Traditional craftsmanship gets a new, sustainable purpose.

How do you give a 19th-century windmill a future-oriented function without losing its character? For this special project at the D-hotel site in Marke, Handsaeme is refurbishing a historic windmill so that it will soon be able to generate electricity. A unique combination of heritage, technology and innovation.

Part 1 has begun

The first phase of the project is in full swing: 

• Removal of the existing mill head.
• Installment of a new pivot point, so that the mill head can later turn automatically.
• Modifying the existing shaft to drive the future generator.

Every intervention respects the original structure. This in close collaboration with the Flanders Heritage Agency. 

“For the technical implementation of this project, we were able to rely on Handsaeme’s expertise. 

Exactly the sort of craftsmanship this project required.” – Henk Dejonckheere 

According to Henk Dejonckheere, owner of D-Hotel, this windmill has been “the symbol of our site” for years. The project gives it a new lease of life. For such a technically precise and delicate project, he felt it was important to find “a partner with genuine craftsmanship”. He says he was immediately on the same wavelength as Handsaeme: “They understand both the heritage value and the technical challenge of this project.” 

Part 2: The summer of 2027

Following the renovation, the mill head and sails wil be refitted, followed by the generator, drive system and control system. This will enable this historic mill to harness the power of the wind once again, this time to generate electricity. 

Heritage and engineering go hand in hand 

With our expertise in mechanical engineering and custom automation,
we are delighted to play our part in a project where history and innovation literally come together. 

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