Architectural high point redefines look of Knokke-Heist

As one of the tallest towers on the Belgian coast, the Heldentoren has not stolen its name. With verve, this iconic new building redraws the landscape of Knokke-Heist. Final completion is scheduled for the fall of 2023.

The ambition of the Hero Tower is not minus. As one of the largest towers along the Belgian coast, this architectural landmark will be an attraction for residents and visitors. The complex includes three buildings: a twenty-story residential tower, a five-story mid-rise tower and a pavilion. The ground floor is designated for hospitality and commercial spaces. About 40 apartments are also planned. A two-level underground parking garage guarantees interconnection between the various entities. Neutelings Riedijk Architects, known for, among other things, the MAS in Antwerp, designed the Heldentoren as a new beacon for Knokke-Heist, giving the entrance to the prestigious seaside town an iconic appearance. The designers opted for a slender volume in height on a broader base. The rounded corners offer a maximum view of the intriguing North Sea and charming Heist.

For the contracting work - from structural work to coordination of the final finishing - Antwerpse Bouwwerken (AB) and Vuylsteke joined forces in the temporary association TM Eiffage Vlaanderen Heldentoren. The project started in November 2020. "The structural works have been completed and we are currently completing the facades," says Philippe Bonnarens, project manager at Antwerpse Bouwwerken. "On the lower floors, the interior finishing work already started. We are responsible for the interior walls, screeds and plastering, as well as the overall finishing in the common parts. Furthermore, we guide the buyers in choosing materials for their homes. In doing so, we coordinate the logistics and planning of the ancillary contractors who carry out the finishing of kitchens, bathrooms, doors and stairs."

The realization of the Hero Tower is no easy task because of its height and specific location. "The complex is almost 70 meters high. Because we are on the coast, the wind load can be enormous. Therefore, the central core of the building is constructed of reinforced concrete. For this we applied the technique of sliding formwork. The rest of the floors were put around it as a precast structure. For the excavation of the parking basement, we chose soilmix walls. The logistical accessibility of the site - located between three streets - added further complexity to the works."

The facade of the Hero Tower is constructed primarily of glass. The glazed ceramic facade panels, executed with a pattern of vertical lines, emphasize the playful circular character. The cantilevered terraces also immediately presented a major challenge. "Stability-wise, this requires the necessary expertise, because there is not much room to anchor the terraces," Bonnarens emphasizes.

To ensure normal acoustic comfort in the residential spaces, due attention was paid to the finishing of the day edges of the windows. "This way, we avoid too much noise nuisance caused by wind, for example. At the highest levels in the tower, this is not an unnecessary luxury. Solar control glass was also used in order to optimize the indoor climate. For heating, geothermal drillings were carried out under the parking garage, which together form a heat network. In addition, heat pumps provide passive cooling in the summer."