How does a contemporary version of post-war reconstruction architecture fit into an existing neighbourhood?
Existing situation
In the Schiebroek district of Rotterdam, there was a high demand for additional housing, especially in the mid-price rental segment. To meet this demand, a new residential complex called Salix was built on the site of two former schools and a church (the Vredevorstkerk).
Salix comprises 60 apartments and 14 family homes for a diverse group of residents. There are homes for starters, small households, older people and (young) families. To complement this housing complex, Lidl is developing a large supermarket on the same site, with another new development on top. A new square with seating and greenery will be created between Salix and this project, which will serve not only as a recreational space but also as a route from the Teldersweg to the Wiardaplantsoen.
A sustainable building with different typologies
The clear structure of Salix blends in well with the green Schiebroek district, with its distinctive character and numerous green spaces. 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 houses have a ‘Delft stoop’ (a sort of pavement patio) with a small canopy, which not only emphasises the transition between private and public, but is also a reference to the nearby shops.
The buildings on the new Teldersplein are slightly raised. The lower two levels have a setback as a transition between private and public. The four clean volumes surround a raised courtyard, which adds to the quality of life.
The car park is located at ground level in the heart of the complex. With the residential blocks surrounding it, the car park is completely hidden from view. Above the car park is a communal courtyard that is easily accessible to all residents. On the lower floors, the houses have their entrance on the street side to increase the contact with the street, so that the building is firmly anchored in the neighbourhood on all sides.
Different types of housing, such as detached houses, maisonettes and apartments, provide space for a variety of residents. Each apartment has its own outdoor space, ranging from a balcony and roof terrace to a garden. The building uses a heat/cold storage system for efficient heating and cooling, and all roofs are equipped with solar panels.
The result
Through the use of various architectural elements, we have created a contemporary interpretation of the existing post-war reconstruction architecture. Vertical elements are clearly visible in the façade design, with subtle horizontal lines provided by concrete bands. 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.
1 Dwelling entrance door
2 Awning
3 Bat box
4 Masonry truss
5 Roof edge
Salix
In the Schiebroek district of Rotterdam, there has been a strong demand for additional housing, especially in the mid-price rental segment. To meet this demand, a new residential complex called Salix has been built on the site of two former schools and a church. By using various architectural elements, we have created a contemporary interpretation of the existing post-war reconstruction architecture. For example, the block on the urban Wilgenplaslaan has a height accent to give the outdoor spaces of the homes a more intimate atmosphere. The homes on Teldersweg have a ‘Delft stoop’ (a sort of pavement patio) that emphasises the connection between the house and the street, together with a small awning that marks the boundary between private and public. The building also has striking lines and special accents in the façade, such as horizontal concrete bands that frame the balconies. Each apartment has its own outdoor space, from balcony to garden, and is adjacent to the ground-floor car park, which is hidden from view. Residents also have easy access to the communal courtyard on the roof of the car park. Different types of housing, such as family homes, maisonettes and apartments, provide space for a variety of residents. The building has a heat/cold storage system for efficient heating and cooling, and all roofs are fitted with solar panels.
data
- Location
- Rotterdam, NL
- Size
- 10.500 m²
- Client
- Accresco Vastgoed
- Discipline
- Architecture
- Program
- Residential
- Period
- 2020-2023
- Status
- Completed
- Photography
- Ronald Tilleman Photography
- Partners
- KVMC, Vaanster, Van Wijnen Dordrecht
- themes