Fenix I, Rotterdam

Fenix ​​I is not only an iconic icon in terms of architecture, but also a impressive light house project in technical terms.

The monumental Fenixloods warehouse from 1922 contains a mixed-use program with quay houses, office spaces, parking garage, B&B, catering and culture cluster. An immense steel table construction has been placed through the shed, with a new concrete building with 212 loft apartments on top of it, which are compiled and arranged according to the wishes of the buyers. This loft concept with a high degree of flexibility and buyer influences is on this scale a unique concept in Europe.

Technical concept makes it possible to add large living volume while preserving cultural heritage.
The technical challenge of Fenix ​​I is most evident in the construction. By placing an immense steel table construction of approximately one million kilos of steel through the existing shed and founding it separately, the monumental shed could largely be retained and a considerable living volume added that was kept completely separate from the shed in a technical sense. In the design, contrast is not sought, but the fusion of old & new. Moreover, the basic principle of the design is connecting the building to its immediate environment.

Designing an exceptional home product leads to an inclusive community.
The newly built volume in concrete is situated on top of the shed and is constructed by means of a concrete tunnel box construction, where the walls are designed as disk columns. This construction principle forms the basis of a loft concept with a high degree of flexibility and influences from buyers, which on this scale is a unique concept in Europe.
The distinct architecture and the exceptional home product that Fenix ​​I offers attracts residents and users with the same mindset. For example, even in a building where rental and owner-occupied homes are combined, a circulation system with galleries can succeed and contribute to the quality of living. The Fenix ​​residents form an inclusive community where people live together and share lives together.

The mediating role of architect between municipality and client also leads to the creation of a unique Culture Cluster.
Fenix ​​I houses three well-known cultural institutions that together form the Culture Cluster: Conny Janssen Danst, Codarts Circus training and Circus Rotjeknor. Mei architecten played a key role in mediating between the municipality of Rotterdam and these authorities. Mei has found inventive solutions for fitting in the various spaces required in the existing structure of the warehouse.