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With the opening of Courtyard by Marriott, the final link in a modern hotel and event complex along the E17 motorway in Ghent has been completed. ARCH & TECO led the design and coordination of this extensive project, in which three hotels and a multifunctional event centre together form a lively meeting place. Project architect Jeroen Van Hove explains how collaboration, technical innovation and architectural vision combined to produce a unique end result.
“The ambition was great,” says Jeroen Van Hove. “To realise three hotels on the Akkerhage site within five years, each with its own character and target group. That requires not only vision, but also speed and flexibility.”
The first building, Residence Inn by Marriott, was completed in 2019. This long-stay hotel has 105 spacious 30- to 40-square-metre rooms with kitchens and targets guests staying in Ghent for weeks or months at a time. “Relatives of patients from nearby hospitals or employees of international companies find a temporary home there,” Van Hove explains.
The second hotel, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, which houses 127 rooms, followed in 2024. This low-budget hotel targets shorter stays and tourist guests. “It combines comfort with accessibility, without sacrificing quality,” Van Hove said.
The final piece of the development is Courtyard by Marriott, a classic 174-room hotel that was officially opened on 30 October, in the presence of the CEO of Marriott International. Construction of the Courtyard hotel took barely 16 months and the Holiday Inn Express only 14 months. “Such a pace is only achievable with a highly coordinated approach,” Van Hove stressed. Contractor Juri was involved as early as the tender phase, which he says was crucial. “By integrating their technical input early, we were able to switch quickly and flexibly in the event of the many design changes and both schedule and budget remained under control.”
Adjacent to the hotel is also an event centre with seven meeting rooms, a pre-function area with lots of light and a 7-metre-wide LED screen, a lobby and an Italian restaurant with terrace and bar. “This event centre with golden cladding is a place that is alive, all day long,” says Van Hove. “From business travellers to families: everyone will find something to their liking here.”
Courtyard by Marriott combines aesthetics with technical sophistication. Thus, the team chose white precast concrete panels with a complex 3D pattern to match the Residence Inn's simpler panels. “Matching colour and texture was a challenge,” says Van Hove. “Each panel was checked individually to avoid distortions or markings. This quality control was intensive, but essential to achieve the desired result.”
Another striking element is the wooden canopy construction of the pre-function space, with spans of 16 x 16 metres. “This is not only visually impressive, but also technically challenging,” Van Hove explains. “The canopy connects the hotels to the event centre while creating a warm atmosphere.”
For the interior design, ARCH & TECO partnered with Greek agency USP (Urban Soul Project). “That collaboration went very smoothly,” says Van Hove. “We followed everything closely on site so that their concept remained seamlessly integrated into the architecture and fully complied with the client's vision.” Sustainability was also a key focus. Van Hove: “So we opted for chilled beams instead of VRF systems. This is more energy-efficient and better for the indoor climate.”
Looking back, Van Hove calls the project a model of efficient project management and trust. “We proved that speed and quality go together perfectly, as long as you involve the right people at the right time.”
