Heldentoren
The Heldentoren is the new Coastal Landmark for the Belgian beach resort Knokke-Heist. Rising on the historic site of the former Grand Hotel–Casino Kursaal, the Heldentoren introduces a new architectural beacon to Knokke-Heist. Designed by Neutelings Riedijk Architects, the project strengthens the identity and grandeur of the seaside resort while contributing a striking addition to the Belgian coastline.
The ensemble consists of three carefully composed volumes:
- a 20-storey residential tower of 70 metres with 43 apartments,
- a 7-storey building with 10 apartments,
- and a small pavilion containing commercial space and one apartment.
These buildings are unified by a shared underground car park and embedded within a redesigned public realm. Wide boulevards, improved pedestrian routes and new open spaces reconnect the urban centre to the coastal landscape and enhance the daily experience of residents and visitors.
Sculptural Form and Ceramic Identity
The architectural expression is defined by horizontally stacked strata of three storeys, separated by subtle recesses that create a sculptural rhythm. The tower tapers gently as it rises, resulting in a slender profile that contributes to Knokke-Heist’s skyline. Curved glass corners provide panoramic views of the North Sea, the town and the surrounding polder landscape.
For this project, Neutelings Riedijk Architects developed ceramic panels with a pattern of vertical lines. The dark glazed panels feature an irregular wave-like relief, developed specifically for the Heldentoren. Responding to daylight and maritime weather, the surfaces shimmer and shift in colour, echoing the movement of the nearby sea and giving the building a continuously changing appearance.
Sustainable Coastal Living
The Heldentoren offers a refined balance of comfort and sustainability. The slender tower footprint enables dual-aspect apartments filled with natural light, while generous balconies extend living spaces outdoors. The environmental strategy includes geothermal energy storage, triple glazing, and rainwater harvesting, producing an energy-efficient envelope tailored to the coastal climate and ensuring long-term performance.
A Symbol of Renewal
As Knokke-Heist looks toward the future, the Heldentoren stands as a symbol of renewal—an architectural statement combining expressive materiality, sculptural form and ecological ambition. More than a residential project, it reinforces the cultural identity of the city and establishes a contemporary landmark along the Belgian coast.
