Bathroom experience that is right down to the last detail

With the opening of The Ostendian, Ostend has not just another hotel. Strategically located between railway station and marina, the new four-star hotel pays homage to the city in everything. From the warm colour palette and rounded corners that refer to the 70s and 80s, to the champagne bar in the 'Red Light Suite': The Ostendian oozes identity. And that identity does not stop with the interior or the bed linen - the story continues consistently and stylishly in the bathrooms too. Duravit, known worldwide for its designer bathrooms that combine aesthetics, hygiene and sustainability, signed up for this.

That The Ostendian chose Duravit was no coincidence. "We had a clear overall concept in mind, and looked for partners who could go along with it - without compromising on quality or appearance," says Bart Balcaen, founder of BLCN DESIGN, which translated The Brand Guys' interior concept into a tangible experience. "With Duravit it clicked immediately. They thought along, showed flexibility and understood what we meant when we asked for 'more character' or 'a bit of Ostend'."

The result is impressive: more than 300 sanitary elements were delivered and integrated into the hotel. From washbasins and wall toilets to shower trays and bathtubs - in each case with an eye for detail, aesthetics and functionality.

Collections with a story

Several Duravit collections were combined for the sanitaryware in the 113 rooms - from standard rooms to themed suites:

• DuraStyle: with its rounded shapes and retro look, this collection perfectly complements the Ostend vintage feel, like the Venetian Galleries, that the hotel aims to evoke. The DuraStyle lavabos - 114 in total - form the visual core of the bathroom.
• D-Neo: the wall-mounted toilets in this collection - 118 in total - bring contemporary simplicity, designed by Belgian designer Bertrand Lejoly. Minimalist and stylish, but also practical and comfortable. 
• Sustano: these innovative shower trays, made from the durable and recyclable DuroCast Nature, combine sleek design with ease of maintenance - a crucial feature in a busy hotel.

In the more luxurious themed rooms, one step further was taken, including jet stream baths by Paiova for the ultimate wellness experience. The combination of aesthetics and comfort gives each room, however different in style, the same sense of coherence and class.

More than 'just' a (bath) room

Duravit did not only supply sanitaryware for the guestroom bathrooms. The German brand's products were also chosen in the public areas, such as the restaurant, lobby and event/breakfast room 'The Ballroom'. This creates a uniform experience, where guests never feel the sense of 'changing styles'. It is part of the hotel's DNA: one story, consistently carried through to the details.

The toilets were also placed separately in the majority of the rooms, each in their own ambience with customised colours, materials and finishes. Even the control plates in chrome received attention - proof that at The Ostendian every element counts.

Sustainability as a basic principle

The Ostendian opted not only for style, but also for smart, sustainable interventions. At a time when hotels are more committed than ever to ease of maintenance, energy efficiency and longevity of materials, Duravit offers a clear answer. The Sustano shower trays, for example, are not only made of recyclable material, they are also available in different sizes, allowing them to perfectly match any room.

"For us, functional does not mean boring, but rather: beautiful and suitable for intensive use," says Marc Heirweg, project manager at Duravit BeLux. "In a hotel like this, where atmosphere and storytelling are essential, every element has to participate in the story, including the bathroom."

Ostend elegance, global design

Throughout the process, Duravit was in close dialogue with BLCN DESIGN and the other partners, including real estate group Degroote and C-Hotels. This intensive cooperation led to a remarkable achievement: the entire project was completed three months ahead of schedule. "That is almost unheard of in the hotel sector," says Bart Balcaen. "Duravit was not just a supplier, but a thinking partner. They contributed with beautiful products, but also with solutions."

That confidence tastes like more. "In future projects, Duravit will be my first point of contact for sanitaryware," says Balcaen. "Because I know that they think along with me, switch quickly and understand that good design never stands alone."

Everything comes together at The Ostendian: international class, local anchoring, and design that you not only see, but also feel. For those walking into the city via the railway station, the hotel is a first striking stop. For those who check in, it is a total experience that continues to surprise right into the bathroom.