The school complex

Fullhouse is currently transforming the former school complex located between Sikkelstraat, Vorkstraat and Ploegstraat in Rotterdam into housing. The 6000 m2 school complex was built in 1923 and was the largest in Rotterdam at the time. The complex was designed by the Rotterdam municipal architect Walter Dahlen in collaboration with Ad van der Steur, both architects have designed several striking schools in Rotterdam. The building originally housed three schools, two of which for G.L.O. (Ordinary Primary Education) and one for U.L.O. (Advanced Primary Education). In addition to classrooms, the building also included space for a gym, a bathhouse, two service residences and a covered children’s playground.

Fullhouse is redeveloping the complex into mainly rental homes in the middle segment, while retaining the characteristic monumental appearance. This gives the building a new life after years of vacancy and the development gives a positive impulse to social cohesion and quality of life in Vreewijk. The cultural-historical value of the upcoming monument will be respected by realizing a differentiated housing program with as few interventions as possible. The existing structure is largely maintained and the different wings are used by realizing a suitable program in the various spaces. For example, there will be lofts in the covered playground as well as specials in the tower on the Ploegstraat.

Diversity of homes

In the former school complex, homes in the social segment, medium-price segment and high segment will be realized. In the immediate vicinity of Vreewijk there is mainly a social housing stock. With Hillehof we will connect to the existing stock, increase diversity and at the same time offer opportunities for social climbers who wish to make a residential career in their own neighbourhood. Providing space for social climbers is one of the spearheads of the National Program Rotterdam Zuid (NPRZ). To strengthen Rotterdam-Zuid, it is crucial to offer residents who need to leave their social housing the opportunity to continue living in their existing neighborhood in Rotterdam-Zuid. With Hillehof we hope to contribute to this.

All homes receive at least Energy Label A and the homes are realized with a green certificate, so that all homes meet a strict sustainability standard and only FSC certified wood is used in the construction process.