ROTTERDAM, 15 March 2025 – Riva residential tower set to rise in Rotterdam's Wijnhaven district after legal hurdles are resolved. The building will combine luxury apartments with commercial and office spaces.

Riva tower approved for construction in Rotterdam

The construction of the Riva residential tower in Rotterdam's Wijnhaven district is expected to commence this year following a ruling by the Dutch Council of State, which dismissed an objection against the project. The tower has been designed by MoederscheimMoonen Architects and will be built atop an existing post-war office building.

A blend of history and modern design

The Riva tower will stand approximately 65 metres tall and will feature 56 apartments. The development will also include office spaces and retail units on the ground floor. The site is located at the corner of Scheepmakershaven and Bierstraat, where two office buildings, designed between 1956 and 1963 by architect W.J. Fiolet, currently stand. These structures have been recognised by the Rotterdam municipality as valuable examples of post-war architecture, requiring careful preservation during redevelopment.

Distinctive design with wavy balconies

MoederscheimMoonen Architects has designed Riva as a prominent extension of one of the original office buildings. Instead of competing in height with nearby towers, Riva was designed with a larger footprint to accommodate spacious apartments with large outdoor terraces.

The distinctive wavy balconies surrounding the building provide a visual contrast to the post-war base structure. These balconies are intended to create varied viewpoints across the city. The outer edge of the balconies will be constructed from anodised aluminium and cold-bent glass. The underside will feature light brown, plank-textured concrete to complement the building’s appearance.

The number of apartments per floor decreases towards the top, starting with four apartments on the lower floors and culminating in a penthouse on the uppermost level.

Riva tower to bring 56 apartments to Rotterdam

Communal spaces and connectivity

Between the original office building and the Riva tower, a communal area will be constructed, featuring a shared lounge space adjacent to a rooftop garden. This intermediate layer will also include a distinctive truss framework that serves as a defining architectural element.

The original corner office building will be preserved, while parking facilities and studios will be incorporated into the upper floors of the existing structure.

Project details

• Project: Riva
• Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands
• Client: Stebru
• Size: 10,300 m²
• Programme: Apartments, offices, retail spaces, and parking
• Status: Final design phase

Directions

Address: Scheepmakershaven, Rotterdam
The site is located in Rotterdam’s Wijnhaven district, known for its mix of modern and post-war architecture. The area is easily accessible by public transport and is a short walk from Rotterdam Blaak station.

ROTTERDAM, 16 January 2025 – Housing construction in Rotterdam saw significant growth in 2024, with thousands of new homes under development. The city aims to address high housing demand by focusing on affordable and student housing.

Housing construction in Rotterdam sees growth in 2024

The city of Rotterdam recorded a 20% increase in housing construction in 2024 compared to the previous year. A total of 3,751 homes were initiated, with 65.5% allocated to the affordable housing segment. These developments occurred across various neighbourhoods, including Brainpark, Dakpark, Wielewaal, Weena, and IJsselhof in IJsselmonde.

Chantal Zeegers, Rotterdam's alderman for climate, building, and housing, commented on the figures: “This means we can help more Rotterdammers find a home, which is essential given the limited supply and high demand. The progress is largely due to collaborative efforts with market parties and housing corporations, supported by the September 2023 'Doorbouwakkoord' (Construction Continuation Agreement).”

Notable projects are underway across Rotterdam. Brainpark is located near Kralingse Zoom, easily accessible via metro and car. Dakpark sits near Delfshaven, offering urban greenery close to new developments. The Wielewaal neighbourhood is situated in Charlois, an area undergoing extensive redevelopment. In central Rotterdam, Weena is a bustling location near Rotterdam Centraal. Lastly, IJsselhof is positioned in IJsselmonde, a southern district connected to the city centre via public transport.

Increased focus on student housing

As part of the city’s efforts, construction began on 460 independent student residences, along with over 150 shared student housing units. Alderman Zeegers highlighted the importance of these initiatives: “Rotterdam is the second-largest student city in the Netherlands. Students play a vital role in creating a vibrant city, and we aim to retain them even after their studies by investing in affordable housing options.”

Challenges to housing construction

Despite the progress, challenges persist. Factors such as constrained budgets for housing corporations, reduced investment interest from international parties, rising construction costs, and issues with energy grid capacity (netcongestie) continue to impact housing production in Rotterdam.

To address these obstacles, the city plans to propose a ‘Rotterdamse Bouwwet’ (Rotterdam Building Act) to the municipal council before summer 2025. This legislation aims to simplify building procedures and create more flexible regulations, potentially accelerating future housing developments.

ROTTERDAM, 11 March 2025 – Plans for 500 to 700 new homes have been proposed for Schiehaven Noord in Rotterdam's Delfshaven district. The development is set to combine green living spaces with sustainable and affordable housing options.

Green and sustainable living in Schiehaven Noord

The Rotterdam municipality aims to construct between 500 and 700 homes on the Lloyd Multiplein at Schiehaven Noord, with a significant portion designated as social housing or within the mid-market rental segment. The exact number of residences will depend on the size of the proposed homes.

Residents' input was crucial during the consultation process, where a strong preference was expressed for a focus on green spaces and sustainability. The area is intended to be a welcoming neighbourhood where residents and visitors can meet and enjoy a pleasant living environment.

