Technical expertise for complex building projects • Sotrelco

Approval of contractors

The Class column indicates monetary amount limits for work to which a company may commit. The category and subcategory, and the type of work a company can carry out. Sotrelco is in Class 8 for categories D, D1, D16, D17, D18 and P1, and in Class 6 for category P2.

Conformity

Sotrelco is committed to ensuring compliance with legal requirements, promoting safety, energy efficiency and sustainability in our projects.

With regard to electrical installations, we comply with the Belgian standard NBN C 15-100, which lays down the rules for design, construction and safety, and the RGIE (General Regulations for Electrical Installations) in its 2023 version.

For heating, we use the NBN EN 12831 standard to calculate heating requirements and determine indoor temperatures. We also take into account the requirements of the Energy Performance of Buildings (EPB) regulation, which sets criteria for energy efficiency and insulation.

Regarding air conditioning and ventilation, we comply with NBN EN 378, which sets requirements for the safety, design, installation, maintenance and dismantling of refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.

In the Brussels-Capital Region, we comply with the EPB Ordinance, which sets requirements in terms of energy performance, as well as the RABC regulation, which regulates the activities of air-conditioning systems. In the Walloon Region, we comply with the specific EPB regulations as well as the regulations concerning gas installations. We also take into account the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which establishes a regulatory framework for improving the energy performance of buildings in the European Union.

Revit Cloud Worksharing

Sotrelco uses Revit Cloud Worksharing to collaborate effectively with architects and planners. The most important advantages include:

Simultaneous access to models: Allow multiple users to work on the same project at the same time, accessing the central model stored in the cloud. This avoids version conflicts and ensures that all parties are working on the latest version of the project in real time.

Real-time collaboration: Thanks to real-time synchronisation, changes made by one team are immediately visible to others, promoting transparent communication between the various stakeholders. Comments and annotations can be added directly to the model.

Monitoring of changes and contributions: Revit Cloud Worksharing saves all changes made to the model and can track the history of changes. This makes it easier to understand the changes made by each party and improves traceability of the project.

Reduction of conflicts and errors: Using a centralised model reduces the risk of conflicts between different disciplines and improves coordination. Specific permissions are determined for each user.

Offline access and automatic updates: Users can access models and work offline, and then synchronise their changes once back online. Moreover, software updates are handled automatically by the system, avoiding compatibility problems between different software versions.

Building Information Modelling

Sotrelco has fully integrated Building Information Modelling (BIM) into its processes to offer our customers advanced technical solutions and efficient management of their construction projects.

We are able to achieve integrated and coordinated designs of electrical and HVAC systems. By integrating these systems into the overall 3D model of the building, we visualise their interaction with other elements, allowing us to detect potential conflicts early on and ensure harmonious coordination between the different project stakeholders.

In addition, using BIM means we can carry out in-depth analyses of the performance of the technical systems we implement. We conduct energy simulations and airflow analyses, then optimise lighting, ventilation and heating to ensure optimal energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Accurate quantification of the materials and equipment required is also a major advantage of our BIM expertise. We use detailed information from BIM models to accurately plan and estimate costs, ensuring rigorous budget management and cost control for our customers.

Sotrelco is also committed to optimising construction coordination through BIM. By providing a common and up-to-date model to all involved teams, we reduce the risk of interference and conflict when installing electrical and HVAC systems, so that work is carried out smoothly and efficiently.

Data on equipment, user manuals and maintenance procedures are integrated into the BIM model, facilitating the planning and execution of maintenance activities, thus ensuring optimum durability and performance of technical systems.

DIALux

For lighting projects, Sotrelco asks the suppliers consulted to carry out a design study using DIALux systems. It is used to assess the quality, efficiency and visual impact of lighting. The study is performed using DIALux software, which provides precise calculations of light distribution, 3D visual simulations and energy analyses.

DIALux analyses are crucial to ensure compliance with project specific standards and requirements. They act to ensure uniformity of lighting and energy efficiency optimisation. By simulating different lighting scenarios, the visual impact can be evaluated and the ideal configurations can be found to create the desired visual atmosphere and comfort.

