Real estate developer Nextensa has officially secured construction approval for the highly anticipated Tour & Taxis Towers, a major mixed-use project designed by renowned architecture firm MVRDV. Located within the larger Lakeside master plan in Brussels, the project is set to become a defining landmark in the city’s evolving Tour & Taxis neighborhood.
Rising to 126 meters, the dual-tower development will be the tallest structure on the Tour & Taxis site, bringing together residential living, office spaces, and public amenities within a 58,000-square-meter footprint. The project reflects a strong commitment to sustainable urban density and low-carbon construction, aligning with Europe’s growing demand for environmentally responsible real estate development.
The scheme consists of two towers connected by a five-storey plinth. The western tower, rising 20 storeys, will serve as the new headquarters for Proximus, while the eastern 35-storey residential tower will include 199 apartments ranging from studio units to spacious three-bedroom homes. The shared plinth will house office spaces, public-use facilities, and a rooftop terrace designed to encourage community interaction.
MVRDV’s Low-Carbon Design and Flexible Urban Living Shape Brussels’ Future
A key focus of the Tour & Taxis Towers is adaptability and long-term sustainability. The building’s structural design is based on multiples of 2.7-meter façade modules, allowing flexibility for future changes in use as the needs of the neighborhood evolve. Irregular setbacks across both towers create generous terraces, both private and shared, while additional corner windows maximize natural light and panoramic city views.
These setbacks were strategically positioned following detailed light and wind studies, ensuring both environmental performance and architectural harmony. The towers also serve as a transitional element between the residential Lake Side Courtyard and the surrounding office buildings, including the Flemish Government’s administrative offices.
Special attention has been given to the building’s relationship with the public realm. A central passage through the plinth connects the Lake Side district with Anna Bochlaan, creating a pedestrian-friendly urban route. An internal atrium rises through the plinth, offering visual access to office activity above and helping activate the lower levels of the development. Public service spaces at the base of the residential tower are designed to keep the area lively throughout the day.
MVRDV founding partner Nathalie de Vries highlighted the broader vision behind the project, emphasizing the importance of dense, mixed-use urban neighborhoods that avoid sprawl while supporting future flexibility. She also noted that responsible density today must include reducing carbon emissions, especially in high-rise construction.
Recognizing that tall buildings often carry significant embodied carbon, MVRDV applied a low-carbon strategy from the earliest design stages using its proprietary CarbonSpace software. This tool helped estimate and reduce the project’s carbon footprint before final design decisions were finalized.
One of the most impactful sustainability decisions was the use of a hybrid structural system for the office tower. A concrete frame supports cross-laminated timber floor slabs, significantly reducing the building’s overall weight and minimizing the need for concrete in both the structure and foundations.
As a result, the project’s projected carbon footprint is expected to be substantially lower than that of a conventional building of similar scale. The development aims to comply with EU taxonomy standards for sustainable activities while also targeting BREEAM Outstanding, DGNB Gold, and Platinum WELL Core & Shell certifications for office sustainability and occupant wellbeing.
With Tour & Taxis Towers, Brussels moves one step closer to a future where high-density development and climate-conscious design work hand in hand.
Image credit: © Reverso Studio
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