The Emile Bockstael nursery school consists of three floors for 280 preschoolers, and is built to Passiefhuis standards. In addition, the energy consumption is greatly minimized, including through extensive insulation and an excellent airtightness.

In addition, in the winter passive solar gain is maximized through large, south facing glass areas. Flexible solar shading is installed for the summer period. Attention is also paid to the materials used. Thus, the school is built of solid wood that remains visible on the inside.

Maximum energy is recovered from ventilation air by using mechanical ventilation. With an earth-to-air heat exchanger, in the winter air is pre-heated, and cooled off in the summer. The ventilation air change rate is adjusted according to the occupation of a room. Heating is accomplished using a heat pump with horizontal ground heat exchanger, mostly through the air. Finally, the lighting is equipped with presence detectors and daylight dimming.

In September 2011, this project has been shortlisted by 2020Challenge. This competition awards the most innovative, sustainable projects of Belgian engineering companies.