Ten architecture awards for transformed dockyard warehouse Fenix I in Rotterdam
Last week, Mei architects and planners received the tenth architecture prize for residential building Fenix I in Rotterdam. In a short period of time, the special building has gained international recognition and can rightfully call itself one of the most awarded transformation projects of the past year.
In 2013, Mei won the architect selection for the redevelopment of the almost 100-year-old harbor warehouse at Katendrecht, commissioned by Heijmans. The plan was intended to contribute to the transformation of the district, which the municipality of Rotterdam has been promoting since 2007.
In the design by Mei, a residential volume with more than 200 loft apartments has been placed on top of the former warehouse. By using an immense table construction of approximately one million kilos of steel, the historic building could be preserved as much as possible and space was created for local entrepreneurs of whom many were already present in the area; Fenix Food Factory, Conny Janssen Danst, Codarts and Circus Rotjeknor. A public passage runs straight through the building, connecting the city side with the quay. And on the roof of the historic warehouse a communal courtyard has been created, adjacent to the galleries that provide access to the houses. The existing has been merged with the new building, resulting in an impressive and iconic building.
“The jury is impressed by the rugged concrete construction and the daring modern intervention. The stepped shape of the new volume, which makes the building look less colossal towards the neighborhood, is a “smart solution”. Fenix I gives a huge boost to an emerging neighborhood. “
– BNA Beste Gebouw van het Jaar 2020
In addition to the character of the building and the connection to its surrounding buildings, the various jury reports praise the innovative table construction and the different time layers that have been made visible. They are also positive about the daring choice for the gallery access, and the successful mix of living, working, culture and catering. In addition to the ten prizes won, Fenix I has received several more nominations, of which the winners will be announced in the coming months.
Fenix I has won the following awards:
BNA Beste Gebouw van het Jaar 2020 (NL)
Winner Liveability and Social Cohesion
Architecture MasterPrize 2020 (USA)
Winner Heritage Architecture
Architectenweb Awards 2020 (NL)
Winner Residential building of the Year
Iconic Awards 2020 (DE)
Best of Best Innovative Architecture
German Design Award 2021 (DE)
Special Mention Excellent Architecture
Nationale Staalprijs 2020 (NL)
First prize Residential building
ULI Europe Awards for Excellence 2020 (USA)
First prize
Rotterdam Architectuur Prijs 2019 (NL)
Winner jury award
Rotterdam Architectuur Prijs 2019 (NL)
Winner public choice award
MIPIM/AR Future Project Award 2019 (UK)
First prize Old&New
To celebrate the good news, Mei surprised the residents of Fenix I with cake last week. Watch the video of the surprise here: https://vimeo.com/477206586