NL Architects completes B05 "Kuifje" in Nieuw Crooswijk, Rotterdam

After three years of construction, NL Architects' B05 Kuifje is now complete. Nicknamed Tintin, B05 is located in Nieuw Crooswijk, a residential area near the city center of Rotterdam and the Kralingse Bos park.

With its "deformed" silhouette, Tintin was constructed as part of an urban plan by West 8 to redevelop the area into a distinct cityscape.

Project description:

"B05 is part of a series of 7 designs for Nieuw Crooswijk that all emphasize a building part, mostly the outdoor space, to create a both functional and sculptural quality.

Seven architecture offices were invited to contribute to a differentiated ‘cityscape’. The objective was to create expressive architecture; the focus on refining the facades by to introducing elaborate details; accentuating entrances, articulating bay windows and balconies, introducing intricate brickwork, pronounced window frames and delicate fences: sculptural on the micro scale."

"B05, or Kuifje (Tintin), is positioned in the second block along the Boezemlaan that is now under construction. B05 is the tallest structure in this cluster; a 15 stories tower, two apartments per floor."

"The first 10 floors go up straight, but after reaching the maximum height of the neighbors, the building starts deforming. The highest floors lean forward, piercing through the building line, creating a distinct silhouette. A kind of super sized cornice comes into being."

"The Standard floors all feature a loggia facing south west. By pushing the upper floors the penthouses can all feature an additional balcony over the full width of the apartment with a sensational view over the skyline of Rotterdam."

Project details:

B05, “Kuifje”
Boezemlaan, Nieuw Crooswijk, Rotterdam

Client: OCNC, Woonstad Rotterdam, Proper-Stok Groep, ERA Contour
NL Architects: Pieter Bannenberg, Walter van Dijk, Kamiel Klaasse
Project Architect: Sarah Möller
Collaborators: Thijs van Bijsterveldt, Wim Sjerps, Stefan Schülecke, Florent Le Corre, Gerbrand van Oostveen, Gen Yamamoto
Structural Engineering and Working Drawings: Adviesbureau voor Bouwtechniek (ABT)
Contractor: ERA Contour
Program: Housing (28 units); Retail Space; total: 3.600 m2
Process: Design: 2008; Start construction: 2010; Completion: 2013

Photos by Luuk Kramer

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Click the thumbnails below for additional photos and drawings.