A clubhouse for VVW Blankenberge
For years now, the Vlaamse Vereniging voor Watersport (Flemish Aquatics Association) was in dire need of a new
clubhouse. The club received a 27 year concession for the lot at the end of the Oude Wenduinse Steenweg and the
Bevrij dingsplein, between the former sluice dock and the harbour channel.
The basic idea for the new clubhouse is the intertwining of water, land and tourism. Not only did they focus on
the layout, but also the functionality of the building, which will become a public attraction as well as a haven for
hikers.
Scenic context
Integration into its surroundings and the optimal use of the scenic prerequisites are the basic principle: the building
follows the lines of its unique surroundings. Surfaces and volumes fl ow together and radiate an organic language.
On the inside, the various rooms bathe in rays of natural light. The terraces create the illusion of optical extension
of the landscape with a beautiful view of the coming and going of the ships and the marina. Nature interacts with
the building by the embedment in the landscape and the natural vista.
Architecture
The architectural concept interrogates both to nature and the environment, between the water and the land. The
dialogue between water and land creates a place – a point de vue – as a fossil of the movements at a junction of
streams and lines that intersect. The façade is in addition to this strikingly sleek design mainly characterized by the
use of white architectural concrete.
All the facilities of the marina are located on the ground fl oor. The offi ce of the harbour master and his coworkers
are located at the head of the building with a panoramic view of the harbour channel and the marina. The
restaurant with its outdoor terrace can be found on the southwest side of the building, basking in the sun with a
great view of the harbour channel.
On the fi rst fl oor, there is a publicly accessible canteen. The bar is connected with the ground fl oor (with the
restaurant) by a void with an elevator and stairs, but can also operate separately.
The high design of the restaurant and bar section was elaborated in collaboration with interior architect Lieven
Musschoot.
Durable and fully accessible
The building will be used as a clubhouse for the aquatics association VVW Blankenberge and is accessible to
everyone. An elevator to the canteen and the terrace is available to make them accessible for the differently abled,
as well as a specially modifi ed restroom with integrated shower facilities. All rooms, and especially the classrooms,
are accessible via adequately wide doors and hallways. The environmental construction throughout the grounds
and the entrances to the building are all done without thresholds.
Furthermore, there are a number of energetic durability aspects integrated into the concept: there is an HE
condensing boiler, ventilation is done with heat recovery, solar water heaters are used for warm water and the use
of the materials (concrete) ensures an extended trapping of the heat.
This is a building that has all the necessary potential to take up a central position in the societal happenings and to
become a haven of working, relaxing and socialising.
The result is a unique and durable project ready for any potential growth and future perspectives.
