Hoost
In Knokke-Heist, Hoost is creating a new architectural landmark that brings colour and character to the Belgian coast. Together with developer CAAAP, contractor Artes Depret and architectural firm B2Ai, the Parisian duo Jakob + MacFarlane designed this eye-catching project. Thanks to our expertise in aluminium systems, the professional skills of Reynaers Aluminium fabricator Kurt Van Tomme and digital design tools, we were able to contribute to the aesthetic and technical refinement of this unique coastal project.
From marketplace to seaside meeting place
A completely new “Community House” is being built on the site of the former town hall in Heist-aan-Zee: a thirteen-storey tower where living, working and relaxing come together. The expressive façade, constructed from colourful blocks that look like stacked houses, makes Hoost a real eye-catcher. At the same time, the design took the surroundings into account as much as possible: a shadow analysis was carried out to determine the volume of the tower in order to preserve the sunlight for the surrounding buildings.
The project also reshapes the nearby squares. Where a car park and market square once were located, there is now a lively city square with space for neighbourhood events, sports and relaxation. In the near future, there will be a spacious underground car park, while the lower floors of the tower will house public functions such as a library, café, council chamber, and event space. Hoost is thus becoming more than just a residential project – it is a vibrant meeting place for residents and visitors alike.
Coastal construction and its technical challenges
Its location by the sea made Hoost a technically complex project. The façade had to be able to withstand the impact of wind, water and salt without compromising on aesthetics. The vertical stacking of duplex homes with integrated gardens and large glass sections also required extremely precise connections between the façade and joinery.
Commissioned by fabricator Kurt Van Tomme, Reynaers Aluminium was involved in investigating the feasibility of the joinery and façade construction.
From design to 3D implementation
The visual and technical possibilities were determined in consultation with the architect and contractor, after which the design was digitally developed using the Avalon Virtual Reality tool, which allowed the façade to be visualised in three dimensions.
This digital simulation formed the starting point for further development in BIM. This made it possible to calculate, coordinate and optimise all connections down to the smallest detail. To validate the design, a real-life mock-up of the façade was also built. This test setup allowed the watertightness, connections and material transitions to be tested extensively before the actual construction started. This meant that any errors could be avoided at an early stage and production became considerably more efficient.
Top performance with MasterPatio and ConceptWall 50
MasterPatio sliding doors provide the ideal solution to create large glass sections and indoor terraces. Thanks to its excellent energy performance and superior air, wind and water tightness, MasterPatio guarantees a high level of living comfort, even in challenging seaside conditions. Kurt Van Tomme designed a variable anchor to fasten the sliding doors, so that the waterproof sealing and interior finishing could be seamlessly connected.
The façades are constructed using the ConceptWall 50 curtain wall system. With its slim 50 mm sightlines and exceptional technical performance, the system meets the most stringent requirements for wind and water tightness. ConceptWall 50 could also be perfectly combined with the windows and doors from the MasterLine 8 series, creating an aesthetically uniform façade that matches the expressive architecture.
Sustainable finish with colour and character
Jakob + MacFarlane's façade concept revolves around colour. The architects started with four basic colours that were matched to the façade cladding. To ensure a perfect match between the aluminium joinery and the façade cladding, the shades were developed in collaboration with the American coating company Sherwin-Williams. The joinery of the outer shell was given the neutral grey RAL colour 7030 matt, while the front doors and windows of the courtyard all sport one of the outspoken project colours.
The aluminium profiles were pre-anodised, followed by a Qualicoat Class 2 powder coating. This combination offers optimal protection against the aggressive sea air and guarantees lasting colour consistency. The coating also has a higher gloss level and longer lifespan, helping the façade retain its vibrant appearance in the long term.
Collaboration as the key to success
Hoost brings colour, life and connection to Knokke-Heist and illustrates how future-oriented construction today goes hand in hand with technical expertise, digitisation and collaboration. Thanks to close coordination between all construction partners, a technically complex building could be realised.
