First dig, then build: the start of the earthworks.

Before we can build upwards, we first need to literally move a lot of earth. The first spade is now firmly in the ground. The excavators have immediately worked hard to prepare the site and have already excavated and removed 3000 tons of soil.

During these initial excavation works, we kept our feelers sharp: every metre of soil was checked for old pipes and cables before further digging was done. Safety is always a priority at ARDEA, even underground.

A unique project calls for a unique approach.

Parmentier is a remarkable architectural feat. Because the building is situated at two different street levels, we need to dig very deep in some places for the basements and foundations. To prevent the ground from sinking and to ensure the safety of the site and the neighbours, we use two special techniques: a secant pile wall and a berlin wall.

What is a secant pile wall?

Think of a secant pile wall as a kind of underground zip of concrete piles that interlock. Because the piles just overlap each other, a dense, water-resistant wall is created deep in the ground. This keeps the ground around the site stable and the neighbours notice nothing of the deep foundation works.

What is a Berliner wall?

A Berliner wall is a strong, temporary support wall that prevents the ground around the excavation from collapsing during the works. Its construction is a meticulous job.

Safety first: the anchoring

The secant pile and Berliner wall can withstand quite a lot, but to truly resist the immense pressure from the surrounding ground, one crucial step was still needed: the anchoring.

In recent weeks, special machines have been used to drill deep holes behind the wall. Strong anchors have been placed in these holes that effectively secure the support wall in the deeper, stable soil layers. All the anchors are now firmly in the ground, making the excavation optimally secured.

Looking to the future: what is the next step?

Now that the Berliner wall, secant wall, and anchoring are behind us, the site is technically ready for the next phase: the deeper excavation works. A total of 7000 tons of soil still needs to be removed. Step by step, we see Parmentier grow from an impressive excavation into a beautiful new residential project in Sint-Pieters-Woluwe.