A prestige project on the Belgian coast

WB&E Façade Engineering specializes in the design, calculation and drafting of façade construction projects and architectural steel structures. With over 30 years of international experience, the firm offers a range of engineering services to various stakeholders in the construction process of the entire building envelope. That expertise came in handy during the design and construction of the new event building Silt in Middelkerke, a prestigious project on the Belgian coast with a highly complex facade consisting of faceted and elliptically inclined facades.

Our goal is to deliver high-quality, sustainable and aesthetic solutions that meet the specific requirements of each project, begins manager Philip Willems of WB&E Façade Engineering. "One of our most prestigious projects is the recently opened event building Silt Middelkerke. This iconic building, designed by architectural firm ZJA and DELVA landscape architects in collaboration with Bureau Bouwtechniek and OZ, won the International Architecture Award. The complex includes a casino, event hall, hotel and star restaurant, and is seamlessly integrated with the seawall and Epernay Square."

Complex facades

WB&E Façade Engineering played a crucial role in the realization of this innovative project by providing specialized engineering services and advice on façade technology and steel structures. "Our contribution was essential for both the facade builder and the general contractor," says Philip. "For the facade builder Allaert Aluminium, we provided stability and glass calculations for the curtain walls and hotel windows, including reinforcing profiles. We helped design and calculate the supports for the glass supports and produced detailed facade and floor plans. The project included complex facades, such as three faceted facades and an elliptical tilting facade, for which we developed waterproof and thermally insulated solutions. In addition, our team drew out the roof lights and fire-resistant patios." 

Dekton awnings

For the general contractor TM Furnibo-Democo, WB&E Façade Engineering provided strength calculations and developed concept details for a Dekton-clad steel canopy, among other things. Philip: "We simulated the thermal behavior of the canopy in case of fire to guarantee the required EI30 fire resistance. Everything was studied in close collaboration and under the control of Bureau Bouwtechniek."

Wide range of services

At WB&E Façade Engineering, we offer a wide range of services tailored to different types of clients, Philip assures. "For facade builders, we support from the quotation phase with concept design, initial calculations and advice on possible solutions. During project execution, we determine glass thicknesses, profile cross-sections and fasteners and provide detailed façade and floor plans. For steel fabricators, we calculate profiles, weld and bolt connections and provide support with 3D models and assembly plans. In addition, we assist contractors in finding suitable facade builders and integrate facades technically correctly into projects." Architectural firms, for their part, can count on extensive technical support and calculations for both initial experience with curtain walling and project-specific solutions, according to Philip. "Other engineering firms in turn call on our services for thermal calculations for EPB reports and specific façade calculations. And system suppliers we help with calculations of profiles and anchors and the preparation of details. Finally, builders we support by carrying out quality checks and ensuring that materials and techniques comply with national and international standards."

WB&E Façade Engineering's team consists of about 40 engineers, experts and draftsmen, spread across Belgium, northern Macedonia and Portugal. "We combine technical expertise with a passion for innovative construction technologies to provide the best service to our clients. Our contribution to Silt Middelkerke illustrates our ability to tackle complex challenges and deliver successful results."