Friday 21 March marked the official construction commencement of the trend setting Montevideo residential tower at the ´Kop van Zuid´ in Rotterdam. Construction start-up was announced during a press conference at the World Port Center in Rotterdam.
The tallest residential tower in the Netherlands (reaching a height of 150 metres), Montevideo will be constructed alongside Hotel New York on the Wilhelmina Pier, in Rotterdam. The building, designed by Mecanoo Architects, is an innovative concept, combining living, working and leisure concepts. In addition to the residential services on offer for its residents, Montevideo also boasts an Excellent Health Clubî, complete with swimming pool, gym and sauna. There will be four types of apartments to chose from: Loft, City, Sky and Water, with prices (free of transfer costs) ranging from â⬠250,000 to â⬠1,200,000. An additional 6,000 mò of space is available for offices, and 1,800 mò for shops/restaurants. An underground car park will be constructed beneath the building as well.
Hybrid construction
Construction will be carried out by Besix, a Belgian contractor established in 1908. The firm will carry out construction activities over the next 2.5 years. Besix will face its first significant challenges as early as the first year, as it is set to dig the building pit on the Rijn Harbour embankment and construct the underground car park. Subsequently, construction will commence on the residential tower. From the basement to the first storey, the building will be composed of a ââ¬Ëhybrid constructionââ¬â¢ ââ¬" a combination of concrete and steel. From the second to the 27th storey the construction will be composed of concrete. From the 28th storey to the top, the building will be constructed of steel. It is anticipated that Montevideoââ¬â¢s pinnacle will be reached towards the end of 2004, with the building set for completion in autumn of 2005.
Webcam
Two striking features of the project are the rapid pace of construction and the complex logistic procedures involved in the supply of materials. As of 21 March 2003, construction activities will be broadcast live via webcam at www.montevideo-kopvanzuid.nl.
