Restoration of the Basilica of Our Lady of Basse-Wavre

The City of Wavre - Quality of Life Department - Buildings Service in Belgium from Europe region has released this tender for The present work concerns the restoration of the exterior and interior of the Basilica of Our Lady of Basse-Wavre. The objective of this restoration is to ensure the buildings long-term preservation while maintaining its current characteristics and its various archaeological layers. The work also includes streamlining and upgrading the technical installations so that the Basilica can continue to be used as a place of worship. The contract is divided into two lots: > Lot 1 - Restoration of the exterior and interior: This lot includes the general site preparation, roofing, facades, exterior joinery, and interior work. > Lot 2 - Restoration of the stained glass windows: This lot includes all work specific to the stained glass windows. The Basilica of Our Lady of Basse-Wavre is listed as a Monument under the Royal Decree of March 8, 1938. Philosophy of Intervention: The Basilica of Our Lady of Basse-Wavre, as we see it today, is the result of modifications and expansions spanning eight consecutive centuries, with a final major transformation in the 18th century, likely carried out by the court architect Guillaume De Bruyne. This last transformation irrevocably changed the buildings morphology, making it impossible to return to its previous state. The work undertaken in the 18th century was marked by a desire to unify the church, aiming for greater harmony in its perception, so that it would be seen as a unified whole rather than as the addition of elements from different periods (construction of the south aisle on the foundations of the north aisle, a symmetrically designed west façade, etc.). The building, however, retains in its masonry subtle traces of its evolution over the centuries, like successive layers. Each renovation/transformation has added a new layer, reflecting the methods and style of its time. Our approach is rooted in a desire to preserve these successive layers as both a historical and archaeological testament to the buildings evolution. We will opt for a restoration that respects the materials and the buildings current morphology, including its irregularities and variations. Particular attention will be paid to the older structures, their typology, characteristics, and identity, in order to propose interventions that enhance their value for future generations. More specifically, four criteria frame our restoration and renovation philosophy for the Basilica. These criteria serve as a guiding principle for determining intervention options for the various structures. For each new option, we will ensure its consistency with this philosophy, thereby achieving unity in the planned interventions.The four criteria for the Basilica of Our Lady of Basse-Wavre are as follows:  Preservation/safeguarding of the building in its current state (no return to a previous state, no demolitions), preservation of the materials and construction methods, safeguarding of the various archaeological strata/layers;  The sustainability/stability of the proposed interventions through restoration of the structures according to the current situation and, if necessary, the implementation of specific contemporary protections or improvements in order to create optimal conditions for preservation and sustainability, while respecting the heritage values ​​of the constituent elements;  Cost optimization by addressing priority issues that may have an impact on the sustainability/conservation of the structures, but without reconstructing missing elements or those of purely aesthetic interest;  The guarantee of being able to use the building according to its current purpose and in an optimal manner. The proposal therefore leans towards a "restoration-conservation" approach, in the sense that we seek to restore the structural and functional properties (of a structure and its materials) necessary for the long-term preservation of the building. Restoration of the structural and functional properties of a structure or its materials is achieved either through replacement, repair, or consolidation, or by implementing protective measures. with tender notice no. 716329-2026 published on 16 Oct 2026. The tender is due to expire on 30 Nov 2026. This tender is sourced from TED Europa and is eligible for suppliers interested in Preservation services of historical sites and buildings, Preservation services of historical sites, Preservation services of historical buildings, Restoration work. Interested bidders can obtain further information including complete bid documents or ways to participate by registering on Tender Impulse and referencing via Tender Impulse ID 15628050.