Architectural blinds give DijleDelta project a unique look

Where an AB Inbev brewery once stood, the DijleDelta project recently emerged along the southern city bank of the Vaartkom. This old industrial site made way for a new urban district, integrated into a green and blue environment. The architectural team SVR-ARCHITECTS from Antwerp and sunshade manufacturer Duco joined forces for the concept and implementation of the sunshades. That sunprotection does not always have to have a functional aspect becomes clearer than ever with these buildings.

Over the years, the Dijle was led underground and vaulted over. With the DijleDelta project, the river is being brought back into open bed. All buildings are located along the water, giving residents a beautiful view of the water features. Not only was the river bed restored, but also the original quay walls were renovated. Within this new urban district are the apartment buildings "Island" and "Party Hall," built by project developer ViRiX.

Vertical accent

In discussing the initial preliminary design for the site, the Town of Leuven desired a more vertically designed facade. The reason for this is that the surrounding and original buildings also have a strong verticality in them. However, the scale of the project with 80 apartments resulted in horizontal lines. To meet this requirement, the decision was made to add vertical sliding elements to the balconies, which, in addition to providing a sleek and aesthetic facade appearance, also provide structural shading and thermal comfort.

Aesthetic function

The "DucoSlide" aluminum sliding panels make the transition between the apartment and the surrounding space formally interesting. They provide a boundary to the terrace and also provide more privacy to the fully glazed living spaces. In the process, the view to the outside is maintained to the maximum. The vertical placement should break the horizontal lines of the whole. The choice of cedar exudes coziness, warmth and class. A result that Duco, as a partner in this project, can be justifiably proud of.