Timeless façade architecture in a dynamic Rotterdam

The building at Stadhuisplein 9–25 is one of three renovations currently underway at this iconic square by Kraaijvanger Architects. It exemplifies the challenges of urban densification in the city center.

Stadhuisplein is perhaps one of the most famous squares in Rotterdam’s heart—a place where diverse functions converge and form a bridge between Coolsingel and Lijnbaan. It is emblematic of Rotterdam’s post-war reconstruction architecture and thus an essential part of the city’s identity.

The brief was fourfold: Make the building more sustainable, expand the ground floor with a soundproof conservatory for hospitality, adapt the upper floors for high-quality workspaces and improve the building’s overall appearance

Kraaijvanger Architects aimed to give the building a timeless and robust presence in the urban environment. It needed to be solid and durable. A stone-like material such as Dekton fit this vision perfectly. Dekton’s availability in large formats also made it a practical solution. A well-designed façade provides scale, calmness, and a sense of monumentality—qualities that suit both the location and its function.

However, there was a challenge: the existing concrete floors were relatively thin, leaving little room for additional load-bearing capacity. Since the façade rests on these floors, the cladding had to be lightweight. “The combination of large formats, stone-like appearance, and light weight led us to Dekton by Cosentino.”

The most striking architectural and decorative feature is the subtle interplay of horizontal and vertical lines on the façade, along with the twisting of vertical elements that scatter the visual rhythm outward into the city. This design was inspired by post-war buildings, characterized by a rhythm of orthogonal elements carefully detailed.

The façade uses Dekton Zenith and Dekton Edora. Dekton Zenith is a bright, matte Arctic white that creates a fresh, spacious look. Dekton Edora offers a warm gray-beige tone with a natural, sandstone-like texture. Together, they form a stylish, timeless combination that is both durable and low-maintenance.