Glass construction Campus Kortrijk (BE)
Multifunctional glass construction
A future-ready learning environment where education, research and innovation come together.
PTI Kortrijk wanted to create an inspiring campus that prepares students for the future of horticulture, technology and sustainable food production. Smiemans is realising a multifunctional glass atrium that combines education, practical training and research in one transparent, climate-controlled environment.
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Place |
Kortrijk, Belgium |
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Realisation |
2025/2026 |
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Type |
Venlo construction |
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Surface |
2.290 m2 |
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Purpose |
Glass construction for education, research and horticulture |
Energy-efficient technologies with flexible workspaces
The 2,290 m² Venlo glass structure will become the heart of the new Campus Science & Green. Designed to support modern teaching methods, it provides space for innovative applications such as vertical farming, aquaculture, AI and robotics, while offering students hands-on experience in a sustainable, real-life growing environment. The project combines energy-efficient technologies with flexible workspaces, creating a campus that will continue to inspire learning and innovation for years to come.
PTI stands for Provincial Technical Institute, a secondary school which forms part of the PTI West Flanders school community. Located in Kortrijk, the school offers courses in subjects such as technology, construction, horticulture, animal care, and science.
Planning and safety
This innovative project was designed by Van Bergen Kolpa Architects in collaboration with Sileghem & Partners, and carried out by Belgian contractor Monument Vandekerckhove.
With tight planning and safety measures, the project is being realised without disrupting school activities. This glass construction with a second floor will be a unique learning and working environment, and a source of inspiration for future innovations in greenhouse horticulture.
Sustainable and functional
The design combines sustainability, functionality and education, with a focus on the latest techniques and innovation:
- Sustainability: solar panels, CHP, heat network, LED lighting and CO₂ dosing make the greenhouse energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
- Education and innovation: Vertical farming, aquaculture and preparation for AI and robotics are central.
- Space optimisation: Modern workspaces, separate from the greenhouses, promote hygiene and disease prevention.
- Safety and water management: Underground water collection and vandal-proof infrastructure ensure robustness and sustainability.
Greenhouse complexes for education and research
Greenhouse complexes offer the ideal balance between transparency, climate control and flexibility, making them perfect for education, research and innovative cultivation.
Examples of previous projects completed by Smiemans include Campus Riedberg (Goethe University), the World Horti Centre and the Clore Learning Zone at botanical garden RHS Wisley Garden. All of these are sustainable Venlo constructions that showcase our expertise and are perfectly suited to education and research. These projects combine innovative cultivation techniques with modern learning environments, facilitating knowledge sharing and practice-oriented education in the best possible way.
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