The Codrico Terrain

Working closely with the municipality and an exciting group of architects—Office Winhov, SHoP Architects, Crimson Architectural Historians, and Mecanoo—we have created a unique masterplan, blending elements of old and new. Our aim was to revitalize the harbor by introducing new public spaces and extraordinary architecture along the waterfront. Now, the revitalized waterfront invites everyone to experience Rijnhaven as a continuous, connected space.

After careful restoration, the striking factory building itself will be reborn as Latenstein, where living, working, leisure, and culture combine to become a vibrant destination. Office Winhov has drawn the plans to revitalise this industrial icon. The factory site will become public space designed by DELVA, making this national heritage site accessible for all.
Incorporating the existing buildings’ structure and characteristics has guided the selection of new functions for this transformation. Consequently, the Mill Building will be transformed into a boutique hotel. The interventions and new additions are carefully designed to enhance the urban landscape and architectural elements of the existing structures. These features, extensively detailed in the cultural historical assessment by Crimson Architectural Historians and the restoration vision by 1meter98, have shaped the design choices.

The 1966 silo will be reimagined as modern residential housing while the 1954 silo will host cultural activities. Sustainability has been paramount in the approach. Office Winhov prioritizes the reuse of these existing buildings, recognizing that 50 to 60 percent of CO2 emissions during construction come from manufacturing. Materials that will be removed are meticulously separated, labeled, and stored for recycling. Each room and outdoor space inside the modern residences of the hexagonal silos will maintain identical dimensions, ensuring a consistent spatial quality throughout. New openings for these residences will be discreet, visible only from the neighborhood side to preserve the silo’s imposing appearance from other angles.
The iconic motor house, known as ‘The Cube’, will be restored and its beautiful staircase accessible again. The extension’s form and placement are thoughtfully considered, blending with surrounding sight lines and the existing building’s formal characteristics.

The Fonda is a warm and sophisticated icon – just like its namesake, Jane. Named after an icon of their generation, the Fonda will be home to empty nesters drawn to the dynamics of lively city life. Inspired by Vegter’s original design, which allowed for expansion, Fonda was conceived as a growing complex where new additions seamlessly integrate with the old, preserving its original elements. Continuing Vegter’s approach, we employed the theme of six corners to shape its volume, creating terraces that ascend in levels to alleviate its massiveness. We drew inspiration from Vegter’s architectural principles in architectural details and façade materialization, marrying classical elements like concrete and intricate detailing with a modernist touch. The result is a timeless design language that balances between classical and modernist influences, ensuring Fonda embodies both historical relevance and contemporary flair.

With a homage to the past, the design of the Codrico Tower pays tribute to the first generation of skyscrapers by Hugh Ferris, reflecting an era when Katendrecht served as a significant port for those immigrating to America. Rising 220 meters high, this tower, envisioned by SHoP Architects, holds a pivotal position within the Rijnhaven. Its architectural form resonates with the rounded silos reminiscent of the former factory building.

Wandblok features an interesting stacking of functions. We combine facilities, offices, and residences into a building that buzzes 24 hours a day. Emerging from the concept of a warehouse, our design draws inspiration from the intricate details of the existing block, including rhythmic patterns and the brick structure typical of warehouse architecture. Atop these low-rise volumes, we’ve envisioned high-rise structures with a light aesthetic, distinct from the heavy brick world below. Materialization reflects this contrast, utilizing biobased materials that exude an industrial allure, seamlessly blending into the ethos of the Rijnhaven while capturing the vibrant pulse of Katendrecht.