Nieuw Zuid welcomes Orchard: BNP Paribas Fortis' sustainable office project officially launched in the presence of Sir David Chipperfield

At a ceremonial event this afternoon, the first stone was laid for Orchard, a new office building that will become the future Client House of BNP Paribas Fortis in Nieuw Zuid. Together with contractor Van Laere, designers David Chipperfield Architects, and client Triple Living, a symbolic engraved facade stone was unveiled. The ceremony took place in the presence of Sir David Chipperfield, founder of David Chipperfield Architects and recent winner of the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize.

A sustainable landmark for Antwerp

Orchard will be a sustainable architectural landmark in the Nieuw Zuid district. The building will occupy a prominent position alongside a new orchard and will house BNP Paribas Fortis' Priority & Private Banking and Corporate Banking activities, supplemented by support services. In total, the building will accommodate more than 350 employees and visitors. With a floor area of approximately 7.250 m² and 6 floors, Orchard will be one of the most comprehensive new office buildings in Antwerp in recent years. This makes Orchard much more than an office: it is a true Client House, where customers, employees, and partners can meet in a future-oriented environment.

“The building is being constructed using cree elements—hybrid floor elements that combine concrete and wood—resulting in a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions. Together with the wooden columns, timber frame walls, and geothermal energy, Orchard illustrates how sustainability, architectural quality, and construction methods go hand in hand,” says Laurent Eeraerts, CEO of Van Laere.

Unique collaboration

The design by David Chipperfield Architects focuses strongly on sustainability and quality. The building will feature an innovative wooden structure and reflects the practice's commitment to environmental responsibility. David Chipperfield Architects is a lead signatory of Architects Declare and the RIBA 2030 Challenge, both aimed at achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. These high sustainability and quality ambitions align with Triple Living's vision to develop Nieuw Zuid into the neighbourhood of the future, where greenery, architecture, and sustainability converge.

“With Orchard, we are once again creating a building that raises the bar for sustainable and high-quality construction in Antwerp,” says Esa van den Heuvel, spokesperson for Triple Living. “This project brings together the vision of our partners and represents an important next step in the further development of Nieuw Zuid.”

“With the laying of the first symbolic stone of our new Client House, Orchard, we are taking an important step in the future of BNP Paribas Fortis in Antwerp. A place where innovation, inspiration, and collaboration come together, and where we bring our vision of the future of banking to life in an inspiring and sustainable working environment.” says Sandra Wilikens, CEO Belgium at BNP Paribas Fortis.

Symbolic moment

Rather than laying a traditional first stone, a symbolic act was chosen: the placement of a wooden beam using a crane. This gesture symbolises the sustainable foundation of Orchard and the growth of a new future for BNP Paribas Fortis in Nieuw Zuid.

Next steps

Construction work will become increasingly visible on the site over the coming months. BNP Paribas Fortis is scheduled to move into Orchard in June 2026.