Westerpunt by studio MOTO, concrete coastal viewpoint in De Panne, Belgium

studio MOTO shapes a looping concrete viewpoint on Belgium’s western coast

At Westerpunt, a concrete observation point by studio MOTO turns a walk along Belgium’s western coast into an architectural experience. Set on the dunes at De Panne, the structure extends from the promenade toward the beach and sea, offering a changing sequence of views across the shoreline.

The viewpoint sits at the end of the coastal promenade, between dunes and beach.
Photo: studio MOTO

The concrete loop frames a view of the North Sea.
Photo: studio MOTO

A walk that folds into the landscape

The elongated, ring-like form is arranged as a continuous route. Visitors climb and descend stair flights linked by landings, each turning 108 degrees to frame a different outlook. The path returns walkers to either the promenade or the beach, making the journey itself the destination. From the elevated platform, the coast opens toward De Panne and Dunkirk; at high tide, part of the structure meets the water.

Westerpunt’s angular opening creates a frame across the beach.
Photo: studio MOTO

A stair flight climbs through the sloping concrete structure.
Photo: studio MOTO

The elevated path rises above the sand before turning toward the sea.
Photo: studio MOTO

A side view shows the folded profile of the concrete observation point.
Photo: studio MOTO

Concrete shaped by the coast

Designed as a subtle intervention between land and sea, Westerpunt uses concrete chosen for its colour and texture, as well as its ability to withstand the marine environment with limited maintenance. The stairs also serve as structural supports, allowing the viewing platform to cantilever over the beach and water. An east-facing bench offers a place to pause along the route.

Stair flights and landings form the route through the structure.
Photo: studio MOTO

Westerpunt meets the long beach and promenade at De Panne.
Photo: studio MOTO

A distant view places the observation point within the broad coastal landscape.
Photo: Pink Appartment

Completed in 2024, the project was commissioned by the Municipality of De Panne and the Province of West-Flanders. Its form draws attention to the meeting of landscape and infrastructure, with views that connect the Belgian coast to the neighbouring French shoreline.

Project Credits

Architecture: studio MOTO / @studio.moto
Structural engineering: MOUTON engineering
Client: Municipality of De Panne and Province of West-Flanders
Contractor: Furnibo
Photography: Michiel Hendryckx; Pink Appartment; studio MOTO
Location: De Panne, Belgium
Year: 2020–2024