Zalmhaven, Rotterdam | Aluminum cladding gives Zalmhaven towers cachet

Rotterdam's skyline will be greatly expanded in the coming years. Among other things, with the state-of-the-art residential towers of the Zalmhaven project. Besides the 215 meter high tower Zalmhaven I (highrise), this project includes two lower residential towers (midrise) of 70 meters, built on a connecting plinth of 13 meters. Commissioned by BAM Bouw en Techniek - Grote Projecten, the Rotterdam facade specialist Aldowa provides all buildings with custom aluminum facade cladding.

For the midrise buildings, KAAN Architects had initially worked out a facade in precast concrete with tight lines, says Edwin Nipius, project manager at Aldowa. "But eventually we chose to make this facade with aluminum flashing, in the same tight lines. We made a mock-up of a number of window frames to convince the architect and client, after which we were awarded the engineering, production, delivery and assembly of approximately 5,000 m² of facade cladding. Including the corresponding aluminum rear construction. In addition, we are taking care of the glass wool facade insulation." The cladding is done in a white, 2-layer coating. "In order to be able to perform the mitred corners super tight, without visible seams, we purchased -also in connection with the quantities- a new sanding machine and welding robot especially for this project."

For the highrise - designed by Van Dam & Partners - Aldowa is realizing the white, aluminum flashing around the balconies and associated HVA stand pipes. "A hoist shed is used for construction, to transport the building materials to the right floor and assemble them in a safe and conditioned environment," Nipius says. "We also go along with this. Per week, we deliver one floor."

'Anything an architect comes up with, we can make'

Aldowa has over forty years of experience in the engineering, production and installation of metal cladding in all types of metal: aluminum, stainless steel, SV steel, Corten steel, pre-painted aluminum and steel, expanded metal and bond material. The Rotterdam façade specialist likes to be involved in projects from an early stage, so that its knowledge and expertise can be utilized optimally. For example, in complex facade designs. "Anything an architect comes up with, we can make," says Nipius. "The Salmon Harbor Towers are an excellent example of this."