Along the riverbank
 
Renovation project in Flemish village
 
 
One of the objectives behind renovating the quay along the river Rupel was to re-establish the historical link between the waterway and the village centre of Boom. To do so, a new building was designed and constructed in Boom, consisting of a reception area and café. Appropriately it was christened De Kaai (The Quay).
 
The architect incorporated the aquatic theme in the new building by designing an undulating roof that gives the appearance of rippling water. Furthermore, the transparent construction of De Kaai emphasises the openness between the river and its surroundings. For the rest of the building, a typical local stone was chosen, while the large quantity of glass looks extremely attractive framed by light aluminium profiles. De Kaai is the highlight of the renovation project, which also includes the development of a riverbank footpath. The whole project is good news for the local population and is expected to swell the number of tourists visiting this attractive area of Belgium.