Heldentoren, inaugurated in 2024 and standing 67 metres tall, rises prominently above Knokke-Heist’s beachfront. The new development on Heldenplein comprises a striking residential tower with 43 apartments, a second 7-storey building with 10 units, and a pavilion housing a restaurant and an additional flat. All three buildings share a common underground car park and align in architectural language, integrating retail and dining areas with Knokke's renewed promenade on Elizabetlaan.
Carefully designed with premium facade and glazing solutions
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While designed by Neutelings Riedijk Architects and executed by Bureau Bouwtechniek and TM Eiffage Vlaanderen Heldentoren, the ensemble’s architectural elegance is matched by its technical envelope. Organic facade elements – with rounded corners and wrap-around balconies – offer panoramic views, while the building envelope was engineered for durability in coastal conditions. Key to this was the specially developed ceramic facade with a glazed midnight-blue finish, resistant to UV radiation, frost and salt-laden winds. Vertical lines in the ceramic cladding break and refract light, lending the facades their sculptural quality.
Behind the ceramic outer layer, the second facade level is dominated by glass. Slim, colour-matched aluminium frames support expansive double and triple-glazed insulating units that combine visual clarity with thermal performance. The glazing allows ample daylight to reach the interiors while minimising solar gain – essential for resident comfort and energy efficiency.
Swisspacer warm edge spacers for enhanced thermal performance
Insulating glass for the project was supplied by Belgian manufacturer Polypane, which selected Swisspacer Ultimate warm edge spacers for their superior energy efficiency and low Psi values. “The requirements for the thermal conductivity of the insulating glazing were high,” said Franky Symoens, CEO of Polypane. Triple glazing with a Ug value of 0.6 W/(m²K) and double glazing with a Ug value of 1.0 W/(m²K) was specified. The Swisspacer Ultimate ensures minimal heat loss at the glass edge, supporting the building’s energy concept while also improving indoor comfort and reducing CO₂ emissions. Its subtle matte finish complements the facade design without drawing attention.
Heldentoren is more than a coastal landmark – it is a showcase of modern facade technology in service of sustainable and sophisticated living, right in the heart of Belgium’s most exclusive seaside resort.
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