La Confluence: The perfect design for a mix of history and innovative architecture

Namur's latest gem, La Confluence, has transformed the neglected district of 'Le Grognon' since 2021. Located at the junction of the Sambre and Meuse rivers, the once forgotten site now thrives with an array of attractions. In just a short span of time, Namur has breathed new life into this historical area, granting it a remarkable and rejuvenated identity. The shadow of the citadel now lays upon an esplanade, a pedestrian bridge, lush green spaces, and a striking contemporary building.  

La Confluence project is in Namur's historic core, adjacent to the iconic citadel and the junction of the Sambre and Meuse rivers. The site has now become a meeting place for locals and tourists: after half a century of neglect, the area has been reborn into a vibrant space featuring a pedestrian-friendly esplanade, green zones, and a versatile multipurpose building. The transformation of La Confluence symbolizes the harmonious blend of history and modernity in this remarkable city making it an example of innovative architecture.

The building at the extreme point of the confluence was named NID, for 'Namur Intelligent and Sustainable'. This part of the building serves as a hub for creativity and experimentation, embodying the city's vision for tomorrow. Beneath the NID’s floor lies a four-story parking facility, while the building itself houses a restaurant with a terrace, a multipurpose room, and a dynamic Living Lab. Beyond revitalizing the site's allure, the NID stands as a testament to Namur's ambitions, establishing itself as a vibrant, forward-thinking, and inventive capital in the heart of Wallonia.

Elevate Master Contractor Protoitures skillfully sealed the roof of La Confluence using RubberGard LSFR EPDM membrane with a thickness of 1.5 mm. The roofing membrane was chosen due to its outstanding durability and flexibility, which allowed the uniquely designed site to be well waterproofed with a reliable roofing material. Placed on top of the vapor barrier and insulation, RubberGard EPDM covered a total roof area of 3,000 m2, ensuring watertight protection for decades. A portion of the roof was ballasted with walkways and stairs, while the other section featured a captivating extensive green roof. Notably, RubberGard EPDM proved ideal for the building's significant slope, ensuring exceptional performance.

The revitalization plan for Namur's historic Le Grognon district shows a strong commitment on enhancing the experience for pedestrians and cyclists. Notably, a walkway combined with benches gracefully winds between the lush green roof on top of La Confluence building, complemented by a spacious esplanade designed to host social gatherings and events. Namur is now seamlessly connected to the neighboring city of Jambes via a dedicated pedestrian and cyclist bridge spanning the Meuse River. To further prioritize soft mobility, traffic patterns have been altered, and a new roundabout constructed, reestablishing direct access to the Meuse. 

EPDM is the most future-proof roofing solution when it comes to sustainability, performance and design freedom. Learn more about the role it played within this project and many others by discovering its benefits.