SILT: a new beacon by the sea
The designers have anchored the building to the site by integrating it into a new experiential landscape, inspired by the former island of Testerep, characterized by dunes (coastal defense) and tidal channels (prosperity).
The fusion of the building into the landscape ensures that coastal reinforcement, livability, and sustainability harmonize with the existing coastline. In the heart of the landscape, the hotel tower manifests itself as a new beacon by the sea.
SILT also houses a casino, a restaurant, a multifunctional event space, and an underground parking garage. An underground parking garage creates a car-free zone, allowing the public space above it to flourish.
Marram grass, dune bowls, and sand channels that lead to the beach give Middelkerke back its characteristic landscape. The climb to the top of the new dune offers breathtaking views and is itself a tourist attraction.
Securely anchored in place
The design team implemented a high-quality integral concept to firmly embed the project within the site’s spatial, social, and economic characteristics.
Rather than a standalone and inward-facing structure, it is a building seamlessly integrated into the landscape, establishing a sustainable connection with its surroundings in all aspects.
The hotel, connected to the event venue, adorns the coastline with its mysterious, sculptural silhouette. An understated, striking building with an open lattice of curved beams made of Accoya wood. This not only enhances the connection with the surroundings but also represents sustainability.
Because just like safety, functionality, aesthetics, and economic value, sustainability is central to the design. The aim was to achieve optimal energy supply, waste management, and production processes.
Protected against severe storm surges
SILT received a new seawall capable of withstanding a 1000-year storm.
The seawall will withstand extreme storm weather with exceptionally high waves and water levels more than two meters above the current high tide level. SILT is now the best-protected place along the Belgian coast.
Exceeding local ambitions
SILT radiates strength, sobriety, and refinement, with great love for the sea and dunes.
It is a project that reflects the character of the seaside resort well. And it could mark the start of a renewed center of Middelkerke, where it is pleasant to live and stay. Source by DELVA.
- Location: Middelkerke, Bergium
- Architet: DELVA
- Construction team Nautilus: DELVA (landscape architect) and ZJA (architect), in collaboration with OZ and Bureau Bouwtechniek. Developer: Debuild. Advisors: COBE, VK Engineering, Beersnielsen, Witteveen+Bos, Plantec, MINT, and Sertius. Contractors: TM Furnibo-Democo
- Client: Municipality of Middelkerke
- Year: 2024
- Photographs: Sebastian van Damme, Steven Delva, Goedele Breyne, Courtesy of DELVA
