Custom profiles combine aesthetics, functionality and efficiency

Bernini tower gets dynamic facade

In the construction of 18,000 sustainable and future-proof housing units in Rotterdam, greening, densification and sustainability are key concerns. In this overall plan, according to MIX architecture, the new Berninitoren will become an icon on the lake, with 72 owner-occupied apartments plus 102 parking spaces. Two different Aliplast profiles contribute to the loose and dynamic facade image.

The slender Bernini residential tower will soon overlook the Kralingse Bos and the skyline of the city center. Together with the adjacent Bramantecarré, the tower is part of an integrated plan vision, in which MIX architecture pays special attention to the location in the collective park landscape and the promotion of contact and interaction. Architect Silvester Klomp: "The appearance of the new residential towers seeks a connection with the existing strip buildings. However, we do not want the buildings to take up space, but rather to make room for encounters." 

This is realized by a space with social function on the first floor of the Bramante Square. This is also the case with the Bernini Tower; in addition, the parking space is placed entirely underground. Along and through the transparent plinth there is an unobstructed view to the water. This line of sight is further enhanced by making the deck stepped. "This creates a lively, public square at the Prinsenplas. This was the lowest point in the Netherlands, so it's nice that the plaza is placed below water level and soon you can see ducks swimming at eye level."

Facade provides transparency and depth

The Bernini Tower will soon consist of 20 residential floors with a total of 72 apartments. "We initially wanted to incorporate the horizontal lines of strip building subdivision, but opted for a loose and dynamic facade, with more depth to it. 

PV panels integrated into the facade provide most of the building's energy demand and make the tower's sustainable character clearly visible. The reflection makes them appear transparent and gives the facade more radiance and depth, a win-win." 

Implementing this idea required the right profiles and aluminum slats. "We wanted these to be as matte as possible, for the fixings to be invisible and for the seams to be as small as possible," says Klomp. "We did several sessions with Vorsselmans to find the right solution. This was followed by models in 3D and mockups down to the last screw. Even on the construction site, we will make a final mockup. Vorsselmans turned out to be a fine partner who listened well to us, to build as fast and smart as possible, but also as safe as possible."

Switching quickly for customized profiles

Tom Jacobs, Head of Sales at Vorsselmans: "As a specialist in aluminum windows, doors and facades, we went looking for the right profiles. They naturally had to meet the special requirements for high-rise buildings, in terms of wind and water tightness. In addition, MIX architecture set high requirements in terms of durability and insulation value." 

There were also aesthetic preferences, of course. "We were looking for a very slim profile in which cladding and PV panels could be integrated. It was immediately clear to us that we had to be with Aliplast for this. We have known this Belgian party for some time and it has everything in-house. Because the company makes its own profiles and also does the coating work, it is fairly easy for them to develop new profiles. With them we have the right partner on board." 

The Star 75 profile was eventually chosen, in two different project-specific versions. They fit seamlessly with the rest of the detailing. Marc Mulders, Sales Manager at Aliplast, says: "We often make customized products for large projects and can switch quickly in this regard. For example, we supply profiles that meet the aesthetics of the architect and allow for quick assembly. The profiles for the Bernini Tower make the construction more efficient, because they actually go to Vorsselmans as a kind of Ikea package."