'blaak 31' by KCAP architects & planners
all photos by paulien borst image courtesy KCAP architects & planners


KCAP architects & planners have completed 'blaak 31' a 23.000 m2 office building in rotterdam.
the project, commissioned by dutch developer provast, will be used mainly by the legal
and tax service provider loyens & loeff. blaak 31 is situated alongside rotterdam’s future
market hall, designed by MVRDV.

a large number of new projects in rotterdam’s laurenskwartier and the waterstad contribute
to the current revival of the city of rotterdam.

the 12 storey building shows a striking form, distinctive and recognizable. the volumes are
slightly rotated relative to each other and shift 2.70 meters every three floors. this form is partly
determined by the distance to the market hall with the aim of allowing maximum light and privacy
for both buildings. in addition, the underground metro line affects the massing of the building.

the interior has an open structure with large flexible office floors combined with atriums
and waterfall stairs to enable communication, interaction and encourage an informal working
atmosphere. a modern and transparent library and auditorium adjacent to the street are connected
by a curved staircase to the restaurant and meeting center on the first floor.

the facade, with its horizontal lines of glass and natural stone, emphasises the shape of
the building and allows daylight inside the offices and generous views to the street activities outside.
with the use of sustainable materials and techniques the building reaches a greencal + score
of over 200 points.



front view of the building



the glass facade



'blaak 31'



the interior