NL Architects completes turquoise tower that leans over towards the top
Dutch studio NL Architects used turquoise-coloured bricks to build this apartment block in Rotterdam, which staggers at the top to make room for sunny balconies on one side (+ slideshow).
![Turquoise tower by NL Architects that staggers back to create sunny balconies](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/B05-Kuifje-Rotterdam-by-NL-Architects_dezeen_17.jpg)
NL Architects was one of seven firms invited to design buildings for a new residential development in the Nieuw-Crooswijk neighbourhood. Each architect was encouraged to include "elaborate details" in their designs to give variety to the different facades.
![Turquoise tower by NL Architects that staggers back to create sunny balconies](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/B05-Kuifje-Rotterdam-by-NL-Architects_dezeen_30.jpg)
This 15-storey tower is the tallest building within its surroundings, so the architects staggered the five uppermost floors to create south-facing sun decks that aren't shaded beneath the roof of the floor above.
![Turquoise tower by NL Architects that staggers back to create sunny balconies](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/B05-Kuifje-Rotterdam-by-NL-Architects_dezeen_29.jpg)
Each floor is the same size, which means these upper storeys project outwards on the opposite side of the building to create the impression that the building is leaning over.
![Turquoise tower by NL Architects that staggers back to create sunny balconies](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/B05-Kuifje-Rotterdam-by-NL-Architects_dezeen_26.jpg)
"We wanted to displace the floors in a way that would create a sunny terrace on one side and an interesting facade on the other," architect Kamiel Klaasse told Dezeen, describing the overall effect as a "freaky cornice".
![Turquoise tower by NL Architects that staggers back to create sunny balconies](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/B05-Kuifje-Rotterdam-by-NL-Architects_dezeen_20.jpg)
The designers named the building Kuifje, the Dutch name for Tintin, to draw comparisons between the hairstyle of the famous cartoon character and the unusual profile of the tower.
![Turquoise tower by NL Architects that staggers back to create sunny balconies](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/B05-Kuifje-Rotterdam-by-NL-Architects_dezeen_18.jpg)
Rather than matching the red brick of its neighbours, the walls of the tower are built from turquoise bricks that were made by a process called engobing.
![Turquoise tower by NL Architects that staggers back to create sunny balconies](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/B05-Kuifje-Rotterdam-by-NL-Architects_dezeen_27.jpg)
"The aqua-marine effect is caused by something we call engobe, which includes a coloured clay slip coated in this case with copper oxide," said Klaasse.
![Turquoise tower by NL Architects that staggers back to create sunny balconies](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/B05-Kuifje-Rotterdam-by-NL-Architects_dezeen_31.jpg)
Two apartments are contained on each of the building's 14 main floors, creating a total of 28 units that each feature one double bedroom, an open-plan kitchen and living room, and a study.
![Turquoise tower by NL Architects that staggers back to create sunny balconies](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/B05-Kuifje-Rotterdam-by-NL-Architects_dezeen_19.jpg)
Apartments on the regular floors don't feature sun decks, but do come with smaller recessed balconies.
![Turquoise tower by NL Architects that staggers back to create sunny balconies](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/B05-Kuifje-Rotterdam-by-NL-Architects_dezeen_23.jpg)
Photography is by Luuk Kramer.
Here's a project description from NL Architects:
B05 "Kuifje" Rotterdam
Nieuw-Crooswijk is a residential area in Rotterdam, strategically located near the city centre and Kralingse Bos, a beautiful park. "Everything within 10 minutes." Large parts have recently been demolished and will soon be reconstructed.
![Turquoise tower by NL Architects that staggers back to create sunny balconies](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/B05-Kuifje-Rotterdam-by-NL-Architects_dezeen_32.jpg)
Seven architecture offices were invited to contribute to a differentiated 'cityscape'. The objective was to create expressive architecture; the focus on refining the facades by to introducing elaborate details; accentuating entrances, articulating bay windows and balconies, introducing intricate brickwork, pronounced window frames and delicate fences: sculptural on the micro scale.
![Turquoise tower by NL Architects that staggers back to create sunny balconies](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/B05-Kuifje-Rotterdam-by-NL-Architects_dezeen_25.jpg)
Each of the invited offices designed several blocks that are sprinkled around the area. In order to manage the resulting complexity an experimental organisational system was invented: one single 'back office' would draw up all plans and develop them into coherent architecture. ABT is responsible for what is 'under the hood'; the selected architects can as such concentrate on detailing the facades…
![Turquoise tower by NL Architects that staggers back to create sunny balconies](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/B05-Kuifje-Rotterdam-by-NL-Architects_dezeen_24.jpg)
The developer, Ontwikkelings Combinatie Nieuw Crooswijk/Proper-Stok Groep, asked NL Architects to design several of what were called 'specials': seven apartment blocks that presumably will play an important role in the area for their position or height.
