For a private investor, Firm converted a 215 square meter part of this 120-year-old Warehouse on one of the busiest harbors in the Port of Rotterdam into a well-lit office space subtracting the new interior from the original shell.
-text by the authors
The poorly lit space combined with a north-facing facade with just a few windows meant the owner needed to be visionary in order to perceive a bright and well usable office space. It is this capacity combined with the architectural aspirations and the open mind of the investor that ultimately have led to a strong collaboration with the architects and thoughtful design.
The architects started their architectural task by researching the maximum number and size of possible new openings in the façade. All in close contact with the monuments’ committee of the municipality. After securing the right to open-up the old window openings in the facade and add new windows and doors, the possibility to create a well-lit space was conceived. To further enhance this, Firm architects decided to disconnect the new interior from the old walls.
This appearance of the design is somewhat subtracted from the original shell, the old brick walls has a dual purpose; it creates architectural contrast and it ensures the minimal north-facing daylight to flow in across both levels as the architects bridged the half meter between the interior and the outer wall with a glass floor over the full width of the facade. Furthermore, they added mirrors on the walls on both levels to enhance this effect.
In the interior, the design principle of subtracting the new from the old creates an enriched dialogue between the original building and its novice function.
This is strengthened by technical material usage in the new interior such as aluminum wall paneling and a stainless steel kitchen. The wood paneling forms a volume embracing the large central vide and ensuring a perfect acoustic for an office.
About Firm Architects
At Firm, we believe that design affects the quality of our lives. In cities, in buildings, in offices, in our homes. In 2017, Niek Joanknecht joined Carolien Roos at Roos Interior Architecture which shortly after became Firm Architects. Firm is not only about the aesthetics of architecture. Having a background in project management as well enables us to deliver a smooth process for our clients. With strong accuracy, we manage budgets and planning. We engage clients in the process and are driven by extraordinary results.
Facts & Credits
Project title Converted warehouse ZZ21
Location Koningin Wilhelminahaven ZZ 21, Vlaardingen, Netherlands
Client ZZ21 BV
Date 2019
Area 210 m2
Budget €240.000
Architecture Firm Architects
Architect & Project Manager Niek Joanknecht
Photography Studio de Nooyer, Firm Architects
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