SILT – Middelkerke (BE)

An architectural icon on the Belgian coast

SILT – Middelkerke (BE)

In the Belgian coastal town of Middelkerke, an architectural masterpiece has been created that transcends the boundary between aesthetics and functionality. A pioneering initiative for coastal protection and recreation, the SILT project epitomises the future of sustainable architecture. Located in the heart of Middelkerke, the complex covers 39,200 m² - almost eight football pitches - and includes a casino, a 1,500 m² multifunctional event hall on two floors, a hotel, an underground car park and a Michelin-starred restaurant. The design of the building is inspired by the shape of a bollard where ships are moored. Embedded in an artificial dune landscape, it harmoniously emphasises the transition from the city to the beach.

But what makes this project so unique?

The integrated technology of B.E.G. Brück Electronic GmbH, including modern occupancy detector technology, plays a decisive role. For architects and designers around the world, the project is an inspiring example of how innovative technology can contribute to both user-friendliness and energy efficiency. Why is this important? Modern architecture today demands more than just impressive designs. It demands intelligent systems that combine comfort, safety and sustainability. This article gives an insight into how the technology used by B.E.G. Brück Electronic GmbH contributed to the success of this project and why architects and engineering firms worldwide should consider these solutions for their own projects. We explore the role of technology, the challenges of a complex environment and how the SILT project combines the best of both worlds.

SILT: An architectural and ecological marvel

It has already been described several times in the media as the new flagship of the Belgian coast. SILT can rightly join the ranks of the iconic MAS in Antwerp or the ATOMIUM in Brussels. SILT was therefore rightly honoured with the oldest and most prestigious architecture prize, which is awarded annually by the Chicago Athenaeum, Museum of Architecture and Design. However, SILT is far more than just an innovative and architectural project, it is a vision for the future of sustainable coastal development. Located on the Belgian coast, the project must both withstand the constantly eroding forces of the North Sea and provide a pleasant, multifunctional space for visitors. The architects and engineering firms involved were faced with the challenge of creating a space that could withstand a 1000-year storm and rising sea levels while remaining welcoming and accessible to the public.

SILT – Middelkerke (BE)

Used systems	KNX DALI
Used products	PD2N PD4N RC Plus Next PD11
Things to know	International Architecture Prize 2022

Offizielle Webseite

www.c-hotels.be/de/silt

The technical challenge

To realise this vision, an infrastructure was developed that respects the natural environment while meeting the highest safety and sustainability standards. B.E.G. Brück Electronic GmbH was involved in the project at an early stage due to its expertise in the field of motion detection and energy management and supplied the relevant technology, which became an integral part of the project. The project, which was realised via Decat, was supervised by Jeroen Verstraete and Ruben Maertens and focused on specific requirements for KNX detectors. The customer emphasised two main aspects: flexibility in programming and reliable operation of the system. The decision in favour of B.E.G. as a solution provider was based on its proven expertise in KNX systems and the excellent product quality, particularly in terms of accurate detection and reliable operation of the detectors.

The successful collaboration between Decat and B.E.G. Brück Electronic GmbH. on this KNX project impressively demonstrates the importance of a close partnership between manufacturers and installers. The direct contact between Michel Vandenabeele from B.E.G. Brück Electronic GmbH Belgium and the experts from Decat made it possible to develop a customised solution that met all the requirements of this demanding project. In several meetings, the Decat and B.E.G. Brück Electronic GmbH teams exchanged ideas intensively in order to find the optimum configuration. The manufacturer's extensive expertise in the field of complex KNX systems was utilised, while Decat contributed its experience as an installer. This synergy resulted in an offer that was both technically convincing and took economic aspects into account. One focus was on the potential for savings through intelligent automation. At the same time, reliable and precise recording was a key factor. Based on the project plans, the experts jointly decided in favour of the KNX occupancy detectors PD2N, PD4N and RC Plus Next from the B.E.G. Brück Electronic GmbH KNX-ST range. These models are characterised by their high detection quality and flexibility. The close coordination between manufacturer and installer from the outset made it possible to design a KNX solution that was perfectly customised to the project requirements. This underlines the value of long-term partnerships and the exchange of expertise for the successful implementation of demanding building automation projects.

