Inspire and surprise thanks to accent architecture

Owner Jan De Paepe discovered there was more. He wanted to focus even more on niches and innovations within the construction industry.

In 2014, his curiosity and desire to innovate resulted in an entirely new strategy and dynamic within the company from which not only new URSUS products but also a new company emerged. "Alinel was our answer to the demand for aluminum cladding that we were filling with our patented vertically lined aluminum façade system," says De Paepe. "Actually, we coined the term accent architecture then and to this day we can say that it has been a common thread in our complete approach ever since."

Innovative concept

So several years ago, De Paepe noticed that a gap in the market was emerging. "Then I'm talking specifically about the transition at windows to window frames and the facade. The distance from the outside of the window to the front of the cladding was changing. Architects were looking for window sections that jump out of the facade. We had also clearly gone down the path and specialization of aluminum reveal frames since our new strategy (www.roundal.be). But the market wanted more." 

This is how his brother Bart De Paepe's company WINDOX came into being. Ursus acts as the exclusive BeNeLux representative. Windox is the perfect answer to the increasing demand for precast custom-made products. Think of prefab wall boxes, prefab flat daylights and prefab dormers. 

"Again, the term accent architecture is totally applicable. These are products that architects can take further. So they can further emphasize those accents. Windox is the only one that combines the sleekest design and the ability to be fully EPC compliant with all applicable insulation standards, providing visual perfection by allowing even more daylight to enter. Profiles or edges are invisibly concealed. It is a prefabricated custom solution that is easy and quick to install."

Keep innovating

Inspire and surprise. These are two things central to De Paepe's philosophy. "Our creative products are created by listening carefully and paying attention. That is essential to keep innovating. Thus we are a perfect intermediary for architect and executor. Our goal is to be the eye and ear for architects and develop exactly what they are looking for. That leads to new accents between for facades, windows and doors." 

According to De Paepe, however, the key is to develop standardized customization from a systems approach so that the final product does remain affordable. "The aluminum facade cladding that we develop is excellent for residential construction, but also for large volumes at commercial properties, for example." 

Innovative developments

And so that demand for accent architecture products rings ever louder in the marketplace. "From the reactions heard in Belgium in recent years, it seems that many consider this to be icing on the cake. Now we are going further and trying to conquer the Dutch market as well. A representative has already been appointed especially for this purpose who will convince Dutch architects of all our innovations and accent possibilities. But actually the whole team of all companies keeps thinking about innovative developments for the future. A good example is Woodalux, a versatile new wood-look composite cladding. This creates an attractive alternation between rough and smooth. Modern material that still provides a warm appearance and therefore fits perfectly with the other products that Alinel develops and produces. Technically perfect and with many aesthetic advantages."