A Permeable Transformation. Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners
29/11/2020.
[Veerlaan - Rotterdam] Netherlands
metalocus, JULIO RODRÍGUEZ
metalocus, JULIO RODRÍGUEZ
The Mei Architects and planners studio has designed the remodeling and rehabilitation of an old port warehouse in Katendrecht, of almost 100 years old, on which a complex of more than 200 homes will be located in the port of the city of Rotterdam, in the Netherlands.
Since 2007, the city of Rotterdam has had an urban plan to modernize and transform the port district. On the original warehouse 9 levels of heights for housing.
The studio respected the original composition of the warehouse as a solid, prismatic piece in front of a transparent complex with a glass enclosure.
Since 2007, the city of Rotterdam has had an urban plan to modernize and transform the port district. On the original warehouse 9 levels of heights for housing.
The studio respected the original composition of the warehouse as a solid, prismatic piece in front of a transparent complex with a glass enclosure.
Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners. Photograph by Mei Architects and planners
Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners. Photograph by Mei Architects and planners
Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners. Photograph by Mei Architects and planners
Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners. Photograph by Mei Architects and planners
Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners. Photograph by Mei Architects and planners
Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners. Photograph by Mei Architects and planners
Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners. Photograph by Mei Architects and planners
Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners. Photograph by Mei Architects and planners
Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners. Photograph by Mei Architects and planners
Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners. Photograph by Mei Architects and planners
Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners. Photograph by Mei Architects and planners
Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners. Photograph by Mei Architects and planners
Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners. Photograph by Mei Architects and planners
Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners. Photograph by Mei Architects and planners
Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners. Photograph by Mei Architects and planners
Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners. Photograph by Mei Architects and planners
Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners. Photograph by Mei Architects and planners
Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners. Photograph by Mei Architects and planners
Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners. Photograph by Mei Architects and planners
Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners. Photograph by Mei Architects and planners
Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners. Photograph by Mei Architects and planners
Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners. Photograph by Mei Architects and planners
Axonometric. Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners.
Site plan. Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners.
Ground floor plan. Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners.
First floor plan. Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners.
Foruth floor plan. Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners.
Eighth floor plan. Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners.
Axonometric. Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners.
Axonometric. Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners.
Section. Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners.
Previous state (2013). Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners
Previous state (1930). Fenix I by Mei Architects and planners
Fenix I housing complex designed by Mei Architects and planners elevates a transparent and stepped piece above the warehouse like other cantilevered pieces. This generates a dichotomy and a very marked contrast, the use of the concrete structure versus the use of steel.
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.
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.
More information
Architects
Design team
Robert Winkel, Robert Platje, Michiel van Loon, Ruben Aalbersberg, Sean Bos, King Chaichana, Kasia Ephraim, Johan van Es, Danijel Gavranovic, Jan Hoogervorst, Rutger Kuipers, Arjan Kunst, Daam van der Leij, Ruben van der Plas, Riemer Postma, Rob Reintjes, Ed de Rooij, Adriaan Smidt, Lore van de Venne, Roy Wijte, Menno van der Woude, Reinoud van der Zijde.
Collaborators
Structural engineer.- ABT Delft. MEP.- Techniplan. Buildings physics.- LBP | Sight. Historical research.- Suzanne Fischer. Wind conditions.- Windsafe. Steel structure.- CSM Steelstructures.
Client
Builder
Heijmans Woningbouw.
Area
Mixed-use space.- 45,000sqm. Cultural and culinary facilities.- 8,500sqm. Parking lots.- 9,000sqm. Loft apartments.- 23,000sqm.
Budget
Construction costs.- € 48,000,000.
Dates
2019.
Location
Veerlaan, Rijnhaven, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Photography
Mei architects and planners
Mei architects and planners is an internationally operating architectural firm with extensive expertise in the area of redevelopment, transformation, urban planning and inner-city development projects. The work of Mei architects and planners has been widely published and awarded.
Mei architects and planners is an enterprising, knowledge-intensive office that focuses on development and innovation in architecture. The office was set up in 2003 by architect Robert Winkel and is based in Rotterdam. Mei is particularly noted for transforming existing buildings such as the Jobsveem warehouse, Delfshaven factory and Fenix warehouses in Rotterdam. And it has completed striking new-build projects such as Schiecentrale 4B in Rotterdam, De Verkenner in Utrecht and McDonald’s Coolsingel 44 in Rotterdam. In addition, the office has drawn up urban designs that include dynamic master plans for Moss Verket in Norway, London in England, Nantes in France and the OPG-location in Utrecht, The Netherlands. The work of Mei has been widely published and received numerous awards.
Mei architects and planners is an enterprising, knowledge-intensive office that focuses on development and innovation in architecture. The office was set up in 2003 by architect Robert Winkel and is based in Rotterdam. Mei is particularly noted for transforming existing buildings such as the Jobsveem warehouse, Delfshaven factory and Fenix warehouses in Rotterdam. And it has completed striking new-build projects such as Schiecentrale 4B in Rotterdam, De Verkenner in Utrecht and McDonald’s Coolsingel 44 in Rotterdam. In addition, the office has drawn up urban designs that include dynamic master plans for Moss Verket in Norway, London in England, Nantes in France and the OPG-location in Utrecht, The Netherlands. The work of Mei has been widely published and received numerous awards.
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