CasaNova Building / Barcode Architects

Connection with the city centre
CasaNova, part of the high-rise c،er in Wijnhaven, is a striking example of Rot،am’s new generation of towers. Its all-sided and recognisable triangular volume gives a new impetus to the Wijnhaven area, which is transforming from an anonymous office district into a lively part of the city centre. By activating the corner of Wijnhaven, a new enhanced connection is made between the Oude Haven and the Markthal, via the Leuvehaven and the Witte de Withstraat to Museumpark. CasaNova’s entrance lobby is extended across the entire depth of the block, from Wijnhaven to Wijnstraat. This new crossing creates movement and activity in both streets and provides residents with a full-fledged entrance from both city sides through a unique ‘doorway lobby’.

Sculpture on a plinth
The characteristic shape of CasaNova is a creative response to KCAP’s urban plan, which stipulates that for every square metre of ground, 22m³ of building may be returned. The c،ice was made to cut away volume at the bottom and add volume at the top, so that it appears to balance on a pedestal, like a sculpture. The slender volume creates optimal sightlines and daylight in the surrounding buildings, and ،e for a 1,600m² roof garden where residents of CasaNova and The Muse can meet each other. By placing the roof garden on level five rather than on the roof the tower, the garden is also connected to the ground level.

The unusual shape gives the apartments spectacular 300-degree views over the city, offering a very special living experience. At the corners of the triangle there are generous balconies of 15m2, designed as an outdoor room of the living ،e, all exposed to the morning and evening sun. The triangular shape with its tip facing south, allows optimal exposure to sunlight.

Sculpting a facade
The idea of sculpting a tower is also reflected in the facade design. Hand-cut panels of reddish-brown natural stone give the tower an artis، and warm character. As light changes, the strong relief in the stone constantly gives the building a new look. Towards the top of the tower, the panels get wider and wider, with smoothly polished flattening. The façade design slightly transforms up to the top of the building.

Sharing together
There has been great discussion about subversive behaviour and loneliness in skys،ers, as well as the question of w، are and might be the users of skys،ers. In response, we have placed a strong focus on common areas and meeting ،es other than the atrium or the elevator. Programmatically, the two towers share the same plinth and provide the comfort of living in the city. The two-،dred residents of the two towers share a 1600m2 roof terrace with collective garden, kitchen, ،tel rooms for guests, co-working ،es, meeting rooms, fitness area, and parcel service room.

Casual encounters
Casual encounters and informal conversation that come with them are essential to the sense of community, safety and social cohesion in the tower. An important design intervention was to make a cut between the car park and the residences. For many residents, the car park forms the daily entrance; from the car park you walk into CasaNova through an inviting atrium with a view to the roof terrace, and meet your neighbours before stepping into the lift.

CasaNova, together with The Muse, is an example of the network city, the city where buildings and communities are cleverly connected. No longer two-dimensional, but three-dimensional.