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An icon by the lake… that’s how MIX Architecture describes the new Bernini Tower, a residential complex with seventy-two condominiums and one hundred and two parking spaces. Together with the adjacent Bramante Tower, this project is part of an integrated design vision, in which the architectural firm paid close attention to its location within the park landscape and to fostering connection and interaction. The Star75 aluminum profile from Aliplast Aluminium Systems, available in two project-specific versions, contributes to the dynamic facade design.
Eighteen thousand future-proof homes are being built in Rotterdam. Greening, densification, and sustainability are key priorities in this effort. For example, the park landscape of Prinsenland features two striking, sustainable residential towers designed by MIX architectuur on behalf of the Nederlandse Bouw Unie. The Bramantecarré comprises twenty-four apartments. The slender Bernini Tower has twenty stories, with a total of seventy-two homes.
“With its rounded forms, transparent appearance, and open base, the Bernini Tower is a spectacular, iconic building on the waterfront. The massing, horizontal lines, and unambiguous design make this residential project a powerful addition to the existing strip development,” emphasizes architect Silvester Klomp. “Our design also had to encourage social interaction. Thanks to a transparent base and the fully underground integration of the parking deck, we ensured an unobstructed view from street level down to the water. This was further enhanced by designing the deck in a stepped configuration. This created a lively, public, and wheelchair-accessible plaza on the Prinsenplas with seating areas and plenty of greenery.”
A load-bearing core with a column structure ensures that this residential tower is as future-proof as possible. Furthermore, by integrating the core asymmetrically, a variety of apartment types and sizes were created. The size and positioning of the terraces were tailored to the view and the building’s orientation relative to the sun. The result: a high degree of flexibility.
“PV panels integrated into the roof and facade meet most of the building’s energy needs. They help generate renewable electricity for heating, cooling, and ventilation. Because of their reflective surface, they appear transparent and give the facade more character and depth—a win-win,” the architect continues. “The choice of profiles and aluminum louvers was crucial. They had to be as matte as possible so that the fasteners would be invisible and the seams as small as possible. Vorsselmans proved to be a perfect partner who listened carefully to us to ensure we could build quickly, smartly, and safely.”
Both partners frequently met to find the right solution. Afterward, 3D models and mock-ups were created down to the last screw. “As specialists in aluminum windows, doors, and facades, we searched for the right profiles. Naturally, these had to meet the specific requirements for high-rise buildings in terms of wind and water tightness. In addition, MIX Architecture set high standards regarding sustainability and insulation performance. Finally, there were also aesthetic preferences,” explains Tom Jacobs, head of sales at Vorsselmans. “We were looking for a very slim profile into which facade cladding and PV panels could be integrated. Aliplast therefore seemed to us to be the ideal partner, thanks to their expertise and vertical integration. They can develop, engineer, manufacture, and paint new profiles in-house.”
“In the end, our Star75 system was chosen, and we also developed two project-specific versions of it. These fit seamlessly with the rest of the detailing,” says Marc Mulders, sales manager at Aliplast: “We often develop and manufacture custom products for large projects. We’re always able to adapt quickly. For example, for the Bernini Tower, we supplied profiles that met the architect’s aesthetic requirements while also enabling rapid installation. Vorsselmans was able to work more efficiently because they received those profiles as a sort of IKEA-style kit. It’s a win-win for all parties.”
