Rotterdam selects Tree House skyscraper for Delftseplein

 

The design is by PLP Architecture with co-architect Zones Urbaines Sensibles (ZUS). The next step in the process is the conclusion of a development agreement early 2020, after which the awarding of the project will be final.

 

Tree House comprises 41,000 m² and offers a varied range of 275 homes. The project consists of approximately 90 owner-occupied and 185 rental apartments, 30% of which are in the mid-rental segment. With the available office space of approximately 15,000 m² Tree House will focus on attracting innovative technology companies.

 

With Rotterdam's innovation and culture platform De Dépendance, Tree House will be a major crowd puller with socially relevant programming. The base of the building has been reserved for Rotterdam's hospitality entrepreneurs. Among other things, this fits in well with the needs of the many travellers to Rotterdam Central Station.

 

With Tree House, the Rotterdam Central District is taking the next step towards a more mixed and lively environment. Construction is expected to start in 2021 and completion is scheduled for 2024.

 

Alderman Bas Kurvers: "Tree House is a welcome addition to the area. With this design by Provast, Rotterdam's Central District will gain liveliness and warmth. Thanks to the use of wood and the varied facade, there is a nice contrast with the other buildings in the area. The mix of functions and facilities makes Delftseplein an attractive place for all Rotterdam residents and visitors. For future residents and entrepreneurs, this location, next to Central Station, is the most central place in the city to live or work".

 

 

Tree House is inspired by the ecosystem of a tree. The building functions as CO2 storage and leads the way by building with wood, circular construction through material reuse, rainwater harvesting and innovations in the field of energy. The abundance of greenery contributes to biodiversity and reduces heat stress. Tree House also captures part of the rainwater from the Central Station hall that flows from the roof when there's heavy rain.

 

According to the municipality, Tree House will be built at a suitable distance from Rotterdam Central Station, which means that the station building retains its autonomous strength. Moreover, this creates space for valuable public spaces on both sides of the building. The Stadstribune will be a public staircase on the west side of the building and the Rotterdam Central Park, will be a 'pocket park' on the east side. The relationship between outside and inside is characteristic of Tree House and will be visible at several places in the building. Moreover, the wood of the ceiling of Rotterdam Central Station is reflected in the facade of Tree House. Also, the roof gardens and terraces are to bring more greenery into the Delftsteplein area.

 

The municipality and Provast will lay down the agreements on the further development and realization of Tree House in a development agreement. This agreement is expected to be signed in early 2020. With the conclusion of the development agreement, the award of the contract to Provast will become final.

 

The tender for the Delftseplein development location started in February and is a collaboration between the municipality, NS Stations and ProRail. Guidance will be provided by Fakton.

 

The design of Tree House was realized under the direction of Provast, PLP Architecture with co-architect ZUS, Royal HaskoningDHV, BRAND The Urban Agency and Groos.

 

TQ, De Dépendance, BBN Advisors, REBEL Group, Cambridge Innovation Center, MESS Group, Ron de Jong, Area of People and V2_ Lab for the Unstable Media also collaborated on Tree House.