Present and past meet in new pent roof

From a monumental storage and transshipment warehouse to a bold icon for Rotterdam's port history. During the transformation of FENIX on Rotterdam-Katendrecht, present & past, appearance & manufacturability and functionality & sustainability melted together in a unique way. Also on the roof of Fenix shed II, where Kingspan Light + Air is realizing a special pent roof of 145 meters long and over 3 meters wide.

Kingspan Light + Air was approached two years ago by Dura Vermeer Bouw Heyma BV. A new pent roof had to be installed on the roof of FENIX, on an existing concrete substructure. "Based on the initial architectural designs, we submitted a quotation, including some principle details," says Frank Jansen, Sales & Project Manager at Kingspan Light + Air NL. "On this basis, we were included in the project team, which is realizing the transformation with the utmost care and dedication. Initially, the pent roof appeared to be a specification work, but underlying wishes of the Stichting Droom en Daad soon led to customization."

Droom en Daad is a philanthropic fund that invests in arts and cultural projects for a beautiful and attractive Rotterdam. "For FENIX, the foundation had an explicit wish," Jansen said. "The former harbor shed had to be restored to its former glory. Moreover, all products added had to appear to be from the past, but with today's performance requirements. For our pent roof, that very specifically meant the look of the old patent rod system, but with excellent waterproofing."

Project-specific solution

The pent roof for FENIX is constructed of aluminum rods, in which the panes are supported and sandwiched on two sides. "At the basis is our BA-2 system, which was further developed specifically for FENIX and perfectly matches the intended look and feel," Jansen said. "In the preliminary process, we printed a number of samples 'out-of-the-box' on a 3D printer and showed them to the project team at full size. Was this what was envisioned? Based on these samples and in close consultation with our project partners, we arrived at an optimal design. Both in appearance and performance."

Completely unburdened

For the windows, the client aspired to the aesthetic appearance of mirror wire glass. However, this glazing presents specific challenges with regard to, among other things, fall-through safety and thermal breakage. "Therefore, we offered an alternative (insulated) glass composition that closely approaches the appearance of mirror wire glass but overcomes the aforementioned risks." The system was transported to construction as individual components, where Kingspan Light + Air's own team is in charge of complete system assembly. This completely relieves the contractor and client. By working with clear glazing, without filters, natural daylight will soon be able to flow far into FENIX.

Meanwhile, Kingspan Light + Air has also commissioned eighteen project-specific 3.00-by-2.50-meter light barrels/roof lights for use on the structural roof.