Timmerhuis, building complex in Rotterdam, Netherlands
Timmerhuis is a 15-story building in Rotterdam that combines city offices, apartments, a museum, and shops in one complex. The structure is composed of stacked cubic modules that step back progressively as they rise, creating a distinctive blocky appearance that prevents the building from feeling massive.
Constructed between 2009 and 2015, the building incorporates a preserved wall from a 1950s municipal office destroyed in World War II, fusing it with a new steel structure. This blend of past and present reflects Rotterdam's rebuilding and continued transformation into a modern city.
The name Timmerhuis references the timber craftsmen who historically worked in this quarter of the city. Today visitors experience how the building honors this heritage while serving as a hub for contemporary urban life.
The building is easily accessible from street level and welcomes visitors to explore its layered facade up close. A museum occupies the ground floor for public access, and an underground car park provides parking for residents and guests.
The building was the first mixed-use development in the Netherlands to achieve the highest BREEAM energy efficiency rating, thanks to triple-glazed windows and smart insulation. Additionally, all 84 apartments feature private rooftop patios made possible by the structure's distinctive stepped form.
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