rotterdam's first triangular tower tops out in the city's maritime district

casanova by barcode architects

barcode architects reveals the latest images of its 110-meter-tall ‘casanova’ tower, which is currently under construction in rotterdam‘s maritime district. the new residential building is articulated by a striking triangular form that balances on a rectangular base.

casanova forms an ensemble with another residential tower by barcode architects on the adjacent plot called ‘the muse’, which was completed last year. the two buildings have been planned in synergy by the dutch firm, both architecturally and in terms of the collective program.

image © frank hanswijk

casanova aims to bring new energy to the maritime district, which the architects say is rapidly transforming from an anonymous office district to a vibrant urban area. the new tower activates the corner on the wijnhaven and forms an important link on the new walking route between the oude haven and the museumpark, via the markthal, leuvehaven and the witte de withstraat.

‘within the city boundaries, densification through high-rise is a favorable option, but anonymous volumes where residents don’t know each other should be avoided,’  says barcode architects’ partner caro van de venne about the project. ‘with casanova, we want to create a three-dimensional part of the city, where people live healthily, neighbors know each other and there is a pleasant atmosphere at ground level. the design principles used in these projects, set an example for the new rotterdam high rise vision.’

image © frank hanswijk

the slender building shape ensures optimal sightlines and daylight for the surrounding buildings and gives the dwellings in the tower a 300-degree view of the city. between the fifth and eighth floors, the volume points downwards, balancing the tower elegantly on the base. on the fifth floor, on top of the low-rise, a 1,600 sqm roof garden will be realized.

the residents of casanova and the muse can meet each other here informally, and the roof garden is directly connected with the liveliness on the quay. besides the collective roof garden, various shared functions are included in the program, such as a gym, a communal kitchen, co-working spaces, meeting rooms and hotel rooms that residents can reserve for their guests. in the plinth, hospitality functions and the central entrance add liveliness to the public space on ground level.

image © frank hanswijk

the tower comprises 35 floors and a rich residential program with 116 dwellings, from more compact apartments in the low-rise block to spacious tower apartments and exclusive penthouses with large outdoor spaces. floor-to-ceiling windows ensure optimal daylight entry and spectacular views in all the tower apartments.

the vertical orientation in the façade accentuates the slender design. red-brown travertine panels give the tower a warm and powerful appearance all around. towards the top of the tower, the panels have gradually broader smooth-edged surfaces. these elements reflect the sunlight, creating a shifting appearance throughout the day and making the top of the tower seem to disappear into the sky. casanova is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.

image © WAX architectural visualizations

image © frank hanswijk

project info:

name: casanova

location: rotterdam, the netherlands

client: VOF wijnhaven 65 & wilma wonen

architecture firm: barcode architects

size: 22,000 sqm

photography: frank hanswijk

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom