Reawakening the modernist Marnix landmark
When an iconic building like the Marnix in Brussels undergoes transformation, the architectural world watches. Designed in the 1960s by Gordon Bunshaft, the building was long regarded as a paragon of progress and innovation. Since 1998, it has housed the Belgian headquarters of the multinational banking corporation ING for over 2000 employees, embedding the modernist landmark into city's daily rhythm.
Sixty years after its completion, that clarity had weakened. Layers of later interventions had turned a once-legible structure into a rigid workplace where spatial logic and acoustic comfort were increasingly compromised.
After nearly three years of renovation led by Moreno and A2M Architects, ING reopened its Belgian headquarters. One of the most ambitious office renovations in the country, the project set out to restore Bunshaft's architectural intent with comfort for contemporary work rhythms. Central to this ambition was the extensive use of Rockfon solutions that deliver Class A noise control for optimised office acoustics.
A seamless ceiling for Bunshaft's vision
To support the spatial clarity of the building, the design team selected the seamless acoustic solution Rockfon Mono Acoustic for the majority of spaces at the Marnix, including its reception area, working areas, and canteen, all installed by certified installer Lusobati. A2M lead architect Sebastian Moreno-Vacca explains the choice: “We discovered a monolithic acoustic ceiling in a museum: a beautiful ceiling, without visible lighting or technical installations. Such ceilings are normally used mainly in iconic buildings, museums, or hotels, but they are also valuable in offices.”
"Rockfon meets all the requirements: fire safety, acoustic performance, flexibility to allow for repairs or modifications, and is Cradle to Cradle Certified at the Silver level," says interior architect Dorothée Peeters.
Approximately 25 000 square metres of Rockfon Mono Acoustic were installed across the building – or roughly the size of 3.5 standard FIFA football pitches. "Modular suspended ceilings are normally used in offices to conceal technical equipment, but here we wanted a seamless, tranquil ceiling that provides both overview and tranquility. We installed the technology in the floor, an aesthetic solution that fits perfectly with ING's Belgian headquarters”, explains Fabrice Alen, area sales manager at Rockfon.
Precision installation in a listed site
The corridors house a significant amount of technical, ventilation, and maintenance infrastructure, making a monolithic ceiling less practical for inspections and constant plenum access. In these areas, as well as in technical rooms, the modular Rockfon Bandraster Dznl system with concealed profiles was installed.
Featuring a bandraster main runner concealed along the long side of the acoustic ceiling tiles, the system provides flexibility for large span distances while maintaining a refined visual finish. Combined with ultra-white Rockfon Blanka acoustic ceiling tiles, the solution delivers acoustic performance without disrupting the architectural expression of the spaces.
Double certifications for the Marnix
As part of the complete renovation, the building’s CO₂ emissions were reduced by 76 percent and the building was upgraded to Passive House standards, supporting ING's efforts in environmental stewardship. The material selection of the Rockfon acoustic ceilings supports the achievement of two building scheme certifications: BREEAM "Outstanding" and WELL Platinum. Rockfon acoustic solutions contribute to earning BREEAM credits across key categories including Management, Health and Well-Being, Materials, Waste, and Innovation and contribute to multiple WELL concepts such as Sound, Air, Materials, and Comfort.
As a listed building with protected façades, installation required close coordination between Rockfon, contractor Louis De Waele, and installer Lusobati. Lusobati CEO Antonio da Silva describes Marnix as one of the most challenging projects of recent years: “The large surface areas, the amount of natural light, and the high emphasis on flatness meant that everything had to be executed with the utmost precision.”
