V8 architects plans to build a 150 meter high residential tower in the netherlands

the ‘cooltoren’ will be a 150 meter high residential tower in the netherlands, spanning 50 floors. its construction in the baan quarter of rotterdam is programmed to begin in 2017, with an expected completion date of 2019. the building’s design is connected to the richness of the district’s post-war architecture, with the base of the tower naturally blending into the neighborhood. ‘cooltoren’s’ silhouette and articulation relate to the dutch city on two scales: the low-rise layer and the skyline of new rotterdam — two factors which have been present since the end of the 19th century.

the ‘cooltoren’ is immersed in the hazy city of rotterdam

V8 architects has designed the ‘cooltoren’ with a triple crown: top, middle and bottom. the crown at the bottom of the tower delicately fits into the typical urban tissue of the baan quarter. the façades and balconies are a logical consequence of the layout of the apartments, and a direct translation of the many qualities of living at high altitudes: excellent views, outdoor space and comfort. the transparency of the balconies is gradual, creating a widening accent in the middle of the tower. this middle crown creates a layering in the height of ‘cooltoren’, relating it to a large number of towers in the center of rotterdam with the same height. the tower will be built with a structural outrigger system, allowing each apartment a panoramic view of the city. these continuous horizontal windows are refined with full glazed corners on all sides. 

the ‘cooltoren’ has a triple crown

the parking garage, which will be built as a horizontal counterpart to the high-rise, will be covered with a private roof garden for its residents. this 1,500 m2 green surface will act as a buffer in times of heavy rainfall, and contribute to a more balanced urban ecosystem. the tower’s 280 apartments, spreading over its 50 floors, will range from 60-400 square meters.

the bottom crown fits into the urban tissue of the baan quarter

the building associates with the rich palette of the surrounding architecture

the main entrance of the tower relates to the scale of the dutch city

the lobby welcomes visitors and residents within a vast open setting

‘cooltoren’ maintains an integrated relationship with life on the street

‘cooltoren’ will be the highest residential tower in rotterdam city center

the rotterdam city center skyline

the strong horizontal articulation develops gradually

sketch of the tower by the architects 

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edited by: apostolos costarangos | designboom