Belgium’s construction sector continues to show resilience, supported by sustained public and private investment and a growing need for efficient housing solutions. Against this backdrop, Sarens recently supported a modular housing project in Herzele, contributing to the rapid deployment of new residential units in the region.

For this project, Sarens was responsible for the installation of large prefabricated residential modules, providing a fast and efficient alternative to traditional construction methods. Modular housing allows complete homes to be delivered in a significantly shorter timeframe — approximately three months from production to final finishing — helping address housing demand with minimal on-site disruption.

The operation involved the installation of modules measuring 6,30 m in width and weighing 20 tonnes each. Using an LTM1110-5.1 crane, Sarens completed the lifting and positioning of the modules in just one hour. Despite the apparent simplicity of the lift itself, the project required detailed preparation and precise execution.

One of the main challenges during planning was the extremely limited access to the site. The passage available for the modules measured only 6.50 m, leaving minimal clearance for manoeuvring units measuring 6,30 m × 3,4 m × 15 m, with an operating radius of 14,5 m. To ensure safe and efficient installation, approximately 20 road plates were deployed, and the crane configuration was carefully optimised for the site conditions.

Transportation added another layer of complexity. The modules travelled 135 kilometres along narrow Belgian roads, requiring the operation to be carried out over two nights. The transport convoy included two flatbed trailers, an additional trailer, and a specialised team consisting of two drivers, six escort pilots, crane operators, and on-site support personnel. Road closures, parking restrictions, and tree-lined streets further constrained the logistics. This marked only the second transport of modules of this size carried out in Belgium, underlining the exceptional nature of the operation.

Sarens’ crane remained on site for two days to manage both loading and unloading activities. Despite the tight margins and logistical constraints, the project was completed successfully, reinforcing Sarens’ role as a trusted partner for complex modular housing installations and further strengthening its long-standing collaboration with Skilpod.

As Jeffrey De Bruyne, Project Manager at Sarens, explains:
“This project demonstrates how modular construction, combined with the right engineering and logistics expertise, can deliver housing quickly and efficiently. The size of the modules and the restricted access made this a challenging operation, but close coordination and careful planning allowed us to complete the installation safely and on schedule.”

The Herzele project illustrates how engineered lifting and transport solutions can support innovative construction methods, delivering tangible social impact by accelerating the availability of new homes while maintaining high safety and quality standards.