Timmerhuis / OMA

Timmerhuis / OMA - Windows, Cityscape, FacadeTimmerhuis / OMA - Windows, FacadeTimmerhuis / OMA - Glass, Windows, Handrail, BeamTimmerhuis / OMA - Windows, FacadeTimmerhuis / OMA - More Images+ 30

Timmerhuis / OMA - Windows, Facade
© Sebastian van Damme

Text description provided by the architects. For Rotterdam's Timmerhuis, a new building for the city hall that accommodates municipal services, offices, and residential units, OMA conceived a modular building with repeated units gradually set back from the street as they rise into two irregular peaks. The building's composition of smaller cells creates an impressive, complex form when viewed from Coolsingel, one of Rotterdam’s main arteries, and allows for subtlety and adaptability as the new building meets the Stadstimmerhuis (a municipal building, from 1953), which surrounds it on two sides.

Diagram
Model
Diagram

The Timmerhuis’s innovative structural system generates maximum efficiency and versatility both in construction and in program: units can adapt to either office space or residential parameters as desired. Green terraces on higher levels provide the possibility of an apartment with a garden in the heart of urban Rotterdam. On the street level, the structure allows for generous open space, with modules overhanging rather than encroaching into an interstitial area, encouraging an active and open engagement between the Timmerhuis and the city.

Timmerhuis / OMA - Beam
© Ossip van Duivenbode

The design brief stipulated that the Timmerhuis must be the most sustainable building in the Netherlands. OMA tackled this imperative through the building’s core concept of flexibility, and also through the two large atriums, which act like lungs. They are connected to a climate system that stores warmth in summer and cold in winter and releases this energy as warm or cold air as required. The building’s triple glazed curtain wall facade uses hi-tech translucent insulation that allows for unprecedented energy efficiency.

Section
Timmerhuis / OMA - Glass, Windows, Handrail, Beam
© Ossip van Duivenbode
Floor Plan

Rather than being yet another statement in Rotterdam’s crowded history of revisionist planning and cacophony of architectural styles, the ambiguous mass of the Timmerhuis tries to mediate between the existing buildings surrounding it. The axis between the existing town hall and the post office coincides with the axis of symmetry of the Timmerhuis, and the street between these two buildings continues into a passageway to the Haagseveer. The Timmerhuis integrates with the neighboring Stadtimmerhuis by maintaining the same floor heights, while the plinth height of 20m conforms to the character of the surrounding Laurenskwartier.

Timmerhuis / OMA - Windows, Cityscape
© Ossip van Duivenbode
Section
Timmerhuis / OMA - Windows, Cityscape
© Sebastian van Damme
  • Architects: OMA
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  45000
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2015
  • Photographs
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Sika, MOSO, Aldowa, B&C Projects, Bambooteq, CSM Structures, Cubord, Desso, Drentea, Gebebouw, Gunnebo, Hoba Steel, Interalu, Keijsers Lundivorm, Lodige, MAARS, Maasmond, Office Dock, Otis, PBS, +6

Project gallery

See allShow less

Project location

Address:Meent 119, 3011 JH Rotterdam, Netherlands

Click to open map
Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Timmerhuis / OMA" 11 Dec 2015. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/778654/timmerhuis-oma> ISSN 0719-8884

© Sebastian van Damme

Timmerhuis 建筑 / OMA

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.