ZILT's signature salty character blows through each of their bespoke designs like a sea breeze. The creators of the innovative project developer, Veerle Vervaeke and Jean-Marie Ragolle, share a clear vision; they want to create inspiring, functional spaces that improve the quality of life and bring residents much-needed serenity through a wave of harmony. Sustainable, natural creations where the sea is central, that is what ZILT is all about.
Their smart but bold decision to, for now, only take on projects entirely in-house allows ZILT to completely customise all their designs. Right from the start, the team goes about optimising the layout of each property with precision and creativity. Improving the occupants' journey is what it is all about. That A to Z approach also facilitates them to put their unique vision and highly recognisable "Sand & Salt" stamp on each design. "Our dreams are made of sand & salt. Salt is the spice to our life and sand brings peace to our soul," reads their motto. The S&S style stems from a fusion of Mother Nature and slow living, a philosophy of life that encourages a slower daily rhythm. Through this special approach, ZILT projects always exude a minimalist warmth in which natural materials such as wood, natural stone and linen take precedence. In addition, the architects incorporate the textures and tones of the sea and the beach, allowing an interplay of monochrome colours and contrasting textures to liven up the spaces. In addition, natural light plays an important role in the designs. Preferably, the architects work with large windows overlooking the sea. This further emphasises the connection with the outside world, creating a vast sense of space that complements the thoughtful, streamlined layout. 
Besides total projects under 'ZILT Projects', the agency also manufactures furniture and unique objects under 'ZILT Studio'. Multifunctional custom-made furniture gives each concept an outstanding completeness and makes each unit shine with those typical pared-down shapes. Thanks to their rich experience in the textile world and many visits to international interior design fairs, the team knows how to manipulate materials to obtain special, unique creations. Their urge to experiment also reflects in their own artwork series "The Waves". The creations pay homage to the dynamics of the tide and reinforce their S&S vision in each project. This creates an overall experience when you step into a ZILT space: the natural tones and patterns inspire thought and act as bridges between the building, its surroundings, and its occupants. 
Great results are obtained through cooperation, the studio invariably believes. Through a shared passion with carefully selected partners, i.e. their 'soulmates', the agency always achieves the desired results. Moreover, they want to create spaces, furniture and objects with a soul, which they believe can only be achieved by building a good collaboration with clients who can identify with the ZILT style. In other words, future residents must share the same values and passions, so that they can create something special together. They clarify this in their slogan: 'We work on projects we love with people we like.' 
In short, we argue that ZILT's unique saline approach gives nature a chance to become one with architecture. The firm's designs are a great tribute to natural splendour and give you the space to retreat into a soothing, minimalist environment. 
© Bureau Blanc
© Scorpio Sisters