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Case study
Architecture, experience and fire safety. On the Belgian coast in Middelkerke, the casino complex received a makeover. Silt is now a multifunctional building with a restaurant, event hall and car park, among other things, designed for intensive use, and where safety is central.
Multifunctional building for mixed use.
What makes this project special is the way complex spatial challenges were tackled. The event hall is the beating heart of the building and can be arranged flexibly depending on the type of event.
At the same time, an important part of this space is located below the evacuation level. That means classic fire safety regulations are not sufficient and that it was necessary to look beyond standard solutions. Instead of imposing restrictions on the design, a performance-based approach was chosen in which safety was analysed and substantiated in realistic scenarios.
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This is a building that really takes Middelkerke to a higher level. Designed for intensive use and large visitor flows, safety here is not an afterthought but an essential part of the design. We are proud to have been allowed to vouch for the fire safety of this project.
Kingspan Light + Air, Smoke and heat exhaust specialist
Building together on a smart solution.
In a fire, smoke is often the greatest risk. That is why Silt uses an advanced smoke and heat exhaust system that combines mechanical and natural ventilation. The system removes smoke quickly via ceiling and wall extraction points, while controlled air supply openings and opening doors prevent excessive underpressure. Technically, the system ensures a constant mass balance of air flows, so that the smoke layer stays at a safe height and escape routes are always smoke-free. Even in extreme situations, such as a fully occupied hall with all walls closed (and therefore a smaller volume), the system can guarantee the safety of visitors and emergency services.
Within this whole, Kingspan Light + Air played a crucial role. As a specialist in smoke and heat exhaust, not only was a system supplied, but we actively thought along in the entire concept. By collaborating with architects, engineering offices and contractors from the design phase, a solution could be developed that responds perfectly to the complexity of the building. The result is an integrated system that works seamlessly with fire detection and other techniques, and that continues to function reliably even in extreme scenarios.
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Safety without a brake on architecture.
What ultimately makes Silt so strong is that safety here has not been a brake on the architecture, but rather a lever to arrive at a better building.
The combination of innovative techniques, in-depth studies and collaboration between all parties involved has led to a project in which experience and safety go hand in hand. For contractors and building partners, this project above all shows that complex requirements are perfectly reconcilable with a feasible and well-considered execution.
A reference project that looks ahead
With Silt, Middelkerke takes a new step towards future-oriented building. The project proves that investing in smart, integrated solutions not only leads to safe buildings, but also to comfortable and sustainable environments where people like to come together. That is precisely where the added value of Kingspan Light + Air lies: deploying technology not only to make buildings comply with the standard and legislation, but to let them rise above it.
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A short film on Silt and the smoke and heat exhaust system that keeps its visitors safe.
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