Post-tensioning for Malt, a new urban district for Mechelen.
In Mechelen, Belgium, a once-abandoned industrial zone is being transformed into a vibrant, future-ready urban precinct. Known as Malt, the project is located behind Mechelen’s central train station and along the Leuvense Vaart canal. It repurposes the site of the former Inofer metal pressing plant into a car-free, sustainable mixed-use development.
Developed by Jan De Nul and led by CODIC, an expert in office development and designed by Jaspers-Eyers Architects in collaboration with Sculpt-IT and Callebaut Architecten. Builder is AB-Eiffage. The project reflects a powerful blend of heritage preservation and modern urban aspiration.
A Rich Industrial Past
The site’s layered history includes a malt production facility, a rubber factory, and a non-ferrous metal pressing plant. After Inofer’s bankruptcy in 2013, the site remained vacant and derelict.
Today, Malt is set to deliver:
- 17,900 m² of office space
- 3,700 m² of sustainable housing
- Integrated amenities including a café, restaurant, and co-working hub
- Open green space and a car-free living environment
Adaptive Reuse
The project also includes the adaptive reuse of the Socaré building, which will retain the site’s industrial character while meeting modern sustainability benchmarks.
The development team are aiming for BREEAM Excellent certification for the office buildings. BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a sustainability label for creating environmentally sustainable buildings and districts with minimal environmental impact.
Interspan’s Role: Post-Tensioned Efficiency Across Six Levels
Interspan was engaged for the design, supply, and installation of the post-tensioned (PT) slabs throughout the core of the development, spanning from Basement 1 to Level 6 and covering an area of 18,630m² across 16 pours.
Key Project Details:
- Slab thickness: 270mm typical
- Post-tensioned area: 18,630m²
- Design software: RamConcept and RAPT
- Engineering highlight: Basement 1 featured a strategic perimeter pour strip to mitigate restraint stresses due to drying shrinkage. This detail allowed temporary isolation of the slab from perimeter walls to reduce long-term cracking risk.
Why Post-Tensioning?
Interspan’s post-tensioning system delivered:
- Material efficiency through thinner slabs
- Improved construction speed
- Greater structural flexibility
- Long-term performance and reduced cracking risk
By optimising slab design and installation, Interspan helped meet the project’s structural demands and tight construction timeline, supporting both the architectural vision and sustainability goals.
Reimagining Place with Structural Precision
The Malt redevelopment showcases how forward-thinking urban renewal can preserve industrial heritage, embrace green living, and leverage advanced engineering for maximum impact. Interspan is proud to contribute its expertise to a project that sets a new benchmark in adaptive reuse and sustainable construction in Belgium.
Image credit: Jan De Nul
SPECIALIST SLAB POST-TENSIONING
At Interspan, we firmly believe in fostering collaborative relationships with our clients to identify and implement solutions that meet their specific needs and projects. Our approach revolves around customer-centricity, emphasising partnership, innovation, and excellence. As a result, we have established ourselves as a trusted and dependable partner for businesses worldwide.
REASONS TO USE POST-TENSIONED CONCRETE:
- Increased clear spans
- Thinner slabs
- Lighter structures; reduced floor dead loads
- Reduced cracking and deflection
- Reduced storey height
- Rapid construction
- Large reduction in conventional reinforcement
- Higher degree of crack control
Post-tensioning is a powerful technique that can enable reductions in materials and carbon emissions through effective design within the construction industry. By adopting post-tensioning, we can build more sustainable, resilient, and environmentally friendly structures, paving the way for a greener future.
