Tongeren's Ambiorix barracks revived with sustainable heating network for residential projects of the future

Living in comfort

What was once the 19th-century Ambiorix barracks – a military stronghold for decades and later a vacant heritage site for many years – is now being transformed into a sustainable and vibrant residential area with more than 350 residential units, developed by the Cordeel Group under the name In Compagnie. Since May 2025, the first 60 flats have been connected to the heating network. The rest of the site will follow in phases for the other units in the coming years.

This project is a prime example of how experts can cleverly combine heritage, sustainability and comfort. It is supported by various subsidiaries of the Cordeel Group, which are pooling their expertise.

●       C-living s responsible for the development of the residential area.

●       Cordeel Belgium is responsible for the renovation and new construction.

●       C-energy designs, finances, builds, maintains and operates the collective heating network together with Getec Benelux.

In addition, partners such as Iftech (geothermal energy) and Duall (HVAC) provide specialised technical support. The result is an exemplary case of sustainable urban development, where residents not only get a home, but also carefree comfort and future-proof energy in their new residential community that is ready for tomorrow.

In plain language: how the sustainable heating network works

"The sustainable collective heating network provides tailor-made heating and cooling without residents having to manage the installations themselves", explains Stijn Van Hoye, project manager at C-energy. ‘It is attractive to developers because we produce centrally, minimise losses and the whole system can be phased in and expanded."

This is how the system works in practice:

●       Geothermal energy (KWO): pairs of wells have been drilled beneath the site to store heat and cold in the ground.

●       Heat pumps: these convert the ground energy into low-temperature heat in winter and natural cooling in summer.

●       Heat network: the pipe network between and within the buildings distributes the energy efficiently.

●       In each flat, a booster heat pump and underfloor heating ensure individual comfort through heating, cooling and hot water.

In addition, C-energy operates according to the DBFMO model (Design, Build, Finance, Maintain, Operate). This means that C-energy not only designs and builds the heat network, but also takes care of the financing and is responsible for maintenance and operation for 30 years. While residents enjoy ease of use, developers find financial predictability and transparency in the model.

What this means for developers and residents

For developers and investors, In Compagnie's heat network is a future-proof model that grows with the development. Thanks to the As a Service model, sustainable heat remains affordable and the system is a lasting asset for sales, rentals and future expansions.

"Developers can tailor their planning to sales without heavy upfront investments," says Van Hoye. "Comfort, efficiency and regulations come together here. We take away the worries about energy and go for predictable costs over the entire term."

Residents also feel the difference. For them, the heating network means carefree comfort. They are warm in winter and cool in summer, without having to manage their own boiler or air conditioning. Thanks to low-temperature underfloor heating, this is done quietly, efficiently and without losing space. Residents do not have to worry: maintenance, repairs and replacements are included. They can track their consumption and bills transparently via an online portal, without unexpected and unforeseen costs.

Or as Van Hoye sums it up: "For residents, sustainable energy is as natural as water from the tap!"