Grand-Large Marina

Presentation and Location

A key point of passage between the French and Dutch canal and navigable waterway networks, the Grand-Large Marina in Mons is ideally located on the map of navigable waterways.

The Grand-Large site was developed in 1970 following the removal of the Mons-Condé Canal. A small marina already existed at the Grand-Large site, but the lack of equipment and welcoming structures severely limited its development and, consequently, the development of related activities.

Today, the lake itself is bordered by lush green lawns, which can accommodate tourists for a day or more. The reduced number of locks, lifts, and movable bridges providing access to the Grand-Large offers boaters the following advantages: higher speed, time savings, lower fuel consumption, and above all, the site features one of the longest stretches of uninterrupted waterway in Belgium (39 km without a lock), making it particularly appealing for weekend cruises.

The Mons marina has 157 berths, 110 of which are reserved for annual rental, while the remaining ones are available for transient boaters.

Mostly equipped with electrical terminals and water connections, the marina also has a port office open 7 days a week, along with sanitary facilities, showers, and a laundry room.

Site plan and canal

A key junction between the French and Dutch canal and waterway networks, the Grand-Large Port in Mons is ideally located on the waterway map.

Harbormaster's Office Architecture

A true allusion to the typical landscape of port facilities, the harbormaster's office is designed as a stack of containers.

The architecture proceeds by accumulating and juxtaposing simple volumes around the access tower; playing with overlaps, offsets, and cantilevers to bring in light and open up views of the Grand Large.

Along with the play of forms, there is an exploration of materials.

The red metal structure for the access tower rises 18 meters above the water level and provides a panoramic view.

A first container, draped in its undulating metallic cladding, houses all the services offered to boaters (showers, restrooms, laundry, etc.). Large portholes further reinforce the maritime allusion.

Above it, a long cedar wood box, only split by a wide window, contains the guest house.

Finally, the guard post, a true glass box, seems to float in the air and crowns the small garage, which is covered with white cladding.

(Source: ARCADUS Architect)