Highly acclaimed NYC based architect Steven Holl's bid has been unanimously selected for the major revamping of the seaside resort Albert Place Casino in Knokke-Heist, Belgium. Holl's concept, the Sail Hybrid, is budgeted at 150 million euros and will most definitely become an iconic landmark. It is projected to transform the coastal town into a major tourist destination for leisure as well as architectural veneration, therefore boosting the town's economy and notoriety.

The Sail Hybrid incorporates sustainability, a critical element in modern architecture, by utilizing local and technologically advanced materials and building re-use. Major building materials include locally produced concrete cores with cantilevered concrete slabs and standard steel truss work, as well as recycled terrazzo and recycled glass aggregate. The tower's high performance curtain wall provides superior insulation, controls solar gain, and is specially glazed to curtail the effects of sea salt. The original facade, designed by Leon Synen, will be restored with the most up-to-date high performance insulated curtain wall technology, accomplishing material re-use and minimizing waste, demolition, and energy consumption. The underground parking garage boasts a revolutionary automated parking system that thwarts the chances of theft, damage, and emissions inside the garage and building while efficiently offering an abundance of parking. It also houses a geothermal energy plant, providing hot and chilled water.

The 71,000 square foot, 20-story complex includes a casino, hotel, spa, meeting facilities, cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, housing, galleries, retail shops and rooftop terraces. The Sail Hybrid's thin sail-like tower, with its operable glass panels for maximizing views and easy cleaning, offers breathtaking, unhindered sea views for all hotel rooms and residential apartments.

More info: www.stevenholl.com

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Date Posted: August 22, 2005
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