The role of occupancy detectors in sustainable architecture

The building is equipped with a KNX system. The KNX system is a globally recognised standard protocol for home automation and building automation that connects and controls various devices such as lighting, heating, ventilation, security and blinds via a single network. As a result, these devices work together seamlessly and offer optimum energy efficiency, convenience and flexibility in the management and automation of functions in residential and commercial buildings. In a world where energy efficiency and sustainability are paramount, occupancy detectors are no longer a luxury but a necessity. This advanced solution is an important contribution to the SILT project. The use of occupancy detectors makes it possible to switch lighting and other technical systems on and off automatically depending on the presence of people, resulting in significant energy savings and lower operating costs.

The B.E.G. KNX detectors prove to be the ideal solution for specific customer requirements. These detectors are characterised by their high flexibility in programming, which fulfils one of the customer's main requirements. The DX application enables individual adjustment of the sensor sensitivity, allowing the detectors to be optimally adapted to different room situations. By choosing KNX sensors, the project was able to fulfil the customer's requirements in terms of flexibility, reliable detection and simplified installation. The detectors offer an efficient solution for presence-based lighting control and at the same time contribute to energy savings by enabling demand-based control of lighting, heating and ventilation.

Architectural freedom through technological integration

For architects, one of the most important considerations in any project is to allow freedom of design without being restricted by technology. The occupancy detectors from B.E.G. Brück Electronic GmbH are discreet and can be seamlessly integrated into any architectural style, from modern minimalism to classical grandeur. This flexibility was crucial for the SILT project, as the aesthetics of the design could not be compromised by technical requirements. The PD11 occupancy detector from B.E.G. is ideally suited for this purpose. With 77 ultra-modern networked sensors, the casino sets new standards in terms of energy efficiency and convenience. The super-flat detector impresses with its minimalist design. With its extremely low installation height of just 0.85 mm when installed in the ceiling, the detector is virtually invisible and ideal for architecturally sophisticated properties. It is the discreet solution for detection areas up to Ø 9m. In addition, this very discreet ceiling sensor is available with an easy-to-install ring in various colours (e.g. white, traffic white, anthracite and black - or in any special colour). Despite its ultra-flat shape, which makes it appear almost invisible, its detection range is 9 metres.

In addition to a master-slave version with a very high switching capacity of 2300W, the unobtrusive occupancy detector is also available as a KNX and DALI version. Thanks to its compact design, the detector is easy and safe to install. The spring clips enable simple and space-saving installation in suspended ceilings. Alternatively, direct installation in luminaires is possible using the enclosed clamping ring or flush-mounted installation, e.g. in exposed concrete, with the corresponding flush-mounted adapter set. The optional remote control or the B.E.G. remote control app (B.E.G. One) can be used to activate numerous functions on the master device, which can be used to customise the detector to any situation. For example, values such as the switch-on brightness and follow-up time can be changed easily and functions such as party switching can be activated simply and conveniently. The detection area can be extended by connecting PD11 slave detectors in the same discrete design.

Design without compromise

The sensors from B.E.G. Brück Electronic GmbH are compact and can be installed both indoors and outdoors and always look elegant. This allows the architect to work creatively without having to compromise on functionality and efficiency. In the SILT project, this led to a seamless integration of technology and design with a focus on aesthetics.

The importance of safety and comfort

In addition to sustainability and design freedom, safety also played a decisive role in the SILT project. The presence detectors contribute to greater safety by automatically switching on the lighting when movement is detected, making both indoor and outdoor areas safer for users. This is particularly important in areas where visibility may be limited due to weather conditions or at night. Comfort for visitors and hotel guests: The technology ensures a pleasant user experience by automatically controlling lighting and other systems depending on presence. This not only reduces energy consumption, but also creates a welcoming environment for visitors. The intelligent sensors adapt to the time of day, daylight and the presence of people, making them both efficient and user-friendly.

The SILT project illustrates global trends in architecture and urban development. There is a clear shift towards sustainable, intelligent solutions that combine aesthetic value with functional benefits. The presence detectors from B.E.G. Brück Electronic GmbH support these trends by integrating technologies that both reduce the ecological footprint and improve the user experience.