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A new sustainable, innovative, resilient district

Rout Lëns

Details

  • Surface area
    164.000 m2
  • Type
    Mixte
  • Delivery
    2025 - 2035
  • Architects-Urbanists
    Carta - Reichen et Robert Associés
Innovative urban planning, where heritage and modernity combine for the well-being of residents and nature alike. IKO designs the Next Places!

Urban redevelopment

IKO is proud to revive a site that was formerly used for steel production. Rout Lëns is becoming a district emblematic of Esch’s rebirth. We are boldly rehabilitating a remarkable heritage, making it the vibrant heart of a brand-new, ground-breaking district.

Covering 10.5 hectares, Rout Lëns is an innovative, sustainable, model district. We are creating an urban space where living together feels good. A district where the spotlight is on nature. A many-faceted neighbourhood with a wealth of facilities.

Rehabilitating

Heritage is transformed into living spaces

IKO decided to organise the « Lentille Terres-Rouges » site around the “Allée de la Culture Industrielle” and its heritage buildings: the Magasin TT, the Halle des Turbines, the Portique, the Halle des Soufflantes and the Poste d’Aiguillage. In line with our societal values, these buildings will be rehabilitated as places for meetings, local commerce, culture and sport.

Community

Spaces dedicated to living together

As Europe’s first pre-certified WELL COMMUNITY district, Rout Lëns focuses on living together. With coworking spaces, an events hall, leisure and sports areas, a neighbourhood concierge service and a shared mobility service, everything is geared to a harmonious community life.
In the passageways of some residential units, “Lënslounges” will provide additional living areas for sharing.
Shared roofs will also house vegetable gardens, greenhouses and solarium terraces with stunning views of the neighbourhood.

certification well being label

Carbon neutrality

Through the work carried out with Energie Environnement, we are aiming for Carbon Footprint Neutrality certification for the entire district by 2035.

Geothermal energy and responsible consumption

A geothermal system is planned in the district to provide a sustainable energy production solution for the whole neighbourhood, covering both heating and cooling. The SMART BUILDING approach will be applied throughout the district to encourage responsible consumption (energy, waste, thermal comfort, etc.).

Grey water heat recovery

The recovery of grey water (wastewater from showers and sinks) to supply buildings’ heating networks is also being studied.

Biodiversity

  • Planted terraces
    Outdoor spaces are highlighted, with a community approach aimed at encouraging living together in the neighbourhood
  • 6,000 m² for cultivation
    6,000 m2 will be dedicated to urban farming, to provide fruit and vegetables to part of the population.
  • 700 trees planted
    700 trees will be planted throughout the district to reintroduce nature to this former industrial site.
  • Rainwater harvesting
    Thanks to 50% green roofs, rainwater will be recovered to water the greenspaces.

Fostering soft mobility

Rout Lëns will be accessible via the new « Vëloexpresswee » national express bike route.

Environmentally friendly individual travel

Charging points for electric vehicles and car sharing are planned to encourage environmentally friendly individual travel.

High-speed tram

The new Luxembourg high-speed tram network route will also pass through Esch-sur-Alzette.

No surface parking

A pedestrian-friendly district with the Allée de la Culture Industrielle and no surface parking.

01/ 04
Promoting Rout Lëns through tools like the immersive model, the IKO AR app and public events like Summer Rout Lëns is part of my daily work at IKO, and means that I can help a large number of people understand what the future will be like.
Nathalie Tips
Rout Lëns Senior Brand Manager
Rehabilitating a wasteland like Rout Lëns is a challenge that involves the compatibility of the soil (through the site’s remediation) and the development of infrastructure in line with the district’s sustainable approach.
Aline Picard
Senior Project Manager • Urban Development and Concept

Urban Farming

A short-circuit approach

The aim is to create a fertile ecosystem enabling a farmer to feed a neighbourhood using the short-circuit approach. So this plot of some 6,000 m2 for cultivation will be developed to provide fruit and vegetables to part of the population. The urban farm will also have an educational role, with the organisation of workshops and training courses.

Rout Lëns is truly inspiring, with its mixed programme, its cultural offer – an aspect often neglected in the development of new districts – and its ecological DNA, which takes every form.
Tatiana Fabeck
Fabeck Architectures
Chronicle of a neighbourhood.

Discover the Rout Lëns bookazine

Each year, IKO publishes the bookazine: a look back at the past year that shows how the project is progressing.

Each edition also provides a chance to meet the people involved, and highlights the collective work behind the emergence of this new district.

Lire l'édition 2022
Integrating the new district into the existing built-up area

Rout Lëns: new apartments, offices and shops in Esch-sur-Alzette

Rout Lëns is being developed through the joint efforts of Esch’s residents and the public authorities. Everyone is keen to integrate the new district seamlessly into the existing built-up area.
With a growing population in Esch and the country as a whole, the need for infrastructure is increasing. Rout Lëns provides a response, creating a new dynamic area where it is pleasant to live.
– 13,770 m² will be devoted to schools and community services,
– 9,810 m² are dedicated to shops and private services,
– 8,000 m² will be used as workplaces.

A large number of buildings of all sizes will provide different types of accommodation. Students, families, couples and singles, whatever their age or social situation, will be able to find a suitable place to live.
Rout Lëns is designed to make everyday life easier for everyone. Soft mobility is encouraged. Everything is provided: daycare, a school, homes for the elderly, concierge services and more. The local and circular economy will also be encouraged. There will even be an urban farm.

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