Discover our vertical extension project!
BUILDING UP IN GHENT
What : 2 floors vertical extension
Location: Ghent, Belgium
Architect: Maxime Balcaen
Contractor: KMK Construction
Status: Completed 2024
Project Overview – Ghent Vertical Extension
Partners: beSteel, Maxime Balcaen (architect), KMK Construction
Location: Near Ghent ring road
Client: Wim Van Vynckt (parquet shop)
-
+2 additional floors (total ~100 m²)
-
Includes 25 m² rooftop terrace
-
beSteel FastWall system – 100% prefabricated
-
Limited footprint – vertical extension only
Steel frame’s benefits
-
1
Urban densification – Builds up, not out → maximizes space
-
2
Sustainable – Preserves land and green areas
-
3
Value boost – Adds surface + style → increases property value
Technical Highlights
One of the main challenges of the project was the integration of a rooftop terrace with a green space and small tree, requiring careful load analysis and tailored engineering. Since it was impossible to add Hot Rolled Sections (HRS) to the original walls and floors, a custom-engineered steel truss was installed to distribute the structural loads evenly and ensure all walls remained aligned and supported at the top.
Thanks to light steel framing, the structure remained lightweight, avoiding any additional stress on the foundations and allowing safe vertical expansion in a dense urban environment.
Steel frame : the smart choice for urban elevations
Using light steel framing allowed this extension to meet all architectural and technical demands with ease. This solution made the project faster, safer, and fully adapted to the constraints of inner-city construction.
-
Lightweight: Adds floors without overloading structure
-
Precise & Fast: 100% off-site fabrication = clean, quick assembly
-
Urban-friendly: Ideal for tight, inner-city sites
Do you want to extend your building without touching the foundations?
beSteel provides smart elevation solutions with lightweight steel framing. Let’s discuss your project together.