High-Strength D400 Hatch Installed in Brussels’ Urban Landscape

Study, Design and Production of a Custom-Made Stainless Steel D400 Access Hatch and Protective Cover

1) Context

As part of the redevelopment of Place Liedts in Brussels, Mecawa was invited to participate in a major project led by Beliris and the STIB. This construction site aimed to transform a strategic urban public space to improve mobility, safety, and the integration of technical infrastructure. The company Argea was responsible for carrying out the works. Within this context, Mecawa's contribution focused on designing and manufacturing a tailor-made technical solution that met the site's structural constraints and the quality requirements outlined in the specifications.

2) Partnership

The success of this project was made possible through effective collaboration between all partners involved. Beliris oversaw the project at the institutional level, managing its funding and overall coordination. The STIB provided technical expertise, particularly regarding the needs of its transport infrastructure. Argea managed the site and executed the construction work. Mecawa worked closely with these stakeholders to design, produce, and deliver a metal structure perfectly suited to the project’s specifications, meeting both deadlines and technical requirements.

3) Study, Design, Production and Delivery

Mecawa handled the entire process—from the initial study to the final production and delivery. The main component developed for this project was a custom-made technical access hatch designed to meet D400 load class standards, allowing it to withstand heavy loads such as passing heavy goods vehicle. This hatch also ensures reliable watertightness, which is essential for protecting underground technical installations.
A complementary stainless steel protective cover was designed to meet the site's aesthetic requirements while offering enhanced durability in outdoor conditions. Production was carried out entirely in Mecawa’s Belgian workshops, allowing for strict quality control at every stage. Installation on site was carried out by Argea’s teams in coordination with Mecawa experts, ensuring a smooth and compliant implementation.

4) Results and Conclusions

The project was successfully completed, achieving all the set objectives. The watertightness of the technical access points was fully ensured, the mechanical strength of the equipment met the D400 classification requirements, and all components were delivered on time. On-site installation proceeded without incident, demonstrating the quality of coordination between teams and the precision of the manufacturing process.
This project showcases Mecawa’s ability to deliver reliable, durable, custom metal solutions tailored to complex urban environments. It also highlights the importance of close collaboration between public and private stakeholders in delivering successful public-interest construction projects.