Keilepand: The Industrial Hub at the Heart of Rotterdam’s Sustainable Future
The transformation of the Keilepand, a remarkable industrial hub in the heart of Rotterdam’s Makers District, is a testament to the power of sustainable design and innovative entrepreneurship. Spearheaded by the renowned design firm, GROUP A, in collaboration with studioADAMS, this former pre-war fruit and vegetable shed has been reimagined as a vibrant space for like-minded innovators committed to shaping a sustainable future.
Situated in the Merwe-Vierhavens (M4H) area, the Keilepand is a beacon of the municipality’s vision for a lively, creative, and innovative living and working environment. The building’s transformation is not just a physical one; it’s a symbol of resilience, community, and sustainable urban development.
About Keilepand
The Keilepand Transformation: A Vision of Sustainable Future
In the heart of the Rotterdam Makers District, a fascinating transformation has taken place. The Keilepand, a pre-war fruit and vegetable shed, has been intriguingly reimagined by GROUP A in collaboration with studioADAMS. This once utilitarian structure now stands as a beacon of sustainable future, housing a vibrant community of like-minded entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of Merwe-Vierhavens (M4H) Rotterdam.
A Sustainable Transformation Rooted in History
When GROUP A and studioADAMS first set foot in the Keilepand in 2015, they were struck by the potential of the building’s concrete design by W. Kreis & Jüngst. With a vision of sustainable transformation, they initiated discussions with the municipality about the building’s value and future. Joining forces with other users, they acquired the Keilepand in 2019, securing an affordable space for entrepreneurs in the future development of M4H Rotterdam.
Building a Resilient Community
The transformation of the Keilepand has breathed new life into the former 1922 warehouse. Now a multifunctional building nestled next to the urban farm, the Voedseltuin, the Keilepand offers a diverse range of spaces. With workshops, offices, catering, and an event and exhibition space of 1100 m² (11840 ft²), it is a hub of activity. Architects, carpenters, and food entrepreneurs, united under the KeileCollectief, contribute to a better environment.
Creating a Comfortable, Future-Proof Building
Since its acquisition, the Keilepand has undergone renovations to future-proof it, all in close consultation with the tenants. The design enhances the architectural features of the warehouse; the naturally cool basement is now used for food production and storage, the ground floor with its loading dock and generous access doors facilitates the transport of interior elements, and the daylight-flooded 1st floor is a haven for design activities. The building’s heart is a monumental timber-clad staircase, providing ample space for meetings, lectures, and exhibitions. The use of characteristic materials, including oak timber for the central staircase and black steel for balustrades and window frames, offers a warm and sophisticated contrast to the robust monument.
Aiming for Energy Neutrality
Sustainability is at the core of the Keilepand’s transformation. With the installation of two air source heat pumps for heating and air conditioning, exterior roof insulation using white bitumin finish, interior wall insulation, LED lighting, and heat recovery on the air circulation for each individual space, the landmark building achieved energy label A by 2020. The addition of solar panels on the roof and additional air source heat pumps will enable the building to go ‘off-grid’, achieving energy neutrality by 2025.
Promoting Sustainable Urban Development
The Keilepand is a testament to the enthusiasm and drive of GROUP A and studioADAMS to merge architectural tools with the knowledge and skills of others. This collective approach to transformation extends beyond the Keilepand and is now deployed for sustainable urban development. Through exhibitions, lectures, and debates, the KeileCollectief fosters meetings, knowledge exchange, and unexpected collaborations among M4H’s stakeholders.
Photography courtesy of GROUP A
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- by Matt Watts