The detailed reports generated from DIALux studies serve as documentation and communication media. They allow designers, customers and stakeholders to visualise lighting calculation results, parameters used and recommendations. These reports are essential tools for making informed decisions and ensuring effective coordination between all parties involved in the lighting project.

Caneco

Sotrelco uses the Caneco software suite to dimension electrical installations. Caneco calculates the appropriate cable dimensions taking into account current volumes and lengths of electrical circuits, as well as specific parameters such as cable type and ambient temperature. Caneco checks short-circuit currents in electrical installations and is used to assess the ability of protection devices to interrupt short-circuit current in the event of a fault, while complying with current safety standards.

Caneco has a comprehensive database of electrical component specifications and technical standards, making it easy to select the right equipment for electrical installations.

Caneco also generates detailed reports, electrical diagrams and equipment lists, making it easy to document and report results.

KNX

The KNX protocol is an open international standard for communication in the field of home automation and Centralised Technical Management (CTM). It is used to connect and control various equipment and systems in residential and commercial buildings, such as lighting, heating, air conditioning, blinds, doors, alarms, etc. The main advantages include:

Interoperability: KNX is a manufacturer-independent protocol, which means that it allows interoperability between different manufacturers and suppliers of KNX equipment. This means that you can choose products from different manufacturers and integrate them into a KNX system without compatibility issues.

Flexibility: KNX offers great flexibility in terms of system expansion and modification. You can add new devices or functions to the existing KNX network without the need for extensive wiring work. This makes the system scalable and adaptable to changing needs.

Centralised control: KNX provides centralised control of different connected systems and devices. You can manage and control lighting, heating, air conditioning, etc., from a central point or using mobile apps. This provides better comfort, energy efficiency and simplified management.

Intelligent automation: With KNX, you can create scenarios and automation rules for different building functions. For example, you can program predefined lighting scenes for different times of the day or automate heating based on temperature sensors. This optimises energy performance and simplifies daily use.

Remote monitoring and management: KNX enables remote monitoring and management of connected systems. You can monitor energy consumption, detect faults or anomalies, and even control the system remotely via a secure connection. This facilitates preventive maintenance and quick troubleshooting.

DALI

DALI stands for “Digital Addressable Lighting Interface”. DALI is a standardised communication protocol used for the control and management of lighting systems.

The DALI protocol allows each lighting fixture connected to the DALI network to be controlled individually and digitally. Each lighting fixture has a unique address that is used to identify and control it independently. In a system that integrates DALI and KNX, KNX typically acts as a centralised management system for the entire building, while DALI is specifically used for monitoring and controlling lighting fixtures.

DALI and KNX can be integrated in different ways:

DALI/KNX gateway: A gateway makes it possible to link the two protocols by converting KNX commands to DALI commands and vice versa. This means that DALI light fixtures can be controlled and integrated into the KNX system.

DALI module for KNX: Some manufacturers offer DALI modules that can be connected directly to a KNX bus. These modules act as interfaces between the two protocols, thus integrating DALI devices into the KNX system.

Broad knowledge of technical regulations

Advanced design capabilities

3D view of an HVAC installation

Layout drawing of a high-voltage cabinet

Single-line diagram of a video intercom system installation

Software: Collaboration and interoperability

Specialities

Work in occupied housing

Integrating projects in existing structures

No service disruption

Coordination of electrical & HVAC work

Technical complexity

Orientation service

Stories

Public charging stations

Installation of high-voltage cabinets without interruption to electrical service

Work dealing with purified ventilation, medical fluids and legionellosis prevention

300 km of cabling in a shopping centre

Home automation and lighting design

Micro-perforated ventilation ducts

Pool use rate and drowning detection

Automation in office buildings

Infiltration swales

Refurbishment for rental purposes

Nursing and care homes

Construction of a timber-framed floor

Custom installations in apartments

Fire detection at fire stations

Green renovation