Green living plan for Schiehaven Noord: 500-700 new homes

Meeting housing demand

Alderman Chantal Zeegers (Climate, Construction, and Housing) highlighted the necessity of new housing in the city.

“We urgently need these homes because the demand for housing in Rotterdam remains high. At the same time, we prioritise a pleasant living environment, with ample green spaces and sustainable solutions. What makes this project particularly important is that the plans were developed in consultation with the community. Residents contributed valuable and inspiring ideas that have shaped the ambitions for this area's development,” said Zeegers.

Paris Proof pilot project

In 2024, Schiehaven Noord was designated as a pilot location for ‘Paris Proof’ construction, part of Rotterdam’s Sustainable Construction Action Plan (Samen duurzaam doorbouwen aan de toekomst van Rotterdam). The initiative aims to promote sustainable and affordable design and construction methods with minimal CO2 emissions.

The project will focus on circular design and construction, emission-free building, climate adaptation, and enhancing biodiversity. The ambition is to create a future-proof residential area aligned with European climate targets and the Paris Climate Agreement goals for 2050.

Park-like environment

The new homes will be set in a green, climate-resilient environment, resembling a park. The area will feature extensive greenery, including trees, plants, and green roofs. This eco-friendly approach is designed to attract birds, butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, supporting local biodiversity.

Harbour district with historic character

Schiehaven Noord’s design will honour its rich maritime history. Plans include preserving the area’s historical harbour elements and retaining the iconic monumental gate building at Schiehaven. This approach aims to blend the district's industrial past with its new green identity.

Opportunities for water sports and recreation

Plans for Schiehaven Noord also include space for sports and recreational activities. Residents have proposed water-based sports such as canoeing, paddleboarding, and possibly even a floating swimming pool. The municipality will explore these options further.

Existing sports fields will remain part of the area but may be relocated. Any changes will be coordinated with sports clubs, local schools, and community representatives.

Community involvement in planning

Over the past year, an extensive consultation process was conducted to shape the ambitions for Schiehaven Noord. More than 300 people participated in the initial meeting in June 2024, followed by three ambition workshops in autumn 2024. Additional input was gathered through walk-in meetings and street conversations held at a mobile coffee cart.

In the next phase, residents, local businesses, and other stakeholders will again have the opportunity to provide feedback on the master plan and subsequent urban design proposals.

Green living plan for Schiehaven Noord: 500-700 new homes

Next steps

The Rotterdam municipal executive has submitted the Schiehaven Noord ambition document to the city council, which is expected to review the plan in April 2025.

Directions to Schiehaven Noord

Schiehaven Noord is located near the Lloyd Multiplein in Rotterdam's Delfshaven district, accessible via public transport or by bike. The area is close to the Schiehaven harbour and offers scenic views along the waterfront.

ROTTERDAM, 8 January 2025 – The former municipal office at Westersingel 18-20 will be transformed into housing, office space, and a new pedestrian connection linking the city centre with the Oude Westen neighbourhood. The project, led by a consortium including FULLHOUSE, aims to enhance accessibility and sustainability in the area.

Former municipal office at Westersingel to be redeveloped

The municipality of Rotterdam has sold the property at Westersingel 18-20 to a consortium led by FULLHOUSE. The winning proposal, named “de Herwaert,” includes plans to create 30 residential units, office and workshop spaces, and a garden that provides a pedestrian connection between the city centre and the Oude Westen neighbourhood.

De Herwaert. Redevelopment of Westersingel connects city and Oude Westen

Open tender process focused on quality

The redevelopment project was the result of a public tender process initiated by the municipality. Alongside offering a market-conforming price, the selected proposal was chosen based on the quality of its design and impact on the surrounding area. The process was facilitated by Fakton and Ooms Makelaars, with design contributions from ECHO Urban Design, Kraaijvanger Architects, and Studio RAP.

De Herwaert. Redevelopment of Westersingel connects city and Oude Westen

Housing and workspaces to revitalise the area

The project will convert the existing structure into 30 housing units, including 22 mid-range apartments and 8 higher-end units. The building will also house 540 m² of office space and 580 m² dedicated to workshop space, including a ceramics workshop by Makerij. A ground-level lobby and communal areas will feature transparent and inviting designs to enhance interaction and accessibility.

De Herwaert. Redevelopment of Westersingel connects city and Oude Westen

Improved connection between city centre and Oude Westen

A significant aspect of the redevelopment is the creation of a pedestrian path connecting the Westersingel to the neighbourhood park, Het Oude Westen. This passage, marked by glass and 3D-printed ceramic tiles, will also serve as a gateway to the ceramics workshop.

De Herwaert. Redevelopment of Westersingel connects city and Oude Westen

A garden for community and nature

The Herwaerttuin, a collective garden, will provide a green retreat with rich plantings, a water-retention pond, and green roofs on both the pavilion and main building. These features aim to attract local wildlife, such as birds and insects, while also serving as a space for community engagement.

Commitment to sustainability

The project prioritises sustainability by preserving the existing construction of Westersingel 18-20 and incorporating recycled materials from the demolition of neighbouring structures. The development of a final design is ongoing, with construction expected to commence in the latter half of 2026.

Address and directions

Westersingel 18-20: Connecting the city centre and the Oude Westen

The redevelopment of this site creates a new passage and community space close to the heart of Rotterdam. Visitors can access the area via the Westersingel, and it is a short walk from the bustling West Kruiskade and Nieuwe Binnenweg.