Dutch architecture firm ZJA drew inspiration from a lost coastal dune landscape to design a hotel/casino in the Belgian village of Middelkerke. The hotel/casino overlooks the North Sea and is designed as an artificial sand dune topped by a giant boulder.
The project, called Casino Middelkerke, will consist of the casino with a restaurant and events hall. On top of that will be the hotel with a wooden timber-framed facade.
ZJA found the inspiration for the design in the story of the town's origins. Middelkerke originated on the island of Testerep and was able to grow into a prosperous fishing village thanks to the natural protection of the dunes and a direct connection to the North Sea. Middelkerke's dunes and water channels disappeared as a result of urbanisation in the last century.
New building
The construction of the casino building in Middelkerke is being used to renew the historic coastal landscape and give it contemporary significance. The new building nestles naturally into the landscape. The brand new event hall, restaurant and casino are thus nestled behind transparent facades in the dune, offering spectacular views of the beach and sea. Despite its modest ground area, the hotel has a powerful visual appeal and stands like a boulder on top of the elevated landscape.
When construction will begin is not yet definitively known. However, recycled materials and sustainably produced wood will be used. According to ZJA, the cantilevered shape of the dune building will provide the necessary shade in the interior, reducing the need for active cooling. The interior is designed to maximise daylight and ventilation.
Visitors can walk on the roof of the casino and enjoy views over the North Sea. Besides a new, car-free public space, the local seawall will also be reinforced. The construction will be realised by the Nautilus consortium that includes Ciril, Delva, Oz, Bureau Bouwtechniek and Furnibo & Democo in addition to ZJA. COBE, VK Engineering, Beersnielsen, Witteveen + Bos, Plantec, MINT and Sertius are also involved in the project.
