A solid piece of concrete in front of a permeable enclosure of glass to the outside and of wood in the interior patio, both because of the cantilever that allows a feeling of a light and flexible project.
In front of a concrete structure of the original piece, a stepped piece with a steel structure rises that seeks a contrast and diversifies the complex's program. The use of glass in the enclosure of the houses allows an interior-exterior connection next to the city of Rotterdam where the structure is visible, it allows connecting the house with the city and the original warehouse that brings everything together as a homogeneous component.
Description of project by Mei Architects and planners
In 2013, Mei won the architect selection for the redevelopment of the almost 100-year-old harbor warehouse at Katendrecht, commissioned by Heijmans. The plan was intended to contribute to the transformation of the district, which the municipality of Rotterdam has been promoting since 2007.
In the design by Mei, a residential volume with more than 200 loft apartments has been placed on top of the former warehouse. By using an immense table construction of approximately one million kilos of steel, the historic building could be preserved as much as possible and space was created for local entrepreneurs of whom many were already present in the area; Fenix Food Factory, Conny Janssen Danst, Codarts and Circus Rotjeknor. A public passage runs straight through the building, connecting the city side with the quay. And on the roof of the historic warehouse a communal courtyard has been created, adjacent to the galleries that provide access to the houses. The existing has been merged with the new building, resulting in an impressive and iconic building.
"The jury is impressed by the rugged concrete construction and the daring modern intervention. The stepped shape of the new volume, which makes the building look less colossal towards the neighborhood, is a "smart solution". Fenix I gives a huge boost to an emerging neighborhood. "
BNA Beste Gebouw van het Jaar, 2020
In addition to the character of the building and the connection to its surrounding buildings, the various jury reports praise the innovative table construction and the different time layers that have been made visible. They are also positive about the daring choice for the gallery access, and the successful mix of living, working, culture and catering. In addition to the ten prizes won, Fenix I has received several more nominations, of which the winners will be announced in the coming month.
With a 45,000 m2 mixed-use program and a unique steel table construction built right through the existing monumental warehouse, Rotterdam has gained a daring and iconic building: Fenix I. The Fenix warehouse, built in 1922 for the Holland America Line, has been redeveloped and renovated for an extensive mixed-use program, including a large Culture Cluster. A new volume with 212 loft apartments has been built on top of the 100-year-old monumental Fenix warehouse. Fenix I excels in technical terms, the loft concept is exceptional in this size, and from an architectural point of view, Fenix I is a defining icon for Rotterdam.
