Demographic change and the increasing number of single-person households, as well as rising construction prices across Europe, make it necessary to rethink traditional multi-storey residential construction, especially in city centers. A successful example was created in the Limburg capital Hasselt, in the east of Flanders: As part of the conversion of the Herkenrode barracks, the former parade ground was redensified with a nine-storey residential building. The planners from Kempe Thill architects and planners created additional living quality by combining relatively conservative floor plans with very large balconies. Around a third of the living space is designed as individual outdoor seating areas, which can be transformed into conservatories with all their advantages using sliding glass elements.

The approximately 50 apartments with living spaces of between 47 and 190 square meters are given their special charm by the conservatories, which completely enclose the insulated building volume. These balconies are 2.70 m deep on the east and west sides and 1.70 m wide on the north and south sides. The respective lengths vary depending on the layout of the apartments.

The outdoor seating areas make it possible to spend time outdoors undisturbed, even within your own “four walls”. As a climatic buffer zone, conservatories in particular extend the outdoor season by many months. However, they often have to withstand enormous wind pressure on higher floors. In Flanders, there is also the relatively nearby sea, which brings with it changeable weather and even powerful winter storms. In addition, the deep balcony roofs help to adapt to climate change: In summer, when the sun is high in the sky, they prevent additional heat from entering living spaces, while in winter, when the sun is low in the sky, they reduce the need for heating.

As a high-quality sliding element with storey-high glazing, the SL 23 aluminum system was chosen for the glass façade, as flush-fitting glass façades that can be opened and closed flexibly pose a technical challenge, especially in taller buildings. They have to meet the structural requirements as well as the desired sound, wind and weather protection properties. Added to this are aesthetic aspects such as filigree profile views.

The selected sliding system is always installed in front of the fall protection and is easy to open and close despite the relatively heavy individual elements. The simplified self-opening and soft-close closure contribute to this. The integrated anti-lift and anti-drop device also reliably meets safety requirements, even under high wind loads.