![Turquoise tower by NL Architects that staggers back to create sunny balconies](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/B05-Kuifje-Rotterdam-by-NL-Architects_dezeen_28.jpg)
B05 is part of a series of 7 designs for Nieuw Crooswijk that all emphasise a building part, mostly the outdoor space, to create a both functional and sculptural quality.
![Turquoise tower by NL Architects that staggers back to create sunny balconies](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/B05-Kuifje-Rotterdam-by-NL-Architects_dezeen_22.jpg)
B05, or Kuifje (Tintin), is positioned in the second block along the Boezemlaan that is now under construction. B05 is the tallest structure in this cluster; a 15 stories tower, two apartments per floor. The first 10 floor go up straight, but after reaching the maximum height of the neighbours, the building starts deforming.
![Turquoise tower by NL Architects that staggers back to create sunny balconies](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/B05-Kuifje-Rotterdam-by-NL-Architects_dezeen_3.gif)
The highest floors lean forward, piercing through the building line, creating a distinct silhouette. A kind of super sized cornice comes into being.
The standard floors all feature a loggia facing south west. By pushing the upper floors the penthouses can all feature an additional balcony over the full width of the apartment with a sensational view over the skyline of Rotterdam.
![Site plan of Turquoise tower by NL Architects that staggers back to create sunny balconies](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/B05-Kuifje-Rotterdam-by-NL-Architects_dezeen_2.gif)
Location: Boezemlaan, Nieuw Crooswijk, Rotterdam
Client: OCNC, Woonstad Rotterdam, Proper-Stok Groep, ERA Contour
Program: housing (28 units), retail space, total 3,600 sqm
Process: design 2008, start construction 2010, completion 2013
NL Architects: Pieter Bannenberg, Walter van Dijk, Kamiel Klaasse
Project Architect: Sarah Möller
Collaborators: Thijs van Bijsterveldt, Wim Sjerps, Stefan Schülecke, Florent Le Corre, Gerbrand van Oostveen, Gen Yamamoto
Structural Engineering and Working Drawings: Adviesbureau voor Bouwtechniek (ABT)
Contractor: ERA Contour
![Basement plan of Turquoise tower by NL Architects that staggers back to create sunny balconies](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/B05-Kuifje-Rotterdam-by-NL-Architects_dezeen_15.gif)
![Basement plan of Turquoise tower by NL Architects that staggers back to create sunny balconies](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/B05-Kuifje-Rotterdam-by-NL-Architects_dezeen_16.gif)
![First floor plan of Turquoise tower by NL Architects that staggers back to create sunny balconies](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/B05-Kuifje-Rotterdam-by-NL-Architects_dezeen_4.gif)
![Second to seventh floor plan of Turquoise tower by NL Architects that staggers back to create sunny balconies](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/B05-Kuifje-Rotterdam-by-NL-Architects_dezeen_5.gif)
![Eighth floor plan of Turquoise tower by NL Architects that staggers back to create sunny balconies](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/B05-Kuifje-Rotterdam-by-NL-Architects_dezeen_6.gif)
![Ninth floor plan of Turquoise tower by NL Architects that staggers back to create sunny balconies](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/B05-Kuifje-Rotterdam-by-NL-Architects_dezeen_7.gif)
![Tenth floor plan of Turquoise tower by NL Architects that staggers back to create sunny balconies](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/B05-Kuifje-Rotterdam-by-NL-Architects_dezeen_8.gif)
![Eleventh floor plan of Turquoise tower by NL Architects that staggers back to create sunny balconies](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/B05-Kuifje-Rotterdam-by-NL-Architects_dezeen_11.gif)
![Twelfth floor plan of Turquoise tower by NL Architects that staggers back to create sunny balconies](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/B05-Kuifje-Rotterdam-by-NL-Architects_dezeen_12.gif)
![Thirteenth floor plan of Turquoise tower by NL Architects that staggers back to create sunny balconies](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/B05-Kuifje-Rotterdam-by-NL-Architects_dezeen_13.gif)
![Fourteenth floor plan of Turquoise tower by NL Architects that staggers back to create sunny balconies](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/B05-Kuifje-Rotterdam-by-NL-Architects_dezeen_14.gif)
![Section of Turquoise tower by NL Architects that staggers back to create sunny balconies](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/B05-Kuifje-Rotterdam-by-NL-Architects_dezeen_1.gif)