© Ronald Tilleman
Salix: Sustainable and diverse housing
With the completion of Salix, we bring sustainable and diverse new homes to the Schiebroek district of Rotterdam. There is a strong demand for more housing in this neighbourhood, especially in the mid-price rental segment. To meet this demand, the new Salix residential complex was built last spring on the site of two former schools and a church (the Vredevorstkerk).
Salix’s 60 apartments and 14 family homes are aimed at a diverse group of residents. There are homes for starters, small households, senior citizens and (young) families. The complex is located at Wilgenplaslaan 200 in a neighbourhood where a number of streets are named after the willow tree. Salix is the Latin word for willow, and these trees are plentiful in the neighbourhood, along with lots of water and other greenery. The clear structure of the building blends well with Schiebroek, its distinctive identity and numerous green areas.
Living in a 21st-century garden city
With Salix, we have added a building to Schiebroek that fits in well with the future development of the area. With the title ‘Garden City of the 21st Century’, Schiebroek will become a lively neighbourhood where it is pleasant to live, with lots of greenery and sports and social facilities.
To complement this residential complex, Lidl is developing a large supermarket on the same site, with another new development on top. Between Salix and this project, a new square with seating and greenery will be created, which will not only serve as a recreational space, but also as a passage from the Teldersweg to the Wiardaplantsoen.
A building that fits in with the neighbourhood
By using various architectural elements, we have created a contemporary interpretation of the existing reconstruction architecture. The building has a height accent on the Wilgenplaslaan. To give the outdoor spaces on this side more intimacy, the façade is designed as a double skin.
On the Teldersweg side, the homes have a ‘Delft stoop’ (a sort of pavement patio) with a small canopy, which not only emphasises the transition between private and public, but also refers to the nearby shops. The buildings on the new Adolphine Kokplein are slightly raised. The lower two storeys have a setback as a transition between private and public.
On the lower floors, the homes have their entrances on the street side to increase contact with the street, so that the building is firmly anchored in the neighbourhood on all sides.
In the façade design the vertical elements are clearly visible, with subtle horizontal lines provided by the bands of concrete. The interplay of brickwork, concrete lines and detailing deliberately varies slightly on each side of the block to match the street. In this way, Salix retains its recognisable unity with architectural nuances on all sides.
High quality living and plenty of outdoor space
The car park is located at ground level in the heart of the development. Surrounded by the four residential blocks, it is completely hidden from view. On top of the garage is a communal courtyard, which adds to the quality of life and is easily accessible to all residents.
Each apartment has its own outdoor space, ranging from a balcony and roof terrace to a garden. The building has a collective sustainable energy system that provides energy efficient heating and cooling. All roofs are also fitted with solar panels.
Salix in Rotterdam was designed by De Zwarte Hond for Accresco Vastgoed and built by Van Wijnen. We also worked with Buro Bouwfysic, TWP and KVMC on the project.