Curved forms at a location with extreme wind force: it is not an obvious combination, but with One Baelskaai in Ostend, Kurt Van Tomme Ramen and BestBend prove that it can be done! On behalf of the specialist in aluminum structures, BestBend took care of the bending of all the curved aluminum windows. This involved a total of approximately 40 curved windows in sizes up to 2 meters wide and 3.2 meters high.
With development project Oosteroever, construction group Versluys Group breathes new life into the old industrial port zone Oosteroever in Ostend. One Baelskaai, designed by Binst Architects, is the absolute architectural eye-catcher of the area. The facade of the luxurious residential building reflects the character of both the site, the port area and the coast and follows the undulating character of the nearby dune landscape and the sea. The aluminum windows blend in very harmoniously and are the result of years of experience, craftsmanship and close cooperation, says Rudi Vandevoordt, Managing Director of BestBend.
Kurt Van Tomme Windows and BestBend can fall back on a long and close relationship. "We have been providing all the bending work for Kurt Van Tomme's projects for many years," Vandevoordt says. "For One Baelskaai, too, we were involved in an early project phase to fine-tune the connection of the straight and curved windows down to the last detail. For example, with regard to the radius. The focus here was on a correct connection as well as the best wind and water tightness. We performed various calculations, based on which we rolled, welded and coated the round window assemblies. A specific textured paint in a high seaside quality was chosen for this, so that the aluminum remains protected for a long time against the salty sea air. All bent windows were delivered to Kurt Van Tomme Ramen in Eeklo, which installed the glazing rubbers and round glazing. Then the curved aluminum windows were carefully mounted at all corners of the building."
At the heart of the bending work for One Baelskaai is the Reynaers Masterline 8 window system, which is distinguished by a sleek and minimalist appearance and the highest standards of comfort, safety and stability. "In order to guarantee the right radius and the best thermal performance even after bending, we made specific provisions," says Vandevoordt. "As a result, deformation of the window profiles during the coating process was cleverly overcome and the radius and high insulation value were maintained. We also worked closely with the paint shop to ensure that even the largest windows fitted into the oven. Because that too is by no means an easy task."