The transformation of Hoofdweg in Rotterdam is rooted in circularity, heritage, and urban regeneration, while contributing to the municipality's ambition to develop the eastern part of the city into a green, high-density urban hub.

Commissioned by Leijten, we are transforming two outdated office buildings into a single, distinctive five-storey student housing complex, set within a green landscape and featuring a surprising rooftop garden above a covered parking garage.

A listed building dating from the 1930s is being preserved and reimagined as a vibrant place for social interaction, complemented by an elegant new building positioned behind it. This new fifty-metre-high volume is constructed entirely with a cross-laminated timber (CLT) structural system and clad in a circular timber façade. Together, the two buildings form a cohesive urban ensemble that redefines rhythm and scale within the still-recognisable historic landscape pattern.

By reusing the existing structures, combining them with a hybrid structural system, and creating generous green outdoor spaces, we are not only delivering new homes but shaping a sustainable living environment that inspires, connects, and looks to the future.

Circular Design as the Foundation
Sustainability is not an afterthought but the foundation of the design. Existing structures are repurposed and combined with a hybrid timber structural system and circular façade solutions. This innovative approach aligns seamlessly with our circular ambitions and contributes to a reduced carbon footprint.

Nature-Inclusive Living
The nature-inclusive design integrates greenery at every level. Spacious public outdoor areas encourage social interaction, while climate-adaptive strategies create a healthy environment for both biodiversity and the community. Nesting boxes are integrated into the building structure, while carefully designed planting schemes connect the entire landscape into one cohesive ecological system.