Ghent, 11 October 2006

Official inauguration of the renovation works of the NATO headquarters in Evere.

Wednesday morning 11 October at 10.00h the completed renovation works of the NATO headquarters were officially inaugurated in the presence of 26 international ambassadors.

As a token of appreciation of perfect and high-quality work, Mr. Christophe Maes, managing director of NV R. Maes, was awarded a diploma by the secretary general of NATO, Mr. Jaap De Hoop Scheffer

Diploma awarded by NATO (157 KB)

Renovation phase I involved the complete redecoration of the main entrance building, the conference hall, the ambassadors’ hall and the central corridors.

Total surface area of the works approx. 3,650 M².

NV R. Maes was the general and co-ordinating contractor.

These renovation works included the following achievements

• Complete removal of all old decoration including special technical elements.
• Renovation of all glass entrance elements.
• Introduction of daylight through newly created paths of light in the roof structure.
• Complete replacement of all floor and wall coverings.
• Integration of both visible and invisible fire prevention facilities.
• Design of furniture for internal services.
• Freshening up interior paintwork.
• Modification and renovation of all special technical elements including lighting.

These works were carried out under very strict safety conditions and time pressure as the buildings remained occupied during the works.
Works started on Sunday 09 July.
Work was completed on Monday 18 September 2006.
Total time on works 10 weeks or 47 working days.
Given the strict timetable work was carried out day and night including Sundays and national holidays and even during the building sector’s annual holidays.

In order to ensure optimal co-ordination of these works around the clock a team of 5 works managers were appointed.