Valckensteyn residential building, Rotterdam | Netherlands
At 40 metres, the 12-storey Valckensteyn residential complex in Rotterdam is the tallest affordable living timber building in the Netherlands. For the first time, binderholz's b_project department not only used its usual solid wood product range, but also prefabricated walls from the b_solution production line. b_solution is an individually customisable system building solution made from prefabricated solid wood components for multi-storey residential construction. Apart from 61 flat partitioning walls, some 1,500m³ of binderholz CLT BBS and 250m³ of binderholz glulam were delivered. Thus, a total of 82 flats were built.
FACTS
Project 12-storey residential building comprising 82 flats
Location Rotterdam, Netherlands
Completion May 2025
Client Woonstad Rotterdam
Architecture Powerhouse Company
General contractor Waal
Execution Linkwood
Superstructure planning Pieters Bouwtechniek
Material use 1,500m³ of binderholz CLT BBS, 250m³ of binderholz glulam, 61 b_solution flat partitioning walls
Out of the twelve storeys, eleven are made from wood
Valckensteyn is the first solid timber residential building in Rotterdam and combines innovative timber construction with social commitment, making living surrounded by wood more affordable. Its lightweight construction offered the sustainable solution of building on top of the original foundations of the old building that had stood at the site. No glue was used in its construction, allowing for the residential building to be dismantled if necessary.
With the exception of the ground floor and the lift / staircase core, the main structure is made from CLT BBS walls and ceilings. Exposed timber elements lend the structure natural, warm visuals. Moreover, the exposed glulam beams make for elegant design elements. The facade is clad in removable light brown and gunmetal fibre cement boards supplementing the timber structure.
The prefabricated b_solution wall elements were precisely cut to size and clad in gypsum fibreboards including insulation. Furthermore, the electrical conduits and perfect-fit fireproof sockets were mounted. This met the client's and market's request for an even greater degree of prefabrication. The package was completed by three-month supervising by binderholz construction site managers on site as well as many services and specific know-how.
Affordable, sustainable and innovative residential construction
The entrance area has been designed as a spacious lobby and connected to the bicycle parking room. The residential units were equipped with full-height glazed elements while their open balconies with exposed CLT BBS elements allow for spontaneous social interaction and wide-reaching views. The residential complex is surrounded by a green garden. The greening has been designed in such a way that it remains appealing for bees and other insects all year, promoting biodiversity. The design also includes bird and bat nesting boxes built into the facade. The adjacent parking lot has been built using environmentally friendly, permeable paving stones allowing for rain water filtration. Valckensteyn proves that affordable living space can be sustainable, innovative and economically feasible.
Photos: © Sebastian van Damme - fotografie © 3MP - film & fotografie © Linkwood © binderholz
Renderings: © Powerhouse Company © binderholz
