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.
A new sustainable, innovative, resilient district
Rout Lëns
Details
- Surface area164.000 m2
- TypeMixte
- Delivery2025 - 2035
- Architects-UrbanistsCarta - 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
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.
Biodiversity
- Planted terracesOutdoor spaces are highlighted, with a community approach aimed at encouraging living together in the neighbourhood
- 6,000 m² for cultivation6,000 m2 will be dedicated to urban farming, to provide fruit and vegetables to part of the population.
- 700 trees planted700 trees will be planted throughout the district to reintroduce nature to this former industrial site.
- Rainwater harvestingThanks to 50% green roofs, rainwater will be recovered to water the greenspaces.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.