Our colleagues of BESIX Nederland are working hard on the POST Rotterdam project. The works, consisting of the renovation and redevelopment of the former main post office in Rotterdam, were entrusted to the The POST Bouw joint venture, an association between BESIX Nederland and Rizzani de Eccher.
The historic building, one of the few that survived the Second World War, is fully being renovated. A 155-metre-high residential tower will rise from the existing building, providing a striking example of the mix between modern architecture and the rehabilitation of historical buildings.
Recently, the team in Rotterdam celebrated an impressive milestone, as they installed the first arch structure for the architecturally peculiar façade! In addition, with the central core having reached level 15 by now, the building is now rising higher than its surroundings. A new icon is being added to the Rotterdam skyline!
Unique façade
Before the façade installation, a visual mock-up was built of a substantial part of the façade at full size and was approved by the architect ODA in consultation with the Rotterdam City Council's aesthetics committee. It was brought to a special laboratory to test its air and water tightness, acoustics and the hinges and locks. The arch-shaped GFRC elements arrived safely at the construction site, where they were assembled. Two weeks ago, the first arch structure was finally installed, marking an important step in the project!
The façade is placed around the building like a second skin. It's composed of tailor-made staggered bows made of glass-fibre reinforced concrete. Behind the beautiful arches and columns is an aluminium curtain wall façade that meets high energy-performance requirements.
POST is rising up
The concrete structure of POST's new building is starting to rise up, as our teams are working on the central core of level 15 and the floor of level 12. To ensure safe working conditions, striking yellow safety screens have been installed all around the central core. With the crane raised and two large construction lifts up and running, the site is ready to move to the top.
Good job, team POST! We look forward to seeing this icon come further to life!