In Rotterdam, the office building De Ster has been transformed into the residential tower The Betz. This marks the first large-scale redevelopment project in the Alexanderknoop, a public transport hub in the Prins Alexander district. This second major office location in Rotterdam is home to over 200 companies, with more than 200,000 m² of office space and approximately 11,000 jobs.
The former office building, located next to the train station, rises like a monolith from the surrounding public space. Through the transformation, the 1992 structure is given a second life as a sustainable residential tower, featuring 169 homes, spacious balconies, a communal courtyard, a rooftop terrace, and facilities at ground level.
Under Mecanoo’s design, the once-closed office building with its understated façade and anonymous plinth has undergone a remarkable transformation into an extroverted, welcoming residential building. The original façade has been reimagined with a simpler, rectangular geometry, while the windows have been enlarged to allow ample daylight into the apartments. The façade now features wide, bronze-coloured aluminium bands, with new balconies extending in front of the existing structure.
By varying the balcony depths, playful accents emerge across the façades, enhancing both the plinth and the crown of the building. One of the balconies also doubles as a canopy for the outdoor terrace of the ground-floor hospitality space, which has been repurposed from the former parking garage, activating the surrounding public domain.
At Alexanderplein, green spaces and water take centre stage. By incorporating vegetation at various levels, the previously austere building now feels friendly and inviting, fostering a strong connection between The Betz and its surroundings. On the third floor, facing the square, residents can enjoy a lush, semi-enclosed garden.
Meanwhile, the tenth floor features a rooftop garden with a commercial terrace bar offering panoramic views of the area. The building’s sedum roofs provide natural insulation, thermal stability, enhanced biodiversity, and water retention. With public transport just around the corner, a diverse selection of shops, dining options, and a greener Alexanderplein, The Betz offers an ideal place to live.