OURDOMAIN ROTTERDAM BLAAK
INTELLIGENT INTENSIFICATION | DENSITY | FUNCTIONAL MIX | SUSTAINABLE | SOCIAL COHESION
Location
Rotterdam, Verlengde Willemsbrug-Wijnhaven
Description
612 compact apartments, units for study and education, offices, café/restaurant and shops
Client
Greystar Netherlands
development
Stebru / Drees & Sommer Netherlands
completed
December 2021 (building started in 2018)
A NEW LANDMARK
OurDomain is located on a site charged with history, in the heart of old Rotterdam. In May 1940, when Germany invaded the Netherlands, the city centre was totally erased. OurDomain occupies the exact centre of that devastating bombing. Now the site enjoys excellent access by public transport and is within walking distance of the most important urban amenities. Moreover, OurDomain is strategically located on the new ‘Knowlegde Axis’ of university buildings, medical centres and high-quality employment services.
Despite that, a development on this site might not immediately appear possible. The narrow, triangular patch of grass, set against the embankment of the extended Willems Bridge, offers little space, but a smart arrangement makes this site suitable for approximal 600 small dwellings in a 70 metres high tower.
OurDomain occupies a pivotal position between the old and new parts of the city. That is why amenities complement the residential programme. The first floor contains various public functions such as a café, shops, fitness centre and workspaces for students. These lower floors are open in character, allowing streetlife to extend inside the building.
The architecture echoes Rotterdam’s vigorous post-war architecture. A striking feature is the transparent façade cladding, behind which a ‘second façade’ is illuminated after dark.
A new gateway to the City Centre
The triangular plot is very small. That's why it was never rebuilt after WOII.
May 2021
Total destruction after the German bombardent, May 1940. The heart of the city was on fire. The red line shows where the fire reached. It is called De Brandgrens (the Fire Circle). The facade of OurDomain refers to the destruction.
On the top floor is a huge roof terrace garden. Residents have a great view over the city and the river Maas.
The highest point (70 metres) is reached. 2021 April 6.