SILT opts for intensive ventilation with a robust DucoWall louvre wall

The SILT project in Middelkerke is a new landmark on the Belgian coast, situated between the sea wall and the dunes. It replaces the former casino and blends seamlessly with Epernay Square. SILT offers direct access to the beach and a stunning sea view from the casino gaming hall.

The building’s design is inspired by the historic coastal landscape while incorporating modern architectural elements. Its integration into the landscape, particularly through an artificial dune that houses the events hall, restaurant and casino, creates a unique fusion of nature and architecture.

DUCO was chosen to provide the intensive ventilation for the car park and the entire building.

Design and material selection

Arne Baeyens of Furnibo, the lead contractor, says: “The SILT design pushes the boundaries of traditional casino architecture. Instead of a closed box, we created a versatile project embedded in the public dune landscape.”

Material selection was crucial to achieving this goal. The hotel tower, known as “the beacon”, is wrapped in cross-laminated timber (CLT), a sustainable material that reduces CO2 emissions and complements the natural aesthetic of the coastal landscape. The artificial dunes and the cantilevered sections above the hotel terraces also serve as energy-saving elements, providing shade in summer and insulation in winter. This design, combined with night cooling, significantly reduces the need for active cooling systems.

Ventilation solutions

Given the location and design of the building, intensive ventilation was a key consideration. To meet this requirement, the DucoWall Classic louvre wall system was installed on both the ground floor and the upper levels of the building. The louvre wall at ground level controls ventilation for the car park, while the louvre wall on the roof ventilates the entire building.

Collaboration and delivery

The success of the SILT project was made possible through close collaboration between the various stakeholders.

Reflecting on the partnership, Baeyens says: “DUCO was always available to provide additional advice and supplied the necessary calculations and certificates for the coastal installation. The installation was carried out by Habemo, and the agreements on placement, timing and working methods were properly followed.”

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 Project developer: Bouwbedrijf Furnibo

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