In Rotterdam-Oost stands the residential building Prinsenpark. One of the main design principles was to create a building that blends seamlessly into the park in which it is located. The brief also called for spacious apartments with generous outdoor spaces, an all-sided orientation with good connectivity to the park, and (bicycle) parking on the premises.
The shape of the building is derived from the shape of the site. Prinsenpark connects to different buildings in the immediate vicinity, from single-family homes to the south of the park to tall gallery flats on the other side of the Nancy Zeelenbergsingel. As a result, the building rises in height, starting at five floors on the southwest side and reaching up to nine floors on the Prinsenlaan side. On the park side, the building opens up toward the park, creating a connection between the two.
STACKED TERRACES
Each floor is set back by 1.5 meters, giving the building a friendlier appearance. Thanks to these setbacks, each apartment has a terrace spanning the full width of the dwelling, with varying depths by changing the position of the façade. In fact, it can be said that the exterior façade consists of a stack of terraces. This is accentuated by the horizontal lines on each floor, which is a nod to the Prinsenland high-rise flats. This is executed in aluminium, as are the other façade cladding and window frames. Furthermore, the exterior façade is almost entirely made of glass, allowing residents to fully enjoy their terrace and the surroundings.
A GREEN WELCOME HOME
The main entrance of Prinsenpark is located by a little canal; residents come home by passing through a four-storey-high gateway. At the end of the culvert bridge over this canal, residents can access their garage via a speedgate. The pedestrian entrance to the parking garage is located in the inner courtyard on the ground floor. Guided by a green wall with lush plants, residents can reach the first floor, where the deck garden is located.
The exterior façade of the parking garage consists entirely of wooden slats that will be overgrown with climbing plants. As a result, the parking garage will truly become part of the green landscape and will blend seamlessly into the lush vegetation. In addition, embankments against the garage ensure that the parking level disappears entirely into the green surroundings.
A lot of greenery has been incorporated inside the building, designed by VIA Landscape. Hanging plants decorate the galleries, which are watered by an irrigation system. On the roof of the parking garage, a deck garden has been designed with many flower and plant beds and a few (small) trees. Next to the main entrance to the building, there is a green wall.
In the immediate vicinity, remnants of the existing greenery remain, and the best trees have been preserved. This park-like atmosphere is further enhanced by the use of natural vegetation. An environment in which insects thrive ensures a strong ecological value. Inside, much attention has been paid to deck terraces and planters with distinctive planting, enhancing the green value. A deliberate contrast has been created: the outside has a landscaped and ecological atmosphere, while the inside is rich in culture. This contrast creates a significant difference in ambience.
