Uptown Rotterdam residential tower

Over the past two decades, several residential towers have been completed such as the Waterstadtoren, the Scheepmakerstoren, The Red Apple and 100Hoog. Most recent highlight is the 107-meter-high Uptown residential tower. The colorful lamella facade, which has been applied in different facets, makes the building a fresh and future-proof appearance.

Uptown includes 178 apartments, including 150 rental units and 28 owner-occupied apartments including a large 412-square-meter penthouse on the 34^e floor. The plinth has a commercial function. There is also a multi-level parking garage and bicycle storage. This is precisely where Renson's Linius L.050 louvre wall proves its added value. "Already during the plan development we were asked by architect Jeroen Hoorn to help think about a suitable solution for the facade of the parking garage, among other things," begins Fabian Greveling, technical commercial manager at Renson Ambassador Storax. "Soon the Linius L.050 slat wall came to the table. Particularly because of its versatility in application possibilities and its aesthetically pleasing character."

Fall-through safe

Storax has been processing Renson's slatted walls for more than 32 years and even co-founded the development of the system. "The Linius L.050 slat wall performs a dual function at Uptown," continues Greveling. "The wall ensures that the parking garage, bicycle parking and transformer and container areas can be well ventilated and protected from the weather. The specific position of the slats also obstructs views. To create unity, the slat walls are also extended over the non-ventilated facades (near the houses) and at the location of the courtyard garden. In this project many things come together and additional requirements were imposed, for example, with regard to fall-through safety. By making the slat wall fall-through proof, additional fencing could be omitted. The great thing about Renson is that they always think along in this kind of project-specific solutions. That is often necessary to win a contract. It was even decisive in this project."

Versatility slat wall

For us as a manufacturer, Uptown is truly an exemplary project, says Auke Bakker, commercial director of Renson in the Netherlands. "It shows what we are capable of as a manufacturer and demonstrates the versatility of our slat concept both in terms of color, application possibilities and when it comes to attention to detail. Unlike a standard finish, the slats are mitred welded together at the corners in the pedestrian area to eliminate sharp points. In addition, the slats continue over the doors, which therefore hardly stand out in the wall. At the level of the dwellings, the slats are non-transparent and designed as fixed cladding with insulation behind. However, the appearance remains identical to the ventilating parts. We offer an appropriate solution for every situation. Storax knows better than anyone else how to translate our concept into the best possible customized solution. It is precisely this collaboration that allows us to distinguish ourselves as a specialist in top quality aluminum cladding."

Future-proof

Almost every facet imaginable with a slat wall comes together in Uptown. "It is commendable that the architect stepped out of his comfort zone and gave a striking color to the slatted wall," Greveling believes. Residents are also enthusiastic and pleased with the overall look. "It's wonderful living here right in the center of Rotterdam," says Theo van der Weist who lives from his apartment on the 30^e floor has a beautiful view of the harbor city. "The slatted wall not only looks beautiful, but also takes away the view of the parking garage from the outside. It creates a calm and tidy image. Another plus is that the wall ventilates sufficiently, so you don't smell the exhaust fumes in the garage. A nice bonus, of course, is its maintenance-free nature." This can also be agreed Alain Biever, branch manager at Mvgm VvE, responsible for maintenance. "Maintenance is limited to washing according to the product specifications. In this, we follow the VMRG regulations. Any repairs to the walls we can perform quickly and easily. The Linius L.050 slatted wall therefore fits well with our company's vision: together we make VvEs future-proof."

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