Brussels Gare Maritime: A Timber Revival for a Historic Train Station

In the canal district of Brussels, Belgium, stands a historic building that once shaped the city’s industrial age: Gare Maritime. Completed in 1907, it was the largest railway freight station in Brussels at the time. Steam trains once moved through its steel halls, filling the air with the sound and energy of a growing city. But as logistics shifted and industries transformed, the massive structure gradually fell silent toward the end of the 20th century.

Contents :
1.From Industrial Relic to Modern Landmark
2.Where Timber Meets Steel
3.Choosing the Right Timber Materials
4.A Model for Sustainable Cities
5.Professional Timber Solutions Bring Architecture to Life

From Industrial Relic to Modern Landmark
The revival of Gare Maritime was led by two renowned design and engineering teams: Neutelings Riedijk Architects and Bureau Bouwtechniek. By preserving the original steel roof trusses and brick façade, and rebuilding the interior with a timber-centered design, they transformed the site into one of the largest timber office complexes in Europe.

Where Timber Meets Steel
The key highlight of the transformation is the use of timber. The warm character of wood reshaped the atmosphere of the entire space. What was once a cold steel structure is now balanced by natural wood surfaces that soften the architecture. Sunlight flows between new timber beams and columns, creating a calm environment that bridges industry and nature. This approach is often described as the “Aesthetics of Regeneration” — a way of designing that does not seek to erase the past, but instead uses materials to create a dialogue between time and place.

Choosing the Right Timber Materials
To allow a century-old steel structure and a new timber system to coexist, material selection and engineering were critical. Gare Maritime makes extensive use of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), a structural product widely applied in modern timber construction. CLT is made by layering solid wood boards in alternating directions and bonding them together. The result is a panel with high strength, excellent stability, and strong fire performance. Compared with concrete, CLT is much lighter yet able to support similar loads, making it ideal for walls, floors, and multi-story structures.

A Model for Sustainable Cities
The renewal of Gare Maritime is more than a technical upgrade; it is a real example of sustainable thinking. The project aims for low energy use and reduced carbon emissions. Timber’s natural insulation and carbon storage capabilities significantly lower energy demand. In addition, many interior elements follow a modular system, allowing future changes, disassembly, and reuse — extending the life cycle of materials and reducing waste. It represents a new direction for urban development.

Professional Timber Solutions Bring Architecture to Life
Gare Maritime feels like a small indoor town — calm, warm, and visually balanced. It shows how timber can shape not only the look of a building but also the experience of space. At Bestwood, we believe great architecture begins with the right materials. We are more than a supplier; we are your partner in timber solutions. From structural timber and decorative panels to specialty boards and FSC-certified products, we provide tailored options and custom cutting services to meet every project need.

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Brussels Gare Maritime: A Timber Revival for a Historic Train Station

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