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HASSLACHER NORICA TIMBER, from wood to wonders
      HASSLACHER NORICA TIMBER, from wood to wonders

      Silt Middelkerke

      Middelkerke, Belgium

      © HASSLACHER Gruppe | Stefan Steenkiste
      © HASSLACHER Gruppe | Stefan Steenkiste
      HASSLACHER Gruppe | Stefan Steenkiste
      © HASSLACHER Gruppe | Stefan Steenkiste
      © HASSLACHER Gruppe | Stefan Steenkiste
      © HASSLACHER Gruppe | Stefan Steenkiste
      © HASSLACHER Gruppe | Stefan Steenkiste
      © HASSLACHER Gruppe | Stefan Steenkiste
      © HASSLACHER Gruppe | Stefan Steenkiste

      This 39,200 m² project in Middelkerke, Belgium, captivates with its striking architecture. It was constructed through a temporary partnership between Belgian construction companies Furnibo and Democo and designed by the renowned team of ZJA, OZ, DELVA, and Bureau Bouwtechniek.

      At the heart of the structure is a free-form exoskeleton made of Accoya components, enveloping the entire hotel building, which is centered around the casino within the complex. Its unique shape resembles a harbor bollard used for mooring ships, making it a true architectural landmark along the Belgian coast.

      The structure stands at an impressive 25 meters in height, with dimensions of approximately 42 meters by 33 meters. It is composed of 1314 individual components, crafted from a total of 115 m³ of glulam.

      Situated in a fully exposed coastal location in Middelkerke, the project meets the requirements of Service Class 3, which ensures the highest standards of structural timber protection. These specifications had to be carefully integrated with the unique properties of Accoya wood. Additionally, because of the marine environment, all fasteners and steel components had to meet stringent corrosion resistance standards.

      A further challenge was the tight project timeline. From planning to production and installation, the entire structure was successfully completed within just one year.

      Project information
      Location: Middelkerke, Belgium
      Customer: TM Democo/Furnibo
      Architect or planner: ZJA
      Design and construction: HESS Timber GmbH
      Builder: Municipality of Middelkerke
      Year of building: 2023-2024
      Time for building: 3 months
      Used wooden products: 115 m³ glued laminated timber (Accoya)
      Sites of the HASSLACHER group: HASSLACHER Holzbauteile GmbH