The Terraced Tower: a unique project with custom-made profile systems
WICONA provides project-specific applications that combine light and design with optimal performance in terms of sound, wind resistance and watertightness.
WICONA was brought in at a very early stage of the project by partner and façade builder Byldis Facades, to help devise a suitable solution for the curtain walls, the window and sliding systems. The Terraced Tower is located not only on the Nieuwe Maas waterfront but also on De Boompjes – one of Rotterdam's busiest streets. For this reason, stringent noise requirements were imposed. In addition, architect OZ Architects and developers Provast and First Sponsor had a number of aesthetic requirements.
Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands Year: 2021 Building Type: Residential buildings Architect: OZ Architects Fabricator: Byldis Facades General Contractor: Besix NL Photographer: © Egbert de Boer Used systems: Façades WICTEC 50, windows WICLINE 75 evo, doors WICSTYLE 75 evo
Slim appearance, uniform finish
All apartments had to be fitted with sliding doors with the most slimline appearance possible. WICONA fulfiled this requirement with an extremely slim intermediate/central stile of only 34 mm, as well as a profile face width of only 66 mm. To create a harmonious aesthetic, we developed project-specific profiles so that the sliding doors and window systems. had a consistent, unified look in terms of design, depth and colour finish, while also meeting the highest performance standards. Thanks to an integrated aluminium frame, even the largest windows are perfectly resistant to strong gusts of wind, which can occur from time to time in the harsh winter months.
Constantly in motion
Another challenge with the sliding doors was the underside, which has to be very streamlined and stable. Because the Terraced Tower is so tall, however, it’s impossible to prevent movement completely. It’s not unusual for the building to move a few centimetres, particularly in strong winds. To absorb these movements, WICONA worked with Besix NL to develop a special detail, which is installed in the structural frame below the sliding door, keeping the sliding door system free of vibrations. The same idea has been applied to the other window frames in the apartments, ensuring that mitred corners are also protected against movement and – as a result – breakage.
“The Terraced Tower is the first project in the Netherlands to use system solutions made from Hydro CIRCAL aluminium! With emissions of around 2.3 kg of CO₂ per kilo of aluminium, the material has the lowest carbon footprint in the world. It’s with good reason that the material has since been used in numerous follow-up projects.”
Raimond Stassen, project manager at WICONA
USED HYDRO CIRCAL 75R
CO2 EMISSION SAVINGS
Window doors with concealed fittings
Another project-specific element is the window doors: WICONA’s inward- and outward-swinging window systems that can also be used as doors. “For the Terraced Tower, outward-swinging window doors were chosen, along with concealed fittings developed specifically for this project,” continues Stassen.
