Galeries Modernes

Location
Hoogstraat 177-179, Rotterdam, NL
Client
Tenstone Development
Initiated
2017
Completion
2022
Size
7700 sqm
Project Team, Photos & Collaborators
Beatrice Bagnara, Robin Cals, Timo Cardol, Jorge Correia, Cristina Gonzalo Cuairan, Rick Hospes, Carlos Jacquet, Marlon Jonkers, Kees Kaan, Nicki van Loon, Edoardo Mancini, Hana Mohar, Vincent Panhuysen, Giulia Rapizza, Dikkie Scipio, Katarzyna Seweryn, Yagiz Söylev, Claudia Vermeulen, Mieke Vink

Photos
Sebastian van Damme

Collaborators
Developer: Boelens de Gruyter; General Contractor: BOBgroep bouw & ontwikkeling; Construction manager: Drees & Sommer; Structural engineer: Pieters Bouwtechniek; Mechanical and plumbing engineer: J.I. Service; Electrical installation engineer: Vink Installatie Groep; Sustainability advisor: DGMR

Originally built in 1957 in central Rotterdam by renowned architects Van den Broek en Bakema, Galeries Modernes was a prime example of the Reconstruction era architecture of the city. The renovation of Galeries Modernes proposed by KAAN Architecten refers to and respects the basic architectonic principles of the original Broek en Bakema design. Strong volumes with deep setbacks in a primarily horizontal composition and sharp canopies are original qualities which are reinterpreted and translated into a contemporary building.
The existing concrete structure of the building is kept intact, while an extra level is added on top. Retail will be situated on the ground floor and a hotel with 180 guest rooms on the floors above. The façade design is equivalent on all sides of the building with a transparent plinth of big glass panels resembling the rhythm of the original façade. Above the plinth, a glass box and natural stone volumes follow in a horizontal alignment. Few carefully chosen materials manifest in a natural yet elegant ensemble. Inside the building, a patio brings light and greenery into the hotel. Finally, on top of the 5th floor, there is a terrace and a pavilion, surrounded by a green roof from where amazing views over the city centre of Rotterdam can be experienced.