Designing Quai 9’s outer shell presented several challenges regarding the durability of the façade. The close proximity to saltwater (less than 1km), the multitude of perforations on its 2000 panels and - last but not least - its large number of panels that are of horizontal instead of vertical orientation, thus being subject to relatively higher amounts of rain and UV radiation compared to vertical panels, all presented a unique problem to be solved.

Rising up to the challenge, Elval Colour came up with a customized PVDF4 coating built to last the 20-year duration of the requested warranty and beyond. The coils, which were used to produce the panels, were cast and rolled by Elval and coated in Elval Colour’s own coating lines with a marine-quality white primer, an additional barrier coat, then white PVDF base coat and PVDF clear topcoat to maximize corrosion and UV resistance.
All the panels were also coated with white primer on the backside, as this is visible from the inside of the façade. Finally, all panel edges were specially treated with bond protecting agents on site.
Composed of many origami-like facets that decidedly blur the division between its “horizontal” roof and “vertical” walls.

 

The roof overlay and façade cladding is composed of a complex of 2.000 aluminium composite panels etalbond^® (dimension 0.5m X 5m each) riveted on frameworks and on vertical concrete walls. The all-white metallic shell of Quai 9 required rigorous study, planning and execution to transform the vision of its architect Cecille Moga (MOG Architects) into a successful reality.

The building projects a playful ambiance in a manner similar to the creative assembly of the many triangular shapes that comprise its façade. Being the focal cultural, social and associative point of a city with distinct maritime heritage, the design does not fail to evoke ships with white sails at sea.
The predominant sail-shape motif defines the 3D form of the façade, which in turn announces to the visitor the function, the openness, the invitation to a (cultural) journey, the spirit of the place.

The etalbond^® composite covering envelops the entire building. The composite panels are partially perforated in four different patterned modules and provide exclusively the decorative appearance of the building. This purposeful ambiance is further enhanced by the thousands of perforated motifs that are found in flowing patterns throughout the facade. These motifs distribute natural daylight inwards - during the day - and artificial light outwards during the night.

 

 

5500m2 of perforated etalbond^® façade

3058m2 of covered space

17.8m height

One 1500 seat concert hall

Three exhibition halls

Construction duration 2 years

Official Inauguration September 2017

Architect: MOG Architects

Contractor: AXIMA CONCEPT

Façade panel manufacturer: Elval Colour