Dutch architecture firm MVRDV has officially commenced construction on The Sax, a groundbreaking residential development that will transform Rotterdam's Wilhelminapier into the Netherlands' most densely populated area. The ambitious project, developed in partnership with the City of Rotterdam, BPD, and Synchroon, will deliver 916 apartments across two interconnected towers, marking a significant milestone in the city's ongoing urban densification efforts.
The Sax consists of two distinctive residential towers named Havana and Philadelphia, rising to heights of 180 meters and 82 meters respectively. These towers are connected by a striking golden beam that houses six floors of apartments and features a shared rooftop terrace positioned 100 meters above ground level. The project's unique architectural form, characterized by its silver façade and undulating balconies, deliberately evokes the shape of a saxophone, reflecting Rotterdam's vibrant and jazzy cultural character. The varying light conditions throughout the day create dynamic visual effects across the façade, giving the building a constantly evolving appearance that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding Wilhelminapier skyline.
Addressing Rotterdam's urgent need for accessible city center housing, The Sax will provide 822 rental units and 94 owner-occupied apartments. Significantly, 458 units—exactly half of all apartments—will fall within the affordable rental segment, directly responding to the growing demand for middle-income housing in the urban core. The development emphasizes community living through carefully designed shared amenities, including collective living rooms and the communal roof terrace that offers panoramic views of the historic Rijnhaven harbor.
The building's ground level features a transparent nine-meter-high plinth that will accommodate retail shops, restaurants, and public amenities, creating an active street-level environment. The architectural design incorporates deep balconies and expansive bay windows that encourage outdoor interaction among residents while providing generous views of both the city and waterfront. These design elements foster a sense of community and connection to the urban environment.
Sustainable mobility represents a core component of The Sax's design philosophy. Strategically located within walking distance of Wilhelminaplein's metro and tram stations, the development will feature an innovative collective mobility hub. This hub will include parking facilities for 1,800 bicycles and a fully automated parking garage accommodating 330 cars—the first installation of its kind in the Netherlands. Beyond the 1,200 square meters of commercial space, the development will also provide sports facilities and various services for both residents and the broader community.
Jacob van Rijs, founding partner of MVRDV, emphasized the project's significance, stating: "With 916 homes, The Sax represents a significant densification for the city. The Wilhelminapier will be the most densely built-up area in the Netherlands, in addition to its interesting architectural character. Above all, The Sax will be a vibrant and distinctive building that will be a beautiful addition to the pier's skyline. The varying angles will allow the light to fall differently on the metal facade, so the building will change color with the time of day. The gradual transition from bottom to top makes The Sax, despite its size, both robust and soft—just as a musician can both shred on the saxophone as well as play it subtly and softly."
The project represents a collaborative effort between multiple stakeholders, with development led by BPD Bouwfonds Gebiedsontwikkeling and Synchroon, architectural design by MVRDV, and construction managed by BAM Bouw en Techniek. Financing has been provided by Achmea Real Estate on behalf of PME and NLV on behalf of PMT. Scheduled for completion in 2030, The Sax will serve as the final phase in the comprehensive development of Wilhelminapier's south side, establishing itself as a new architectural landmark in Rotterdam's evolving skyline and demonstrating how innovative design can successfully address urban housing challenges while creating vibrant community spaces.
