Two new landmarks are rising on the Ostend skyline: the Ensor Towers. The residential towers overlook the sea, the marina, and the new Ensor Park. The company developing and building the project is Versluys Groep. SPIE Belgium is installing the ventilation systems there. For them, Deschacht produced a custom-made polypropylene (PP) box for the intake of fresh air via underground ducting.
Underground ventilation units
Nicky Swaels, BTECS Project Manager for SPIE Belgium: “The intake of fresh air and extraction of polluted air does not happen in the Ensor Tower itself, but some distance away from the residential tower. The ductwork runs largely underground, keeping the noise level to a minimum for the residents. The custom-made box is connected to the ventilation unit in the building and supplies the fresh air. Another unit handles the extraction of polluted indoor air. To protect these units, we needed large waterproof and weatherproof boxes. Because these are not available off-the-shelf, I approached Deschacht. They have their own workshops and have specialized in plastic materials for years.”
Waterproof container in PP
In Deschacht's workshops, we produced 2 large prefabricated polypropylene structures for SPIE, waterproof welded together, featuring double-walled PP-Ribwall pipes with a diameter of 500 and 1000 mm. On top of the tank lies a ventilation grille. Nicky Swaels: “The installation went well. It is a sturdy structure, built to last. Versluys Groep is now working on the construction of the second tower. For that tower, we are once again providing 2 waterproof tanks for the ventilation units.”
Prestigious new coastal neighborhood
The Ensor Towers are located in a new urban district in the historic harbor of Ostend: Oosteroever. The neighborhood is the new place to be for those who want to live luxuriously right near the center and with a breathtaking view of the sea and the coast. Oosteroever already boasts many boutiques and restaurants, and will eventually get its own marina and park. Groep Versluys has been working on the development of this prestigious new part of the city since 2014. The exclusive De Blanke Top in Cadzand-Bad, One Carlton in Knokke Zoute, and the Europa hotel and residence in Bredene are also their creations.
SPIE Belgium
Number of employees: 1,200 Number of branches: 12 in Belgium Offer: SPIE Belgium makes companies, offices, cities and buildings smart through electrical engineering, mechanics, climate control, energy and communication networks. Automation projects for industry, efficient infrastructure management for the government, connected and energy-efficient HVAC, and sanitary or electrical installations, … SPIE Belgium advises, designs, installs and handles repairs and maintenance if desired. Website: www.spie.be
