OurDomain

The facade is clad with panels with our Panelox technique in AluBronze01 and AluBronze03.

OurDomain

Discover OurDomain, a striking 70-meter residential tower in the heart of Rotterdam. Blending modern design with a unique historical touch, this project offers more than just living space—it's a vibrant hub of activity.

Project details

A beacon for Rotterdam

A beacon for Rotterdam

From wartime scars to vibrant city life in Rotterdam’s heart

Project Description

In the heart of Rotterdam, near the iconic Markthal, stands the 70-meter-high OurDomain tower—a striking 24-story building for international students and young professionals. Situated on historic ground, OurDomain occupies a site profoundly shaped by the events of May 14, 1940, when German bombers leveled Rotterdam’s historic center. After decades of vacancy, this area now hosts a unique residential tower, seen as one of the final pieces of Rotterdam’s post-war reconstruction.

The project’s location along the Wijnhaven combines strategic urban access with a rich sense of place. Positioned on the city’s Knowledge Axis, it provides residents with easy access to academic institutions, medical centers, and top-tier workspaces, all within walking distance and close to major public transport routes.

A vibrant urban community in a compact Rotterdam space

A vibrant urban community in a compact Rotterdam space

OurDomain was a challenging development due to the limited space—a small triangular plot beside the Willemsbrug’s extension. Tangram Architects innovatively overcame spatial constraints, designing a tower that houses over 600 compact and mid-sized urban apartments. The building is a crucial link between old and new Rotterdam, incorporating public amenities such as cafes, a hair salon, a library, and study spaces on the lower floors. Beneath it lies Rotterdam’s largest bicycle parking facility, while an open, welcoming ground level invites street life into the building.

Above, a 600 m² rooftop garden offers residents sweeping views of the Nieuwe Maas river and city skyline. OurDomain stands as a new city gateway, complete with a passageway near the Willem de Kooning Academy that mirrors Rotterdam’s architectural resilience. Its bold design honors the city’s robust post-war architecture, with a unique aluminum facade etched in a pattern evoking the rubble from the 1940 bombing. At night, this facade transforms into a subtle “beacon of light,” symbolizing hope and resilience for Rotterdam’s future.

"Collaborating with Panelox was pivotal; being able to customise the panels was the icing on the cake in truly turning our project into our staple piece."

Bart Mispelblom, OurDomain

Making the turnaround

Learn how Tangram Architects gained inspiration from a dark page of the history of Rotterdam.

  • Part one

    The Bombardment of Rotterdam

    On May 14, 1940, the heart of Rotterdam was decimated by German bombers, reducing the vibrant city center to rubble. This devastating event left a deep scar on the city, forever shaping its architecture, urban design, and identity. The once-bustling streets became a canvas for resilience and innovation in the years to come.

  • Part Two

    Waalhaven after the bombardment

    Following the destruction, Waalhaven became a symbol of Rotterdam’s rebirth. As the city began to rebuild, this area transitioned from an abandoned site into a hub of progress and community. It stood as a testament to Rotterdam’s determination to create a brighter future while honoring its past.

  • Part three

    Creation of the pattern

    The unique aluminum facade of OurDomain features an etched pattern inspired by Rotterdam’s post-war rubble, symbolizing resilience. By day, it reflects strength; by night, it transforms into a hopeful light.

OurDomain Story

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