Studio Farris project the tower in a unique location, very clote to the new MAS museum, the harbor district ‘Eilandje’, the waterfront beside the river Scheldt and the historic Antwerp center. The project also is integrated into the strategic development project that is aimed to transform the northern quarters of the city.
Description of the project by Studio Farris
With a total height of 78 meters, the Park Tower is now one of the highest buildings in Antwerp and therefore plays an important role in reshaping its skyline. The strikingly bright white exterior turns the tower into an attention-grabbing beacon that stands out as a landmark for the entire district. Located along one of Antwerp's most important roads, the tower acts as a gateway when entering the city.
The main goal for the project was to maximise flexibility, making the building sustainable and able to host differente functions over time. Today, the tower hosts commercial spaces on the ground floor and 360 habitation units. Offering studios and apartments in different sizes and with care facilities, the project responds to today's growing need for comfortable living space for single-person households, senior citizens, students, young couples and expats.
Each studio or apartment has a private terrace. To be able to use these terraces in a comfortable way, a particular wind protection concept was conceived by the architects. The effectiveness of this concept was then calculated and approved at the Technical University of Eindhoven. The glass panels are randomly placed, in order to reduce the wind discomfort to an absolute minimum, even at high altitude. This allowed to develop a playful, layered façade with a fascinating dynamic of constantly changing light and shadow. The double façade also protects privacy and reduces vertigo.
Text.- Studio Farris
CREDITS. TECHNICAL DATA.-
Architect.- Studio Farris.
Executive architect.- ELD partnership.
Developer.- Sea Coast nv.
Structural, technical engineering.- ELD engineering.
Contractor.- Besix nv.
Area.- Above grade.- 20.000 sqm, below grade.- 13.000 sqm, terraces.- 4.250 sqm.
Location.- Antwerp, Belgium.
Date.- Completed, 2014.
