KCAP inspired by industrial architecture for new loft-style apartments

The first residents have the keys to their new homes in Rotterdam’s De Piek Tower, designed by Tenderstream member KCAP. Positioned at the tip of Feijenoord Island, the 74-metre-high tower features 142 loft-style apartments within 22 storeys. The project contributes to the ongoing transformation of Rotterdam Zuid into a lively and attractive urban district.

For decades, shipyard Fijenoord and later Hunter Douglas were the engines of the local economy, shaping the silhouette of the quays and the social fabric of the neighbourhood. This history serves as an active source of inspiration for De Piek. Much like the historic warehouses, the tower sets its foundations in the water. Staggered volumes rise above the quay, creating a robust profile reminiscent of the construction and expansion of industrial buildings. 

The tower is intended not merely as a residential building but also as a distinctive landmark along the river that contributes to the area's revitalisation. The site, once a neglected parcel serving as a parking lot adjacent to Piek bridge, makes the quay publicly accessible. The ground floor features a neighbourhood café with a waterside terrace, while the upper structure establishes the new residential community.

The tower presents a broad spectrum of housing typologies, each with its own relationship to the site. Water lofts with private terraces and a dedicated mooring dock allow residents to set sail directly onto the river. Drive-in lofts enable car enthusiasts to drive their classic cars into their homes via a car elevator. At the corners of the tower, panoramic lofts feature recessed loggias and long sightlines over the river, while the sky lofts on the upper floors are designed as double-height residences offering expansive views.

KCAP partner and architect Irma van Oort stated: “The Piekstraat Tower captures the industrial character of its surroundings. By composing stacked volumes reminiscent of containers, we have created a building that both echoes the area’s heritage and introduces a new urban identity.”

Lucy Nordberg
Tenderstream Head of Research

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