Unique living in Prinsenpark Rotterdam

Gebroeders Blokland realized a unique and stylish apartment building in the middle of Prinsenpark city park in Rotterdam. "It is not a standard building," says Jaco Brand, developer on behalf of Gebroeders Blokland. He supervised the project. "This apartment building has stepped outdoor spaces on all sides and a gallery on the inside that gives access to the apartments. This stepped form is rare and ensures that the terraces remain generous and private so that residents really unwind here."

The project was realized in an unusual location. Brand explains, "We came into contact with the owner of a former horse riding school. After several conversations at the kitchen table, we bought the location and started the spatial process. Together with the municipality, we looked at what was possible from an urban planning point of view. We then translated this into a new zoning plan. Based on the subsequent environmental permit, we started realizing. And that worked out well. The building radiates a lot of luxury and is experienced by the current residents as very high quality." 

Connection between man and nature

The apartments were designed with a strong emphasis on greenery and sustainability. "A wide variety of plants and vegetation has been installed, so we hope to attract many insects," Brand says. "Nature-friendly banks have been installed and the building has a large atrium. On the second floor, on the roof of the parking garage you will find a communal roof garden connected to the Prinsenpark behind. This has a public character. Everyone can walk in and out, which was an important requirement of the municipality." 

Innovative project full of challenges

Challenges were certainly present, such as obtaining the zoning plan in a timely manner and finding ways to still go on sale during the corona pandemic. Despite these challenges, the project was successfully completed. Wim van den Dool, realization project manager at Gebroeders Blokland, says, "In addition to the cantilevered concrete construction, installing the central watering system was also a challenge. We have a technology room from which a supply line of water with nutrients for the plants goes to the planters. There are also planters hanging on the inside of the gallery that are watered by this. This is something unique that we developed together with VMG fencing. There are water pipes in the fencing and sensors in the planters that measure how much sun or shade there is and therefore how much water and nutrients these plants need." 

Both men are proud of the final result. "It has become a unique project for Gebroeders Blokland, here we are writing a piece of history. The green elements and the overall design create a unique and luxurious look," says Brand. "We were able to meet the schedule without any problems and we are proud of that," adds Van den Dool. "We always do our best and keep going until the client is really satisfied. And we do that very well together."