WCT

Due to the rapid growth of container terminal WCT in Meerhout, there was a need for new accommodation for the offices and a workshop.

The building's relationship with the Albert Canal can certainly be seen as an asset for the project. Given the activity in the workshop, a skin in concrete panels for the building was a functional choice.

The offices have extra cladding in Corten panels. This is also the steel from which containers are made and so this element provides a link to the activity. The facade on the Albert Canal was opened up with horizontal window strips in order to have the greatest possible contact with the water and to obtain a panoramic view. The facades to the car park (clad with Corten) have vertical window strips to obtain a more closed character towards the car park. The Corten steel obtains its natural “rust” layer in the first months after installation and is, as it were, very strong and indestructible due to the thickness of 3 mm as used here. The sober design gives the building a powerful appearance due to the unusual use of materials. The interior of the offices has been designed in such a way that there are beautiful views of the beautiful surroundings of the Albert Canal and the "green" opposite side. A pleasant working environment for the staff in which light, sight and contact positively influence the atmosphere and the social relations of the employees.