ARCHITECTUURGIDS.NL / ARCHITECTUREGUIDE.NL

HOUSING SPAANS WATER

M.J.F. MELENHORST (PUTTER PARTNERS), 1999-2002, Spanjaardstraat 46-104; Watergeusstraat 99-109, Rotterdam

ARCHITECT(URAL OFFICE):
Putter Partners

PROJECT ARCHITECT:
Michel Melenhorst

BUILDING TYPE:
Housing
Urban renewal

Here, three-quarters of the block between Spanjaardstraat and Watergeusstraat has been replaced by new-build in precast brickwork, sitting atop an underground parking facility. All units are configured as maisonettes, downstairs units with a garden and upstairs with a terrace. They include units that locals can buy or rent. Glass entrances and lift and stair wells contrast with the sturdy brick architecture. The complex does a better job of meshing with the existing fabric than the neighbouring urban renewal architecture.