On the Belgian coast, where urban density meets open sea horizons, a new residential landmark is redefining contemporary seaside living. Hoost, located just 300 metres from the shoreline in Knokke-Heist, is more than a residential tower – it’s a mixed-use vertical neighbourhood designed to bring civic life, community functions and private homes together, in one expressive architectural form.
Developed and built by CAAAP and Artes Group, and designed by internationally renowned architects Jakob + MacFarlane, with execution by B2Ai architects, the project introduces a distinctive presence to the coastal skyline. The 14-storey building has a bold, colourful façade and an interconnected residential layout intended to encourage interaction, rather than isolation.
A new landmark for coastal living
Knokke-Heist has long been known as one of Belgium’s most desirable coastal destinations – balancing holiday atmosphere with permanent urban life. Hoost responds to this dual identity by creating homes that feel both like everyday residences, and a retreat by the sea!
The building contains 97 residential units, including apartments, penthouses, and garden houses. Rather than stacking homes as isolated volumes, the design introduces shared circulation spaces, patios and walkways that expose residents to light, air and views – bringing the coastal environment into daily life.
The result is not simply vertical living, but a spatial experience: residents step out of their apartments directly into open communal areas where sea air and daylight remain present throughout the building.
Public life at ground level
Hoost is conceived as a ‘village in the city’, extending beyond housing to civic activation. The lower floors contain several municipal services for Knokke-Heist, including:
- a library with internet cafe
- a wedding and council chamber
- a multifunctional event space
This mix of uses anchors the building into its neighbourhood and transforms it into a social hub, rather than a standalone development.
The surrounding Maes- en Boereboomplein square has also been redesigned, replacing a former parking and market space with an active public realm. Underground parking frees the surface for events, markets, recreation and everyday social life – reinforcing Hoost’s ambition to connect architecture with community.
Architecture as Identity
Jakob + MacFarlane’s architecture is intentionally expressive. The colourful façade creates a recognisable identity while also responding to the human scale through terraces, gardens and varied dwelling types.
Rather than uniform repetition, the building communicates individuality – a concept aligned with contemporary residential expectations where personal lifestyle increasingly shapes spatial planning.
In coastal contexts especially, architecture must balance durability, visibility and comfort. Hoost achieves this through a combination of robust construction, sustainable technologies and carefully considered layouts that maximise light and cross-ventilation.
Why AEG?
For a project positioned at the intersection of design, lifestyle and sustainability, appliance integration was a critical design decision. AEG appliances were selected for the kitchens to complement the architectural intent of Hoost:
- Design integration: clean lines and coordinated finishes support the project’s strong visual identity – without competing with it.
- Energy efficiency: advanced technologies align with the development’s sustainability ambitions.
- Long-term reliability: essential for a multi-residential project where durability and consistent performance shape resident satisfaction.
- User-centred functionality — intuitive controls and smart features enhance daily living for residents.
In developments where homes function both as primary residences and leisure properties, appliances must be effortless to use while maintaining premium performance – an important factor in the specification process.
Buyers of residences in Hoost were able to select from a wide range of AEG appliances*, including:
AEG 9000 ProAssist CombiQuick® Built-in Oven (Matt Black) – combining hot air circulation with microwave technology, the CombiQuick® oven delivers even cooking results in significantly less time, while assisted programmes automatically optimise settings.
The CookSmart Touch+ interface and food sensor provide guided cooking and energy-aware operation within our desirable matt black finish.
AEG 7000 SenseBoil® Induction Hob – this innovative hob detects rising bubbles and automatically adjusts heat to a controlled simmer, reducing monitoring and improving energy efficiency. Individual zone controls and PowerBoost offer precise, flexible cooking while Hob2Hood® connectivity coordinates ventilation automatically.
AEG 7000 SilenceTech Cooker Hood – designed for low-noise performance, the SilenceTech hood efficiently removes cooking vapours while maintaining a calm kitchen environment. Adjustable lighting and the automatic Hob2Hood® function help to create both optimal visibility and a clean, comfortable environment.
AEG 9000 MultiFlow Refrigerator with LongFresh 0°C compartment – the refrigerator maintains stable temperature and humidity throughout the cavity, preserving food quality and freshness for longer. A dedicated 0°C zone protects delicate ingredients, while the interior uses recycled plastic to support circular material use.
AEG 9000 ComfortLift® Dishwasher with AirDry Technology – ComfortLift® raises the lower basket to ergonomic height for easier loading and unloading, improving everyday usability. QuickSelect controls guide users to the most efficient cycles, while AirDry technology enhances drying performance using natural airflow
Living between city and sea
Hoost is a perfect demonstration of how contemporary residential architecture is evolving – from isolated housing toward experiential living environments. By combining civic spaces, community interaction, sustainable technology and architectural identity, the project creates a model suited to modern coastal urbanisation.
For architects and developers, the scheme illustrates a wider shift: residential buildings increasingly act as social infrastructure, not just accommodation. The integration of reliable, efficient appliances supports this ambition, by ensuring everyday living remains simple within complex architectural environments.
As Knokke-Heist continues to grow as a year-round destination, Hoost stands as a marker of how design, community and technology can coexist – delivering both lifestyle quality and long-term value.
*Due to the choice of appliances on offer, differing AEG models to those featured in this article, can also be found within the development.
