Sea View by Geert Berkein

All the designs are in a strict but elegant relation to their environ-ment. The strive for simplicity of the concepts often translates into a play of volumes and voids, of solids and glass walls.

But with a well-thought-out planning concept and the use of the right materials, Geert Berkein shows that minimalism does not necessarily have to be cold.

Not only orientation, functionality, light and space play a prominent role, but also the intense connection of the surroundings receives a lot of attention.

“My goal is always to create a warm, pleasant atmosphere in a modest, pure achitecture. Time and again, our office designs personalised living spaces in which interior and exterior flow seamlessly into one another, with an eye for detail. “

Architect Geert Berkein strives for minimalism, transparency and simplicity. Minimalist architecture is a clear added value for the future resident.

At the beginning of 2018 Berkeinarchitects was commisioned by the Global Estate Group to develop a unique building project right on the seafront in Ostend.

Ostend Sea View is a project that blends architectural innovation and the rich history of the site.

It derives its unique character on the one hand from the historically protected façade on the seafront, which will be retained, but on the other hand from a prestigious new residential tower next to it.

The project is located on the Zeedijk, west of the Venetian Galleries and a stone’s throw from the Wellington horse racing track and the Versluys Arena. Remarkable: this year Troon 17 is the only new construction project with a frontal view of the sea.

A rich history

The large corner building used to house the prestigious etiquette school “Sacré-Coeur”. Well-to-do families

from Wallonia in particular sent their daughters to this boarding school to teach them good manners and to breathe in the healthy sea air. Later, in 1955, the school was sold to the college. Until 2017, hundreds of students of Electromechanics and Construction and Aviation Technology graduated from KU Leuven and the VIVES university of applied sciences, the former KHBO.

Berkeinarchitects encased the ‘Ostend Sea Tower’ in a sand-coloured natural façade, integrating it to its surroundings in a perfect balance.

The new landmark with its iconic architecture and high-quality finishing’s comprises mainly 2- and 3-bedroom units as well as some spacious duplexes. Due to their unique location, the exclusive flats with immense terraces enjoy breathtaking unobstructed views of the sea and beach.