ROTTERDAM, 28 October 2025 — The construction of De Sax, the striking new residential tower on the Wilhelminapier, has officially begun. This afternoon, BPD | Bouwfonds Gebiedsontwikkeling and Synchroon celebrated the start of construction together with BAM Bouw en Techniek, Achmea Real Estate (on behalf of pension fund PME), and NLV (on behalf of pension fund PMT). The ceremony was marked by the symbolic installation of the first sheet pile, joined by Chris Kuijpers, Secretary-General for Housing and Spatial Planning, and Chantal Zeegers, Rotterdam’s Alderman for Climate, Building and Housing.
Image: The first sheet pile of De Sax driven into the ground by all participating partners.
A major milestone for the Wilhelminapier
Located on the southern tip of the Wilhelminapier, De Sax will be the final addition to this iconic skyline and a new architectural highlight for Rotterdam. The project comprises 916 apartments, including 822 rental units and 94 owner-occupied homes, half of which will be in the affordable mid-range. Designed by renowned Rotterdam-based architecture firm MVRDV, the building’s distinctive, rhythmic form is inspired by the curves and energy of a saxophone — fittingly, De Sax will make the city "swing" once again.
Hans Bootsma and Helma Born, directors of VOF PhilHavana, said:
"The start of construction marks the culmination of eight years of perseverance and collaboration. De Sax is one of the most ambitious and complex projects in the Netherlands — built on the final open site of the Wilhelminapier. This is the result of courage and commitment from everyone involved. We can’t wait to see the new skyline take shape.”
Complex construction with innovative techniques
Eric Moleman, Director of BAM Bouw en Techniek, described De Sax as “one of the most challenging projects in the country” due to its extreme height, advanced technology and limited construction space. Innovative techniques, such as the use of a lifting hall and just-in-time logistics, will ensure the work proceeds safely and efficiently within the busy city centre.
"The start of construction is a milestone that shows what collaboration can achieve," Moleman added. “Together, we’ve found solutions to every challenge — and that makes the result even more rewarding.”
A defining project for the city
Alderman Chantal Zeegers praised the project for addressing housing needs while enhancing the cityscape:
"I’m proud that we can realise so many homes on such a unique location, half of them in the affordable mid-rent segment. De Sax completes the southern edge of the Wilhelminapier — a milestone and a true crown on this area.”
Chris Kuijpers, Secretary-General at the Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning, added:
"De Sax will be an impressive building, but even more importantly, it represents over 900 new homes — 458 of which are affordable. It sends a strong signal to those seeking housing: we’re building, and we’re moving forward."
Impression of De Sax viewed from the waterfront.
Designed by MVRDV
According to Jacob van Rijs, co-founder of MVRDV, De Sax will be a distinctive addition to the skyline:
"The Wilhelminapier will become the most densely built area in the Netherlands — architecturally fascinating and vibrant. De Sax reflects that energy. The way the light shifts across its metallic façade throughout the day gives it a dynamic quality. Its design manages to be both bold and soft, much like the tones of a saxophone.”
Completion expected in 2030
Developers Synchroon (part of TBI Holdings) and BPD | Bouwfonds Gebiedsontwikkeling have been collaborating on the Wilhelminapier for over 15 years, previously delivering the Boston and Seattle towers in 2017. De Sax will be the final project on the pier’s southern side, marking the completion of a decades-long transformation.
Construction is expected to be completed in 2030, at which point De Sax will stand as a new architectural icon in Rotterdam’s ever-evolving skyline.
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