The New Look of Brucity: Natural Stone for a Vibrant City Centre
Brussels is in full renewal mode, and Brucity — the new administrative centre — is at the heart of this transformation. The area surrounding the complex is getting a modern upgrade, marked by a striking choice of natural stone that perfectly reflects the city’s dynamic energy.
A Powerful Combination of Natural Stone
For the Brucity paving, a stylish mix of Irish Blue Limestone from Kilkenny Limestone and Tarn granite from Brachot Family Member Granitarn was chosen. Both materials, sourced from Brachot quarries, are being laid in sleek, narrow strips by contractor Colas. The Irish Blue Limestone has a "bush-hammered" finish. What does that mean? It gives the stones a rugged, dark blue-grey look with fine, lighter-coloured indentations. These subtle pits create a playful pattern, and with its anti-slip properties, this finish is perfect for urban paving.
Smart Sizes, Big Impact
The Kilkenny Limestone mix is laid in two sizes: 30x8x12 cm and 40x8x12 cm. By alternating these dimensions with strips of Tarn granite, a fascinating linear pattern emerges, with light and dark tones interweaving. This gives the streets around Brucity a fresh, dynamic appearance that perfectly complements the modern city vibe.
Logistical Precision: 1850 Tons of Natural Stone
A substantial amount of stone was transported from Ireland for this project. A total of 666 m³ of blue limestone was used, covering 4700 m² of paving (excluding the joints) and nearly 2264 meters of curbstones. The entire project began in October 2022 and will be completed by October 2024.
The logistics behind this massive undertaking are impressive. By using multi-modal transport, with the longest distance from quarry to site covered by ship (from Dublin to Antwerp), the CO₂ emissions from transportation were also minimized.
Lively Streets, a New Cityscape
Brucity is becoming more than just an administrative building – it will be a vibrant place that perfectly reflects the energy of Brussels. Thanks to the combination of high-quality natural stone and thoughtful design, this project contributes to a lively cityscape ready for the future.