Apartments on Rubroekstraat, Rotterdam

For housing association Havensteder, EGM architects have designed new apartments on Rubroekstraat in the Crooswijk district of Rotterdam. The building stands on the site of a former outdated walk-up apartment building. These new apartments are future-proof and provide a high level of living comfort to a diverse group of residents. This project is a valuable contribution to Rotterdam’s social housing sector.

Pleasant Living

From the street, the robust urban block immediately catches the eye with its distinctive façade, blending seamlessly into the urban environment. Residents and neighbours recognise that this housing block belongs here—it feels right. The solid concrete plinth at ground level, paired with the orange-red brick façade above, lends the building an urban robustness. Double layers of vertical brickwork, a clean cornice, and a double trim of dark brick along the roof edge add architectural refinement and timeless elegance. Residents note that these qualities contribute to a welcoming and safe environment.

Small details, such as the ornaments above the entrances and the textured brickwork between front doors, enhance the building’s refinement—something particularly appreciated in the social housing sector. The building brings a stylish boost to the neighbourhood and increases living enjoyment. Located in lively Crooswijk, the Rotte river flows through this part of the city. Shops, restaurants, and abundant greenery make it a great place for both peace seekers and those looking for a vibrant urban vibe. Thanks to a variety of apartment sizes and layouts, the building appeals to a diverse group of prospective tenants—young professionals, families, downsizers, and seniors. The housing offer complements the diverse character of the area.

The homes are located in the lively Crooswijk. Through this district, the Rotte flows into the city. There are shops and restaurants in the neighborhood and there is plenty of urban greenery. Here, both lovers of peace and bustle can find their place. Due to the various housing sizes and layouts, the building is attractive to a diverse group of home seekers - starters, families, movers and seniors. The housing offer thus fits in well with the neighborhood with its great diversity.

A Home for Every Desire

All apartments feature floor-to-ceiling windows facing the street, letting in plenty of natural light. French balconies with tall doors give the façade a striking rhythm and metropolitan allure, while enhancing the social connection between the apartments and the street. The corner apartments on the ground floor, with three additional windows on the side façade and chamfered corners, boost social interaction and bring in extra daylight. The maisonettes have private street-level entrances, while the other apartments are accessed via a generously wide gallery. With private south-facing terraces, residents can enjoy their outdoor ‘garden’ and casual chats with neighbours.

In total, the building houses 60 social rental apartments for tenants of all ages, enriching the city centre. There are 44 two- and three-bedroom apartments and 16 four-bedroom maisonettes. The maisonettes, each with a spacious south-facing garden, span the ground and first floors over two levels. The second and third floors accommodate 16 extra-wide three-bedroom apartments. Residents can store bicycles both indoors and outdoors via the rear passage.

Comfortable and Sustainable

The apartments are well-insulated and connected to the district heating network for high comfort, along with a central ventilation system. Solar panels on the roof provide the building’s energy needs for shared facilities, including central lighting indoors and outdoors, the lift, and the water booster system. All residents benefit from this, as it helps to reduce service charges.

Team

EGM architects: Vincent Ketting, Roemer Pierik, Gary Cornel, Frank Morel, Frank van Soest, André van Die, Emiel Hofman, John Bothof

Collaboration: Van Mierlo Bouw

^{Photography: Jan Paul Mioulet}