With Sportoase De Watermolen, Sint-Niklaas gained a state-of-the-art sports complex. The project combines sports, leisure and sustainability in one integrated whole. Behind the scenes, an advanced technical infrastructure ensures that the building functions efficiently, comfortably and energy-efficiently. For the smart integration and control of all techniques, TM Equans/van Roey relied on Jansen Smart Solutions on behalf of Sportoase.
15 techniques linked
A modern sports complex is particularly technically challenging. Pools, sports halls, showers, ventilation, water treatment, heating and cooling must be perfectly coordinated. Moreover, a building of this scale requires intelligent control that guarantees both comfort and energy efficiency.
At Sportoase De Watermolen, therefore, the choice was made for thorough building automation. Jansen Smart Solutions integrated 15 different techniques through 1 central platform. “Think among other things of HVAC control, ventilation, solar shading, floor heating, hot water production and water treatment. Systems such as showers, air groups and various energy meters were also integrated so that the entire building can be continuously monitored and optimized,” says Dries De Groote, COO Projects at Jansen Smart Solutions.
One thermostat
A striking aspect of the installation is its user-friendliness. Through the BMS system, the various techniques can be managed centrally. “The idea behind this project was to have all the technical installations function as one ecosystem,” adds Dries. “When ventilation, heating, water treatment and other systems communicate with each other, you can control them much more precisely. This not only increases visitor comfort, but also significantly optimizes energy use.”
In addition, several IP 55 touch panels were provided for staff and rescuers. With these, staff can easily call up atmospheres locally, operate recreational elements and alarms are immediately displayed, while at the same time the building management system keeps the overall overview.
Data-driven energy efficiency
Sports complexes are among the most energy-intensive buildings. Pools must maintain a constant temperature, humidity must be precisely controlled, and thousands of visitors a week use the facilities. By integrating energy and consumption meters, the management of Sportoase De Watermolen can accurately monitor where and when energy is used. This data makes it possible to continuously adjust installations to further optimize energy consumption.
“For us, building automation goes far beyond just linking systems,” explains Lander Snauwaert, team leader programmers at Jansen Smart Solutions. “We build a digital brain for the building. All the data come together in one system, allowing administrators to intervene faster and optimize installations automatically.”
Future-oriented sports complex
With De Watermolen, Sportoase is realizing its 21st facility in Belgium. The complex combines sports facilities, swimming infrastructure and leisure facilities in one contemporary environment. Thanks to the integration of all techniques by Jansen Smart Solutions, the building has an intelligent and future-proof technical backbone. A system that not only works efficiently today, but is also ready to smoothly integrate future expansions or optimizations.
“The new sports complex in Sint-Niklaas perfectly reflects what we want to stand for as an organization: the best sports and leisure infrastructure in the most sustainable way. The building in CO2 neutral and we get all our energy from sustainable sources. Finally, the smart integrations ensure optimal management,” concludes Michaël Schouwaerts – General Director Group Sportoase.
