Complex and challenging

The ‘House of Cool’ project was realized right in the center of Rotterdam in early 2019. This project owes its name to the vibrant Cool district. On the one hand, a stone’s throw away from the trendy Witte de Withstraat and on the other hand, an oasis of tranquility with the Eendrachtstuin.

Due to the (fitting) location, this inner-city project was particularly challenging given the complexity of the construction between two existing building blocks and the relatively limited scale in relation to the development assignment.

2019 Rotterdam Architecture Prize

A special building in a challenging location.

Where previously a parking entrance and garage box could be found now stands a luxury apartment building. The inner-city location provides complex preconditions. The existing parking spaces in the courtyard will remain accessible by means of an underpass. The underpass has been carefully designed with round shapes and lots of glass on the side of the entrance to the apartment building. The round shapes invite you to pass under the building and through the use of a lot of glass, the underpass retains a chic and transparent appearance with a view of the lobby and good lighting at street level after sunset.

Partly for these reasons, this project has been nominated for the Rotterdam Architecture Prize 2019.

Quality that fits

The design is situated between existing building blocks built at the end of the 19th century and, with its modern appearance, contrasts nicely with the authentic façades of the frontage. The existing parking spaces in the courtyard will remain accessible by means of an underpass, taking into account the height of clearance for emergency services.

Via a spacious entrance hall and elevator, 6 apartments can be reached, all of which have a large outdoor space. Different types of luxury apartments all have a lot of daylight and are designed with large windows and sliding doors that provide access to the balcony and roof terrace. The large window openings on the street side tie in with the monumental buildings in the district. At the rear, in the lee of the courtyard, are the balconies with evening sun.

Urban character

The center of Rotterdam has a relatively low population density, which can be traced back to the bombings during the Second World War. By ‘filling in gaps’ with such small-scale but high-quality developments, the quality of life and urban character of Rotterdam is enhanced.