Cosy shelter in any weather on renovated terrace luxury hotel

Slatted roof and sun blinds perfectly integrated into steel structure

Those staying at La Réserve Resort in Knokke enjoy themselves to the full. In the luxurious rooms, the spacious lounge and in restaurant La Rigue by Belgian star chef Peter Goossens. Moreover, the terrace there is pleasant all year round, whatever the weather. A steel structure with built-in lamella roof, screens and heating elements forms a cosy cocoon there, with a view of the Zegemeer lake.

Ambitious and radical. That's how you could call the renovation of La Réserve Resort. The ground floor was completely gutted and redecorated in just six months. The renovation was not limited to the impressive building, the terrace was also taken in hand. "There used to be parasols, but we wanted to avoid those loose elements in the new design," explains project manager Kurt Beauprez of Groep Versluys. "We opted for fixed parasols in four places and at the same time looked for a way to arrange a shielded area on the terrace in such a way that you can sit there pleasantly and quietly all year round, even when the weather is less good. Moreover, this architectural volume strengthens the concept." 

To realise architect Glenn Sestig's design, Kurt knocked on Renson-Ambassador Decoranda's door. Together, they eventually came up with a steel structure with a built-in Aero slat roof. When it rains, the tilting slats close and everyone sits sheltered. Moreover, the amount of sun or shade can be perfectly controlled on the terrace with the same slats. The screens also temper the sun or wind. At the same time, the heating elements guarantee a pleasant temperature. The goal? To enthuse guests to spend time outdoors all year round.

Combining metal construction with screens creates a golden mean between shelter and openness. The outdoor fireplace adds extra atmosphere and experience to the cosy outdoor cocoon. "We control both the built-in slatted roof, the screens and the heating with one remote control. It allows us to respond optimally to the weather conditions and the wishes of those present at any time," says Kurt.

That exterior construction is inherently part of architectural design should come as no surprise. At La Réserve, they like to go the extra mile on every front. The terrace is therefore an extension of La Rigue restaurant, where Peter Goossens stirs the pots. Perfect integration of the slatted roof and sun blinds was therefore crucial. The metal structure, from subcontractor Covrr, was clad with Alucobond panels, anodised in a bronze shade. 

"A customised colour," Gertjan of Decoranda comments. "Just as this entire project is bespoke. As a result, we had to adjust the steel structure last minute. The Aero just couldn't fit in. The fact that we were still able to deliver everything quickly is the result of good cooperation between the various partners involved. A way of working that we have experienced and appreciated with Renson since our early years."