AFH Chievres

USAG Benelux-SHAPE in Chièvres, Belgium has established the requirement for 314 total dwelling units for accompanied personnel. This phase will be to construct 84 of those dwellings. There are currently 66 built-to-lease units located throughout the area and three government-owned facilities located in Mons, leaving a deficit of 248 Army Family Housing units. With limited housing inventory, most families rent privately-owned housing on the economy.

Rental housing units are currently the only viable option to meet the required family housing deficit, but the unpredictable costs, regular maintenance, and on-conforming DoD criteria standards do not meet long-term planning efforts for the region. New facilities will comply with current AFH standards for space, security, and storage.

This project will provide complete and usable housing for 84 families and comply with operational vision and goals for enhanced quality of life; providing sustainable infrastructure; improving walkability and connectivity; and creating a culturally relevant AFH community. The 84 dwellings for this project will be comprised of Junior Enlisted 3-Bedroom units and Junior Enlisted 4-Bedroom units personnel.

The new housing units will include a living area, kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, storage, attached garage, driveway, patio, green space and private entrance. Supporting facilities include a playground, site development and improvements, parking, residential sprinklers, utilities and connections, lighting, walkways, storm drainage, landscaping and signage. Accessibility for Individuals with Disabilities requirements are included within this project along with Sustainability and energy enhancement measures.

Heating for the conditioned space will be provided by heat pumps. Air conditioning will not be required in Belgium. Project shall comply with the Army Standard for Family Housing in UFC 4-711-01 and the Europe Army Family Housing standard design guide. Design and construction includes requirements of current Sustainable Design Development and Policy Update (Environmental and Energy Performance).

Facilities will be designed for a 40 year life and be in accordance with UFC 1-200-02 to include energy efficiency, building envelope, and integrated building systems performance. There is a likelihood of PFAS in the soil that will need remediation or cut and fill. There will be required site work in the general vicinity of the buildings including shrubbery and tree planting.