Schiecentrale Phase 4B

Schiecentrale Phase 4B in Rotterdam, Netherlands by Mei Architecten en stedenbouwers

Text and images are courtesy Mei Architecten en stedenbouwers.

Schiecentrale Phase 4b is the final phase in the redevelopment of the former Schiehavencentrale and surroundings. The combination of office spaces, dwellings, and combined living/working units adds life to the area, which has become the audio-visual center of Rotterdam in recent years. The new complex provides the media center with various types of dwellings for people closely involved in the audio-visual sector and people in other creative disciplines who like the port atmosphere still palpable in the area.

The new structure consists of around 55,000 square meters (592,000sf) of space. Office space accounts for 7,000 square meters (75,350sf) of that. Also included are 156 live/work units and twenty ground-accessed quayside dwellings that are 3.5 floors in height. Additional facilities include a supermarket (2,000 square meters-21,500sf), a gym (600 square metres-6,450sf), 400 parking spaces in a supervised garage, and a semi-public deck 3,000 square meters (32,300sf) in area. A sun terrace, stand and playground complete the picture.

A main feature of the project is the tall narrow building, 130 meters (425 feet) long and 50 meters (165 feet) tall, built on top of the old power plant. The 11-floor structure contains the offices and live/work units. These are accessed from a gallery finished in stainless steel. Attached to the gallery are storage spaces, which are situated directly opposite the front doors.

All spaces on the west side of the building are fitted with glazed façades. This part of the building offers a wonderful view of the Nieuwe Maas and the harbor. The partitions of the live/work units can be opened from floor to ceiling with harmonica doors, allowing the creation of an exterior space within the building volume. On account of the great flexibility, all technical installations in the spaces as well as on the façades are carried out as "assembly." The complex exudes the character of a typical port building in which technology from the offshore and processing sectors has been integrated.