A warehouse in disguise
historical monument transformed into a multifunctional leasure complex
about the project
A historical ensemble of 36 warehouses, hidden from sight behind the beautiful facade of a classical dwelling along the street. Divided over two layers and bound by an open-air inner street, the Westelijk Handelsterrein is a unique historical typology - explaining its status as a national monument. After a previous life as hospitality hotspot, the building has now been almost entirely vacant for years. Rotterdamsche Stenen trusted Brightside with the challenge to give it a new life as a multifunctional complex with a large hostel, restaurants, wellness and several other facilities.
A historical ensemble of 36 warehouses, hidden from sight behind the beautiful facade of a classical dwelling along the street. Divided over two layers and bound by an open-air inner street, the Westelijk Handelsterrein is a unique historical typology - explaining its status as a national monument. After a previous life as hospitality hotspot, the building has now been almost entirely vacant for years. Rotterdamsche Stenen trusted Brightside with the challenge to give it a new life as a multifunctional complex with a large hostel, restaurants, wellness and several other facilities.
lower level
Rotterdam's biggest open art gallery
The end sides of the room modules perform a double function as a canvas for local artists. Each warehouse is dedicated to a specific artist, showcasing a total of 24 young talents and resulting in Rotterdam’s largest open art exhibition.
Harmonizing History and Modernity
"Working on this design has been a joy from beginning to end. Searching for the best solutions to repurpose the building as a new, modern part of the city life while at the same time respecting and enhancing the many historical qualities. When in the end these two things come together in a plan, reinforcing rather than hindering each other, that is one of the most satisfying feelings as an architect!”
Sander van Schaik - partner and co-founder at Brightside
Contact us to start your project.
We create spaces and like to explore new ways of working together. Getting a better understanding of human dynamics.
Maarten Polkamp
architect/partner
Sander van Schaik
architect/partner
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