barcode architects completes triangular casanova tower in rotterdam

barcode architects completes triangular casanova tower in rotterdam

a new standard for urban living in rotterdam

 

Barcode Architects celebrates the completion of its CasaNova tower, designed as a new paradigm of high-rise living in Rotterdam. With an emphasis on fostering interactions among its residents, the residential complex sets a new standard for urban living and rises against the backdrop of its sister tower, The Muse.

 

The tower is recognized at once by its triangular design, visible from all angles, which breathes fresh life into the Wijnhaven district. CasaNova strategically activates the corner of Wijnhaven, creating a connection between the Oude Haven and the Markthal, and linking the Leuvehaven and the Witte de Withstraat to Museumpark. An extended entrance lobby spanning from Wijnhaven to Wijnstraat creates a gateway that welcomes residents from both sides of the city.

rotterdam casanova barcode
images © Studio Hans Wilschut@hanswilschut

 

 

casanova links to its neighboring tower, the muse

 

CasaNova’s distinctive architectural silhouette is a creative response by Barcode Architects to KCAP‘s urban plan for Rotterdam, which mandates a specific volume-to-ground ratio. To meet this requirement, the architects made a bold decision: subtract volume at the base while adding it to the top, resulting in a tower that seems to perch upon a pedestal like a sculpture. This slender structure optimizes sight lines and natural light for neighboring buildings while offering residents a sprawling 1,600 square-meter rooftop garden which CasaNova and The Muse residents can both enjoy. Placing the garden on level five, rather than the roof, connects it seamlessly to ground-level amenities.

 

The unique triangular shape of CasaNova offers its inhabitants 300-degree panoramic views of the city, creating an elevated living experience. Generous fifteen square-meter balconies at the triangle’s corners function as outdoor extensions of the living spaces, basking in the morning and evening sun. With its tip facing south, the triangular shape maximizes exposure to natural sunlight, promoting a sense of well-being.

rotterdam casanova barcode
the project is situated in Rotterdam’s rapidly developing Maritiem District

 

 

barcode architects’ handcrafted facade

 

The team at Barcode Architects wraps its CasaNova tower in a facade of hand-cut panels of rusticated reddish-brown stone. The stone’s strong texture continually transforms the facade’s appearance as the light changes throughout the day. As one’s gaze ascends the tower, the panels gradually widen and transition to smoothly polished surfaces. The panels evolve gracefully toward the pinnacle of the structure, adding a dynamic visual dimension to the tower.

 

Addressing concerns about isolation and loneliness often associated with skyscrapers, Barcode Architects placed a strong emphasis on communal spaces and meeting areas beyond the typical atrium or elevator lobby. CasaNova and The Muse share a common plinth that offers residents the comfort of city living. Within this shared space, the two towers unite two hundred residents with a rooftop terrace, a community garden, kitchen, guest rooms, co-working spaces, meeting rooms, fitness facilities, and a parcel service room.

rotterdam casanova barcode

 

 

To promote casual encounters and informal conversations — a cornerstone of community, safety, and social cohesion — a significant design intervention separated the car park from the residences. For many residents, the car park serves as their daily entrance. From this vantage point, they step into CasaNova through an inviting atrium that offers a glimpse of the rooftop terrace, where neighbors can meet before ascending in the elevator. This thoughtful design element fosters a strong sense of community among residents.

rotterdam casanova barcode
panels of rusticated stone were hand-cut to bring a natural texture at street level rotterdam casanova barcode
15 square-meter balconies at the triangle’s corners function as outdoor extensions of the living spaces

barcode-architects-casanova-tower-rotterdam-netherlands-designboom-06a

the triangular shape maximizes exposure to natural sunlight

rotterdam casanova barcode
the two towers unite two hundred residents with a rooftop terrace and community garden

barcode-architects-casanova-tower-rotterdam-netherlands-designboom-08a

communal spaces address concerns about isolation often associated with skyscrapers

 

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the slender structure optimizes sight lines and natural light for neighboring buildings
the slender structure optimizes sight lines and natural light for neighboring buildings
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south elevation
south elevation
ground level floor plan
ground level floor plan
second level floor plan
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fifth level floor plan
fifth level floor plan
sixth level floor plan
sixth level floor plan
fourteenth level floor plan
fourteenth level floor plan
area plan
area plan

project info:

 

project title: CasaNova

architecture: Barcode Architects | @barcode_architects

location: Wijnhaven 65, Rotterdam, Netherlands

lead architects: Dirk Peters, Caro van de Venne

client: VOF Wijnhaven 65 & Wilma Wonen
contractor: SBB Ontwikkelen en Bouwen
size: 22,000 square meters
completion: 2023

previous coverage: March 2018, December 2021
photography: © Studio Hans Wilschut@hanswilschut

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