Cozy shelter in any weather on renovated terrace luxury hotel

Renson Aero slatted roof and Fixscreen blinds perfectly integrated into steel structure

Those staying at La Réserve Resort in Knokke enjoy themselves to the fullest. In the luxurious rooms, the spacious lounge and in restaurant La Rigue of the Belgian star chef Peter Goossens. In addition, the terrace there is pleasant all year round, regardless of the weather conditions. A steel structure with built-in slatted roof, screens and heating elements forms a cozy cocoon there, with a view of Lake Zegemeer.

Ambitious and radical. That's how you could call the renovation of La Réserve Resort. The ground floor was completely gutted and redecorated in just six months. The renovation was not limited to the impressive building; the terrace was also taken in hand. "There used to be parasols, but we wanted to avoid those loose elements in the new design," explains project manager Kurt Beauprez of Groep Versluys. "We opted for fixed parasols in four places and at the same time looked for a way to arrange a shielded area on the terrace in such a way that you can sit there pleasantly and quietly all year round, even when the weather is less nice. At the same time, this architectural volume strengthens the concept."

Sheltered but not enclosed

To realize architect Glenn Sestig's design, Kurt knocked on Renson-Ambassador Decoranda's door. Together, they eventually came up with a steel structure with a built-in Aero slat roof. When it rains, the tilting slats close and everyone sits sheltered. Moreover, thanks to the same slats, the amount of sun or shade can be perfectly regulated on the terrace. Screens also temper the sun or wind. At the same time, the heating elements guarantee a pleasant temperature. The goal? To enthuse guests to spend time outdoors all year round.

Combining metal construction with screens creates a golden mean between shelter and openness. The outdoor fireplace adds additional atmosphere and experience to the cozy outdoor cocoon. "We control both the built-in slatted roof, the screens and the heating with one remote control. It allows us to respond optimally at any time to the weather conditions and to the wishes of those present," Kurt says.

Tailored to star cuisine

That exterior construction is inherently part of architectural design should come as no surprise. At La Réserve, they like to go the extra mile on every front. The terrace is therefore an extension of La Rigue restaurant, where Peter Goossens stirs the pots. That is why a perfect integration of the slatted roof and sun blinds was crucial. The metal structure, from subcontractor Covrr, was clad with Alucobond panels, anodized in a bronze hue.

"A custom color," comments Gertjan of Decoranda. "Just like this entire project is customized. As a result, we had to adjust the steel structure last minute. The Aero just couldn't fit in. The fact that we were still able to deliver everything quickly is the result of good cooperation between the various partners involved. A way of working that we have experienced and appreciated with Renson since our early years."

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