Against all odds, this DKTN façade withstands the challenges of the coastal climate

The North Sea washes the beaches of Koksijde, a municipality in the province of West Flanders and a tourist area. And right there, at the mercy of the weather, which is far from mild in these latitudes, stands the Les Ancres building, whose façade has recently been renovated to enhance both its architectural identity and long-term performance. The Geldhof Decoene Architecten studio reimagined the exterior with a clean and contemporary expression that responds to the coastal context in which the building is located, applying DKTN to the façade.

It is more than evident that not every surface is prepared to withstand the passage of time in every sense, which is why it was clear that the material used to cover it had to meet the highest standards. They opted for DKTN Argentium. Specifically, 450 square metres of this Cosentino finish, installed as a ventilated façade with a chemical fixing system. “Building materials in maritime environments are constantly exposed to salt-laden air, strong winds, humidity, sand abrasion, and intense ultraviolet radiation,” the studio explains.

“These conditions can quickly deteriorate traditional façade materials. In this context, DKTN offers significant advantages such as high resistance to salt and humidity, preventing corrosion or structural deterioration; stability against UV radiation, ensuring the colour remains unchanged despite continuous sun exposure; low porosity, which reduces the appearance of stains and facilitates façade maintenance; and resistance to thermal shock, essential in a climate with temperature variations and strong winds.”

Aesthetic sense was another imperative of the project, hence the choice of DKTN Argentium: “Its soft grey tone, with a mineral character, enhances the geometric clarity of the volume and integrates naturally with the dunes, the muted tones of neighbouring façades, and the changing light of the North Sea,” they explain.

The ventilated façade system also enhances durability by allowing continuous ventilation at the back, contributing to moisture control and the long-term stability of the building envelope. The result, “is a refined, low-maintenance façade that not only enhances the building's aesthetic presence but is designed to withstand the demanding conditions of the coastal climate for decades.”

The excellent mechanical properties, resistance to UV rays, freeze-thaw cycles, abrasion, stains, and being a non-combustible material make DKTN the perfect material for any façade project. Additionally, Cosentino offers a 25-year warranty for this application and a commitment to sustainability thanks to its Carbon Neutral certification.