Brussels housing and office construction milestone for Matisse

On 30 June 2026, for the Matisse 16 project, the highest point of the existing office building under transformation was celebrated with the traditional topping-out ceremony. BESIX and BESIX RED, Neutelings Riedijk Architects, together with the project partners and construction teams, marked this moment by placing the ceremonial maypole. Matisse 16 comprises offices and housing.

Located in Evere, between Brussels Airport and the city centre, Matisse 16 is one of the frontrunners in the transformation of the Brussels North-East business district. The project demonstrates how outdated mono-functional office areas can evolve into vibrant mixed-use neighbourhoods where living, working and landscape reinforce one another.

From mono-functional office campus to vibrant urban gateway. Matisse brings housing, workplaces, retail and landscape together at the entrance to Brussels.

The development consists of two complementary volumes. Block A introduces 156 apartments, co-living spaces, retail and shared amenities, while Block B transforms the existing former Record Bank headquarters into a contemporary office building. Together they form an integrated urban ensemble connected through a generous landscape that extends into courtyards, roof gardens and public outdoor spaces.

Sustainability forms the foundation of the project. Rather than replacing the existing office building, its robust structure is carefully retained and adapted, significantly reducing embodied carbon. Existing mature trees are preserved, biodiversity is enhanced and water retention is integrated throughout the landscape design. The project combines adaptive reuse with bio-based materials, geothermal energy, photovoltaic panels and fossil-free energy systems to create a healthy and future-proof working and living environment.

Green courtyard for th residential block

Architecturally, Matisse 16 marks the transition between the business district and the surrounding residential neighbourhood. Landscape, architecture and public space have been designed as one coherent composition, creating a welcoming new gateway to Brussels.

Rather than replacing the existing office building, its robust structure is carefully retained and adapted, significantly reducing embodied carbon.

Neutelings Riedijk Architects together with BESIX RED, BESIX, VanHout and project partners Axent Architects, Atelier Caneva-s, Ney and Partners, SWECO, SuReal, TPF, Franki Foundations, Jacques Delens and ComTIS Energy looks forward to continue to the next milestone.

Learn more about Matisse 16