PLP Architecture's glazed timber tower is modelled on the ecosystem of a tree
by Stu Robarts | 20 Dec 2019
This is an innovative, sustainable, mixed-use tower, with a hybrid timber structure, almost on top of Rotterdam's Central Station - a new typology for future cities.
– Ron Bakker
PLP Architecture have won a competition to build a mixed-use tower in Rotterdam with a glazed volume intersected by timber floorplates that extend beyond the building envelope to form a series of interconnected terraces.
Developed for Provast, the €160m ($177m, £136m) Tree House is modelled on the holistic ecosystem of a tree.
The part-timber structure will make use of recycled materials, collect and reuse rainwater and store CO2.
Planted with greenery on its terraces, the tower will be crowned by three glazed greenhouses filled with trees and gardens to improve the local biodiversity.
It will house 275 apartments and a seventh-floor restaurant spread across 140m (459ft) and 37 storeys.
Additional varied amenities, aimed at attracting and engaging the local community, include offices, a co-working space, shops, cafes and a multi-use events and performance space.
Ron Bakker, partner at PLP Architecture, said: "We enjoy designing buildings that push boundaries, and this is an innovative, sustainable, mixed-use tower, with a hybrid timber structure, almost on top of Rotterdam's Central Station - a new typology for future cities."
Construction is due to begin in 2021 and the tower is expected to be complete in 2024.
PLP Architecture mixed-use Rotterdam
It will house 275 apartments, a restaurant with a planted terrace, offices, a co-working space, shops, cafes and a multi-use events and performance space / PLP Architecture
PLP Architecture have won a competition to build a mixed-use tower in Rotterdam with a glazed volume intersected by timber floorplates that extend beyond the building envelope to form a series of interconnected terraces. Developed for Provast, the €160m ($177m, £136m) Tree House is modelled on the holistic ecosystem of a tree. The part-timber structure will make use of recycled materials, collect and reuse rainwater and store CO2. Planted with
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