to an optimal indoor climate and efficient energy management in the renovated homes.
“At Daikin, we are passionate about innovations that support sustainable living and energy efficiency. Our participation in the oPEN Lab project was a fantastic opportunity to collaborate, innovate, and make a real impact on sustainable housing. Through oPEN Lab, we have gained valuable insights that will drive the further development of heat pump technologies and their ecosystem. Being part of the journey toward energy-positive neighborhoods has been incredibly rewarding for the entire Daikin team.”
– [Laurent Vanthournout – Deputy General Manager EMEA Development Center, Daikin Europe]
- Futech, renewable energy advisor at building and district level Futech serves as an industrial research partner within the oPEN Lab project. Like several other partners, such as Daikin and Cast4All, Futech plays an advisory role. The company leverages its expertise in renewable energy to contribute to the project’s success. So far, Futech has supported the dimensioning of PV installations and battery systems at the housing level for completed renovations. Moving forward, Futech will continue to provide advice and materials, specifically focusing on district-level infrastructure.
“We are delighted to be involved in such an innovative project and to have our approach and technology choices appreciated. We also look forward to rolling out monitoring and smart control with Ilumen’s IluSmart application, further amplifying our impact”
– [Nelis Boon – Project leader, Futech]
- LITO, prefabrication of energy boxes for a complex neighborhood renovation LITO specializes in the prefabrication of advanced HVAC installations for net-zero energy homes and played a crucial role in oPEN Lab by developing the compact energy boxes placed outside the individual homes. While the installations may appear identical from the outside, they are actually customized to meet the specific needs of each home, presenting a significant technical challenge.
““For this project, we had to perform a real feat. At first glance, you see twenty identical energy boxes, but in reality, each contains a different combination of renewable energy systems. Additionally, they are packed with extra measurement equipment. To assemble these in the same compact space, we had to conduct thousands of digital simulations. We had to consider minimal distances to install and remove components. This required a true ‘think INSIDE the box’ approach, where innovation and customization went hand in hand.”
– [Lieven Smeyers – Chief Enthousiasm Officer, LITO]
The road ahead
The coming weeks oPEN Lab Genk will focus on making the monitoring and control infrastructure operational, enabling real-time data collection on energy consumption, energy production, and comfort. These data will not only allow for precise neighborhood performance tracking but also further optimize energy usage at the district level.
Collaboration remains central to the rest of the project and will lead to unique insights contributing to the broader rollout of energy-positive neighborhoods.
“The oPEN Lab testbeds are increasingly evolving into a living lab—an innovation hotspot where new processes, technologies, and services are tested and validated in real-world conditions,”
says Maarten De Groote, project coordinator of oPEN Lab.
“Our goal is to make these insights publicly available at the end of the project, supporting cities and regions across Europe (and beyond) in developing energy-positive neighborhoods.”
Want to learn more?
Curious about the project’s progress and eager to stay updated on insights gathered within the project? Visit openlab-project.eu.
Want to take a look behind the scenes of the renovation works in Genk? Don’t miss this video