Skyfall - De Panne (BE)

Adele’s song Skyfall is music to many people’s ears, but the Skyfall residence in De Panne undoubtedly has the same effect. This new building project with a contemporary and modern design, by the hand of architects Govaert & Vanhoutte, is located within walking distance of the North Sea. The luxurious apartments are finished with high-quality materials, think of underfloor heating, home automation and a ventilation system that takes the indoor climate to a higher level. Ventilation and sun protection specialist DUCO was approached for the latter.

‘The eye wants something too.’ This saying certainly applies to the Skyfall residence in De Panne. The reference project on the remote Flemish coastline was completed in 2016. The building consists of eight luxury apartments and thirteen underground storage rooms and garages. Not only is the sea a stone’s throw from the apartment building, but also the commercial centre, the beautiful nature reserve ‘De Westhoek’ and the ‘Calmeynbos’.

Healthy living environment

The entire apartment building was provided with natural ventilation. Ventilation system C was deliberately chosen for this project. ‘The TronicTop 60 wired was the most obvious choice,’ says Dirk Stevens, sales manager for Belgium. ‘Due to the lack of technical rooms, it was practically impossible to implement a system that required a lot of ducts. That’s why we opted for the DucoTronic System, which requires a minimum of ducting.’

This demand-controlled natural ventilation system uses electronically controlled window ventilators. ‘This system also offers the necessary benefits in terms of EPB,’ continues Stevens. ‘The indoor climate is monitored by means of CO₂ detection. Thanks to the DucoBox Focus, a high-performance and smart ventilation box, ventilation is only provided where and when needed, and in the right quantity. The integrated humidity and/or CO₂ control valves automatically remove damp and/or polluted air. Once the indoor climate has been optimised again, the valves close and this results in optimum energy-saving.’ In this way, a healthy, comfortable and energy-efficient living environment is created.

Sleek design within minimalist structure

The window ventilators are inconspicuously integrated into the window profile, resulting in a sleek design. ‘In this residence a lot of non-functional window ventilators were used because not many ventilators were actually needed to do the necessary ventilation work. In this way, an aesthetic unity was formed within this minimalist structure in terms of exterior and interior view,’ reveals Stevens.

Not only the minimal duct system, but also the maximum comfort and the reduction factor (0.35) offer great added value. In addition, the optional acoustic design is also an important asset, which guarantees residents a good night’s sleep.Pleasantly warm

It was decided to fit the ClimaTop 60 window ventilator in the living room. This window ventilator preheats the outside air via a heat strip, if the outside temperature falls below 12 °C and if the CO₂ content in the room is too high. During the winter months this ensures a pleasant temperature, with an efficiency of 99%.

‘Thanks to the implementation of the CO₂-controlled ventilation system, a healthy indoor climate and resident comfort are guaranteed more than ever,’ concludes Stevens.