GFRP access to the historic Visitation Convent in Kraainem

In Kraainem, near Brussels, the historic Monastery of the Visitation is undergoing extensive restoration and redevelopment. The listed monastery was built between 1928 and 1930 to a design by architect and Benedictine monk Dom Paul Bellot and is renowned for its distinctive brick architecture.

Following the departure of the last sisters, the extensive monastery site is being given a new social purpose. The redevelopment focuses on preserving the site's historic and architectural qualities, while at the same time making the complex suitable and accessible for new users.

The situation

The redevelopment requires not only adaptations to the buildings, but also safe and effective access to the various parts of the complex. This requires careful consideration of the existing architecture, the different ground levels around the building and the site's protected heritage status.

A bespoke solution was therefore required for permanent access to the complex: one that could adapt to the available space, various shapes and different levels without introducing unnecessarily heavy structures.

The challenge

A traditional access structure made of steel or concrete would be relatively heavy and would generally require more substantial supporting structures and foundations. In a historic and protected environment, it is particularly important to minimise structural interventions wherever possible.

At the same time, the new access had to be suitable for permanent and intensive use. The structure needed to be safe, durable and low-maintenance, while fitting seamlessly with the geometry of the existing monastery and the newly designed outdoor space.

The combination of heritage, bespoke design, limited construction depth, varying shapes and a sustainable choice of material made this a particularly challenging design task.

Our solution

Janson Bridging Belgium was commissioned to design, engineer, supply and install permanent access decks made of glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP).

For this application, a bespoke solution based on our JFB bridge concept was selected. The structure consists of five individual prefabricated GFRP decks, complemented by several stair treads.

Together, the decks have a total length of approximately 33 metres and an average width of around 2 metres. The different shapes of the elements allow the structure to closely follow the specific conditions and geometry around the existing building.

The prefabricated decks are manufactured as monolithic GFRP structures and feature a wear-resistant anti-slip surface to provide safe and comfortable access.

Within the project, Janson Bridging Belgium is responsible for:

• design and engineering of the GFRP decks;
• structural calculations;
• design and structural calculations of the complete substructure;
• production and supply of the prefabricated elements;
• assembly and installation on site.

The application

GFRP is particularly well suited to this type of permanent access structure. The material combines low self-weight with high strength, is corrosion-resistant and requires relatively little maintenance. Its low weight also reduces the loads on the underlying structures and makes it possible to prefabricate large sections before efficiently installing them on site.

The design flexibility offered by GFRP allowed the various access decks to be specifically adapted to the geometry of the monastery and the surrounding outdoor space.

The result is a durable, low-maintenance and future-proof access solution for the historic Monastery of the Visitation, combining modern composite technology with respect for the existing heritage.