The Hamptons in Cadzand-Bad combines coastal architecture with sustainable building technology.
Read how the DucoBox Energy Comfort D325 & D400 ensures optimal air quality across 50 apartments — quiet operation, intelligent demand-led control and fast commissioning included.
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The Hamptons is a new-build residential development on the main Boulevard de Wielingen in Cadzand-Bad, within walking distance of the beach and the sea. The project comprises 50 apartments spread across three buildings, suitable for both permanent and holiday occupancy. The architecture draws inspiration from the seaside style of Normandy: generous glazing, wide balconies and a contemporary reinterpretation of classic coastal architecture give the development a distinctive identity.
The development's position on the North Sea coast placed specific demands on the ventilation strategy. In a windy coastal area, natural ventilation is unpredictable: fluctuating wind pressure makes it impossible to guarantee consistent indoor air quality. Furthermore, this approach does not allow for heat recovery - a missed opportunity in a project that also prioritises sustainability.
The engineering consultancy therefore recommended mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) as the only logical solution. Both the architect and the main contractor supported this position.
"Given how close the project is to the coast, natural ventilation was simply not an option. Working with a system relying on natural air supply is uncontrollable in a windy area. Heat recovery is also impossible in that scenario."
— Mark, MarkArchitecten
Versluys Groep and installer Juvah jointly selected DUCO as the supplier of the ventilation systems. Two factors proved decisive: DUCO's established product quality and its position as a local player able to provide prompt technical support.
The DucoBox Energy Comfort is available in multiple capacities, which made this project particularly straightforward: the DucoBox Energy Comfort D325 (up to 325 m³/h) and the DucoBox Energy Comfort D400 (up to 400 m³/h) were deployed based on the type and floor area of each apartment. The system adapts to the dwelling - not the other way round.
The units control ventilation on a demand-driven basis, using CO₂ concentration and relative humidity as inputs. Ventilation is only activated where and when it is needed, keeping energy consumption low whilst maintaining optimum air quality. The system carries an A+ energy label and delivers a significant reduction in EPC rating.
As an option, an external 2-zone valve can be fitted to divide the dwelling into a day zone and a night zone. This yields an additional 40 % energy saving on the ventilation unit, quieter operation (30 % reduction in motor noise) and enhanced thermal comfort through individually adjustable target temperatures per zone.
With 50 apartments and a tight construction programme, on-site efficiency was a key priority. The DucoBox Energy Comfort addresses this through a combination of practical features that significantly reduce installation time.
The D325 weighs just 21 kg - light enough to be installed by a single person. Automatic commissioning at constant pressure saves up to 50 % of the commissioning time, translating to a saving of approximately €30 per unit in installation costs. Settings can also be copied from one unit to the next, eliminating repetitive work.
A particularly notable advantage on this project: the left/right interchangeability of the units is switched 100 % in software, via a patented dual bypass principle. There is no longer any physical distinction between a left-hand and right-hand version - a logistical simplification that eliminates errors on site.
The Duco Installation App supported the commissioning process on site. The app allows fault codes to be read out, software updates to be applied, and relevant documentation to be accessed directly. Once commissioning is complete, the app automatically generates a ready-to-submit ventilation report compliant with STS-73 - less administration, greater certainty over installation compliance.
The collaboration with DUCO was handled to the satisfaction of installer Juvah. Technical queries - including questions relating to application in the Dutch market - were answered promptly and clearly. This direct point of contact was regarded as a clear added value.
"Our collaboration with DUCO went well. When we had questions about installation in the Dutch market, we received clear guidance and quick responses."
— Pieter Hanssens, Juvah
At the time of writing, the final units are being installed at The Hamptons. The project is proceeding as planned and the collaboration between Versluys Groep, Juvah, MarkArchitecten and DUCO is viewed positively by all parties.
"We are currently finishing the last units and are very satisfied. We would certainly recommend DUCO for similar projects."
— Pieter Hanssens, Juvah
"The Hamptons offers everything you look for in a coastal apartment: tranquillity, luxury and surroundings that surprise you every day. The ventilation choice fits seamlessly into that vision — comfort you don't see, but certainly feel."
— Dominique De Heyn, Versluys Groep
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