Boulevard Bankert 154 — Transformation of the Maritime School

Kokon Architecture & Urbanism is currently working on the redevelopment of the former Maritime School at Boulevard Bankert 154 in Vlissingen. The project — De Vaart — forms a new urban link between the characteristic low-rise buildings along the boulevard and the larger residential volumes further west along the coastline.  

The design was developed in response to the Vlissingen Boulevards Vision, in which the relationship between city, sea and public life plays a central role. The new development strengthens the vitality of the boulevard by introducing high-quality apartments, an active plinth and an architectural expression rooted in Vlissingen’s maritime identity.  

De Vaart is conceived as a composition of interlocking volumes rising above a historically inspired base. This plinth subtly references the original Maritime School, preserving the human scale and the memory of the site, while the sculptural upper volumes create a contemporary silhouette facing the sea.

A key ambition of the project was to reinforce the monumental former Maritime School at Boulevard Bankert 156. Rather than overpowering the monument, the new building has been carefully positioned to frame and strengthen its presence within the boulevard skyline. In this way, the redevelopment contributes to a more coherent and recognisable urban profile along the coast.  

The project has also been developed with a strong focus on long-term resilience and urban integration. The design anticipates the future elevation of the sea defence system and responds carefully to the scale and dynamics of its surroundings. Through a balance of expression, refinement and restraint, the building reflects the robust maritime character of Vlissingen.  

With De Vaart, Kokon delivers a contemporary addition to the boulevard: a residential building that not only adds housing, but also enhances the spatial quality, identity and experience of Vlissingen’s waterfront.

Publications and media coverage

• De Vaart Vlissingen project website
• Zeeuwse Vastgoed – Redevelopment of the Maritime School site
• RTV Vlissingen – Our Boulevard
• PZC – Residential tower proposal on Boulevard Bankert sparks debate
• Omroep Zeeland – coverage of De Vaart