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Journal.
Regulation, technical expertise, behind the scenes of the studio and of construction sites. A structured quarterly read.
Réglementation
Primes Habitation in Wallonia, last day before the Rénopack
The temporary Primes Habitation scheme ends on 30 September 2026. Here is what you can still submit, what the Rénopack and Rénoprêt change from 1 October, and how to prepare your file with STARC and Optibim.
September 29, 2026
Réglementation
Rainwater on your plot, the hierarchy you need to follow
Infiltrate first, discharge to a watercourse next, connect to the sewer only as a last resort. Here's how to apply the Walloon rainwater hierarchy, with practical solutions, order-of-magnitude figures and what the circular of 16 July 2026 changes.
September 25, 2026
Réglementation
End of Habitation grants in Wallonia, what changes on 1 October 2026
The Walloon Habitation grant scheme ends on 30 September 2026. From 1 October, regional support will run through two loans, Rénopack and Rénoprêt, reserved for the least energy efficient homes. What you still need to submit this week and how to prepare your audit.
September 24, 2026
Expertise technique
BIM the digital revolution in construction
BIM is not just about 3D. It is a shared working method across all disciplines in a project. How STARC and Optibim apply it in practice, and what is changing in Wallonia and Brussels.
Projets
Collaborative spaces new trends
With hybrid working, the office is becoming a meeting place rather than just a row of desks. STARC and Optibim take stock of the new types of spaces, Belgian air quality regulations and the transformation of existing buildings.
Expertise technique
Water management in urban projects
In Wallonia as in Brussels, rainwater is now managed at plot level. STARC and Optibim explain the rules in force, the practical solutions (swales, storage roofs, rainwater tanks) and our method, from survey to certificate.
Projets
Bioclimatic architecture in practice
New build Q-ZEN house, renovated farmhouse, converted Brussels building: STARC and Optibim show how bioclimatic principles are put into practice in projects across Wallonia and Brussels, in line with current regulations.
Coulisses
Architecture in the service of wellbeing
How does design influence quality of life? We show you how STARC and Optibim work with natural light, indoor air, summer comfort and acoustics. We start from Belgian standards and precise surveys of the existing building.
Coulisses
The role of natural light in design
Natural light decisions start at the sketch stage. Here's how our practice approaches it: Brussels and Walloon regulations, our surveying and simulation tools, the balance with EPB (energy performance) requirements, and practical solutions for renovation.
Actualités
Material reuse towards circular architecture
Material reuse is becoming standard practice in Wallonia and Brussels. Regional frameworks, available tools, project examples and pitfalls to avoid: the view from STARC and Optibim.
Réglementation
Universal accessibility in architecture
Accessibility often comes down to a few centimetres. We take stock of the Walloon (GRU) and Brussels (RRU) rules and the key dimensions to remember. You will also find the pitfalls to avoid, in new build and renovation alike.
Réglementation
Architecture and heritage reconciling past and future
Listed, flagged or located in a protection zone: in Wallonia as in Brussels, renovating an old building follows precise rules. Here are the procedures, the grants, the EPB (energy performance) requirements and our method for a successful project.