At the LEY construction site in Diest, the construction team celebrated an important milestone: the project has reached its highest point. Together with client A. Verelst Development, subcontractors and partners, Democo took a moment to recognise the work already completed. With fries for the construction team and the topping-out flag as a visible sign on site.
81 apartments along the Demer
On the Turnhoutsebaan in Diest, Democo is building LEY, a residential project with 81 apartments spread across four buildings. The site is located close to the station, the city centre and the Demer.
Construction started in December 2024. According to the current schedule, completion is planned by the end of 2026. A shared underground basement of approximately 3,800 m² will be built underneath the four buildings.
A place in the station area
LEY is part of the ongoing redevelopment of the station area in Diest. Each of the four buildings will have its own shape and character. The terraces have been designed with attention to natural light, privacy and the location along the Demer.
The execution also requires a carefully considered approach. The site has height differences and the project includes cantilevered terraces. This calls for extensive preparation, coordination and craftsmanship on site.
Building together
Reaching the highest point shows how much work has already been done. On site, but also in the preparation, coordination and collaboration behind the scenes.
“The highest point is always a special moment on a construction site,” says Frederik Bijnens, Project Manager at Democo. “It shows how much work has already been done by our site team, our subcontractors and all partners. By planting a tree through TreebyTree, we also give this milestone lasting meaning.”
For A. Verelst Development as well, this is a moment to reflect on what is taking shape here.
“The topping-out tree gives this project a beautiful and festive touch today: not only because we are completing an important construction phase, but also because we are consciously taking a moment to reflect on what is emerging here. Residence LEY is taking shape more and more, and step by step, a place is growing along the Demer where people will soon truly live the way we envisioned,” says Amaury Verelst, owner and managing director of A. Verelst Development.
From topping-out tree to topping-out forest
Traditionally, contractors celebrate the highest point with a topping-out tree. Democo gives this tradition a more sustainable meaning. Together with TreebyTree, Democo has a real tree planted in the client’s name at milestones like this. In this way, the Democo Topping-Out Forest in Madagascar grows with every construction site. A tangible way to connect the topping-out tradition with sustainable construction and social impact.
Partners
LEY is being built in collaboration with A. Verelst Development, Agremarco, Sahaty, D&A Architecten, Dubimax and Geotec.
