The new sustainable, innovative, and resilient neighbourhood in Esch-sur-Alzette

Red Lens

Live at the heart of history

Discover the New Neighbourhood of Esch-sur-Alzette: Rout Lëns

Located in the south-west of Esch, between the city centre, the Hiehl district, and the French border, this new Luxembourgish district transcends its rich industrial past to become a sustainable, innovative, and resilient living space.

With 1,428 homes across 163,226 sqm, the neighbourhood emphasises community spirit, social and generational diversity, and sustainability, while integrating art and culture into its unique identity.

Ideal location

Esch-sur-Alzette: Luxembourg’s Second Largest City

By 2050, an estimated 65,000 people will call Esch home. Rout Lëns is perfectly aligned with this dynamic growth!

The neighbourhood is ideally located:

  • 15 minutes’ walk from Esch train station
  • 5 minutes by train to Esch-Belval
  • 25 minutes by train to Luxembourg City
  • 45 minutes by car to Metz
  • 16 minutes’ walk to Esch’s shopping street
Take a 3D tour of Rout Lëns

Heritage

The Rout Lëns district derives its name from the history of the Terres-Rouges and the lens-shaped configuration of its geographical perimeter. The Industrial Heritage Walk is made up of five heritage buildings:

  • Magasin TT
  • Halle des Turbines
  • Portique de la Möllerei
  • Halle des Soufflantes
  • Poste d’Aiguillage

This walkway structures the entire project harmoniously from east to west. Exclusively designed for pedestrians, it highlights the remnants of the past, offering an enriching experience to both residents and visitors. Additionally, the walkway features green and convivial spaces along its route, creating an environment conducive to relaxation and socialisation.

the TT Store

Built in the 20th century, the TT Store supplied all kinds of equipment for both operations and employees. It also housed a brewery.

Its three-level volume and façades rhythmically adorned with pilasters undoubtedly present architectural, heritage, and historical interest.

Once a place of conviviality and interaction, the project aims to retain its original functions. Its impressive metal framework, for example, will house a microbrewery and a restaurant. These two projects align with the values under consideration.

Pending these final uses, it will be the first building to be restored starting in 2024.

The Turbine Hall

Built in 1901, the Turbine Hall is the flagship of the site.

On industrial sites of this scale, turbines were used to generate the electricity needed for steel production.

The Turbine Hall is a large rectangular building with varying heights. Its structure and façades present significant architectural interest.

In the new project, it will become a hub for culture and new technologies. Exhibitions and concerts will be hosted in a multifunctional hall. There will also be space allocated for a coworking area.

The Möllerei Gantry

This building, resembling a gigantic millipede, was used to load liquid pig iron into railway wagons.

In the new project, its “perched hall” will be restored. The space between its metal legs is intended to remain open, allowing passers-by to admire the structure. They will also likely encounter climbing plant curtains, such as suspended hops, which could be cultivated to supply the microbrewery.

Dedicated to socialising and seasonal fairground activities, the area around the gantry is designed as a space for engagement and gatherings.

The Blowing Hall

A blowing machine is a component of a blast furnace that provides the necessary combustion air for its operation.

The highly distinctive architecture of the Blowing Hall, built in the 20th century, makes it a strong symbol of the site. Its central height reaches 20 metres.

The real estate project plans to retain its current design with minimal alterations.

Its very thin walls and large windows make it impossible to heat, making it an ideal venue for urban sports! For example, a 16-metre-high climbing wall could be installed, delighting local climbers. Other covered sports facilities could also be accommodated.

The Signal Box

Much smaller in size, the Signal Box also dates from the 20th century. It directed the trains serving the site.

Its distinctive hat-shaped design has earned it several nicknames, such as the “U-boat” or the “mushroom.”

It will be converted into a unique accommodation for passing tourists seeking original experiences.

A historic and cultural district

Culture plays a central role at the heart of Rout Lëns’ identity.

Collaboration with artistic stakeholders helps to preserve and reinvent the site’s history. Since 2021, numerous cultural initiatives have been launched, including the Francofolies Esch/Alzette, Rout Lupp, Le Summer Rout Lëns, photographic exhibitions, the IKO AR heritage app, a comic book, light installations, and much more.

These enriching initiatives weave a dynamic fabric in harmony with events such as the Night of Culture, Konschthal, KulturFabrik, the Schlassgoart gallery, La Kulturlaf, Le LBO, and many others.

1.Revolutionary Geothermal Energy

Rout Lëns stands out as the first district of its scale to be heated and cooled using geothermal energy. This renewable energy source ensures exceptional energy efficiency while significantly reducing the carbon footprint, placing the district at the forefront of environmental innovation.

2. Diverse Housing

With 1,428 homes, Rout Lëns offers a variety of living spaces, including private residences, public housing, student accommodation, and housing for the elderly. This range of housing promotes social and generational diversity, fostering a dynamic and inclusive community.

3. WELL Community Precertification and Carbon Footprint Neutral

Rout Lëns takes pride in its WELL Community Precertification, highlighting its commitment to a supportive, sustainable, and balanced community. Additionally, the district is carbon neutral in terms of operations and construction methods, with a 20% reduction compared to the Luxembourg average for carbon emissions.

4. Nature, Health, and Well-being

The central location of Rout Lëns provides optimal accessibility to the city centre of Esch-sur-Alzette, whether by train, on foot, by bicycle, or by car. The district is designed for easy and sustainable mobility. An urban farm of 6,000 m², 700 planted trees, and 50% green roofs contribute to a connection with nature within the city.

5 values

  • 01.Openness
  • 02.Ingenuity
  • 03.Optimism
  • 04.Anchorage
  • 05.Alchemy

Pillars

Rout Lëns is shaped around four pillars

In practice, the values are embodied in four foundational urban and architectural pillars:

  • The urban structure centred around the Industrial Heritage Walk
  • The built form: Building heights vary to avoid monotony
  • The place of nature: 700 trees planted throughout the district
  • A sustainable and innovative district: geothermal energy, photovoltaics, home automation, etc.

The design of Rout Lëns prioritises a synergy with the surrounding nature, incorporating greenery not only in parks and gardens but also on building rooftops, bringing a green lung to the urban core.

As a protected living environment where cars circulate only underground, children can thrive in safety. Rout Lëns is designed to encourage intergenerational living, with facilities such as a school and a retirement home integrated to foster social interactions.

Maquette 3D