EV charging destination in Belgium recognized in the Sustainable Commercial Building category

Fastned has announced that the restaurant and retail facilities at its flagship fast-charging stations in Gentbrugge North and Gentbrugge South, Belgium, have received the Popular Choice Award in the Sustainable Commercial Building category at the 2026 Architizer A+Awards.

Fastned's fast charging stations at Gentbrugge North and South opened in September 2025.
Photo credit: Fastned/Eva Bloem

The Architizer A+Awards is one of the world's leading international architecture awards programs, celebrating outstanding architecture and spatial design. The Popular Choice Award is selected through public voting, recognizing projects that resonate strongly with audiences around the world.

Reimagining the Future of Highway Service Areas

Opened in September 2025, Gentbrugge North and South are Fastned's largest charging locations to date. Designed as more than conventional roadside stops, the facilities combine fast charging for passenger vehicles and trucks with a restaurant, a 24-hour self-service shop, outdoor play areas, picnic spaces, showers, and well-maintained restroom facilities. The architecture places sustainability at the center of the design. The buildings feature a timber structure, green roofs, and expansive glazing that maximizes natural daylight. Soil excavated during construction was reused to shape the surrounding landscape, while a layer of seashells replaces a conventional concrete ground slab to provide structural stability. Recycled concrete is used wherever concrete remains necessary, further reducing the project's environmental impact. Mechanical systems are fully integrated into the walls, eliminating exposed ceiling services and creating clean, open interiors. Combined with natural materials and abundant daylight, the design offers a calm and welcoming environment where drivers can comfortably spend their charging time.

These all-electric service areas are Fastned's largest locations to date.
Photo credit: Fastned/Eva Bloem

A Nature-Inspired Vision for Electric Mobility

Since its founding in 2012, Fastned has been developing one of Europe's largest fast-charging networks. The company is known for its iconic Solar Tree canopies and nature-inspired architectural language, positioning charging stations not simply as infrastructure but as welcoming public destinations. Max Boerman, Product Owner Retail Design at Fastned, described Gentbrugge as the embodiment of the company's vision for the future of service areas. The recognition follows Fastned's selection as a finalist in the 2025 DesignEuropa Industry Awards, where its Solar Tree charging canopy was chosen from more than 1,250 entries, further demonstrating the company's growing reputation for combining sustainable mobility infrastructure with architectural excellence.

Fastned's Gentbrugge fast charging stations feature a full-service restaurant and shop.
Photo credit: Fastned/Eva Bloem

Sustainable materials and lots of natural light create a pleasant atmosphere for travellers.
Photo credit: Fastned/Eva Bloem

About Fastned

Founded in 2012, Fastned is a European fast-charging company with a mission to accelerate the transition to electric mobility. The company develops and operates a rapidly expanding network of fast-charging stations powered by renewable energy across Europe. Recognized for its nature-inspired architecture and customer-focused design, Fastned is listed on Euronext Amsterdam (AMS: FAST) and is a certified B Corp.