Silt: one with nature

Since March 2024, Middelkerke has gained an eye-catcher: Silt. The futuristic-looking complex houses a luxurious four-star hotel, a casino, a restaurant and a multifunctional event space. The interior design of the hotel was done by Belgian company TJIP.

Founded in 2012 by Jakob Vyncke and Thomas Meesschaert, TJIP designs interiors for homes, offices and catering establishments in Belgium and abroad. The focus is on stylish and functional designs, always with a sustainable signature and great attention to detail.

The two founders have a special bond with the sea. TJIP's track record therefore already includes several second stays on the Belgian coast. "We have extensive experience with the colours, materials and textures that harmonise well with both the strength and tranquillity emanating from the sea, the beach and the dunes. When Flow Hospitality Group/C-Hotels contacted us for the interior design of the brand new luxury hotel in Middelkerke, we immediately felt great affinity," explains Jakob Vyncke.

The modern building housing Silt was designed by Dutch architectural firms ZJA and DELVA Landscape Architects, in collaboration with the Nautilus construction team. TJIP's team started work there in January 2023. "The three-thousand-square-metre building was then still under construction, not all floors were fully completed. It soon became clear that the project would involve much more than just designing and furnishing the interior. We were very closely involved in the entire concept of the hotel from the very beginning. From the area and layout of the rooms to the ground and circulation plan of the six floors: we were allowed to think about everything and had a lot of say in it," Vyncke says.

With its unique elliptical shape, the futuristic building merges with the landscape, so to speak. "It really connects with its surroundings. We resolutely extended that connection into the interior. In the 74 luxurious rooms, almost all with a magnificent sea view, we worked exclusively with high-quality natural materials. For instance, we opted for a seamless concrete floor, which was afterwards coloured in the colour of the beach. This way, the floor is an extension of it. This beautiful harmony with the surrounding nature, sea and coastline makes guests really feel at home in their rooms. That has a positive impact on the hotel experience."

The project was built extremely quickly. In February 2022, the construction team started excavating the building pit and barely two years later, the building was fully ready to welcome the first visitors. Vyncke: "This was only possible thanks to the close cooperation and dedication of all parties involved. The fast delivery time sometimes caused some pressure, but it mainly stimulated us to make smart choices and work efficiently. We were on site very often to monitor everything accurately. And the fact that we saw quick results was also extra motivating."

Silt exudes both strength, sobriety and sophistication. The project perfectly embodies the character of Middelkerke and can give a new impetus to the seaside town's appearance and appeal. "Silt is a handsome example of innovative architecture with sustainable value. It provides welcome counterbalance to the many high-rise buildings on the Belgian coast. We are therefore proud that we were able to contribute to it."