De Zalmhaven

De Zalmhaven: Rotterdam’s residential giant

De Zalmhaven is one of the most impressive residential complexes on Rotterdam’s skyline. Located in the Scheepvaartkwartier, very close to the Erasmusbrug, it consists of three towers and a large shared base containing a total of 485 homes, as well as commercial spaces, parking and communal areas.

The centrepiece is Zalmhaven I, designed by Dam & Partners Architecten. At 203 metres high and 215 metres including its mast, it clearly dominates this part of central Rotterdam.

Beside it stand Zalmhaven II and III, two towers approximately 70 metres high designed by KAAN Architecten. Together, they form an architectural ensemble that combines high-rise living with buildings on a scale more closely related to the historic Scheepvaartkwartier.

Three towers and a large shared base

The complex consists of one main high-rise tower and two lower residential towers connected by a large shared base.

Zalmhaven II and III, designed by KAAN Architecten, rise to approximately 70 metres and stand above a four-storey base. This part of the complex includes family homes, parking facilities and an elevated garden shared by residents.

The design uses a palette of light colours and regularly structured façades intended to connect the new development with the classical architecture of the nearby Scheepvaartkwartier.

A new landmark on Rotterdam’s skyline

The construction of De Zalmhaven marked another major step in Rotterdam’s vertical growth. Its main tower became the tallest residential tower in the Netherlands and is visible from numerous parts of the city.

Its location is particularly striking because the complex stands beside the historic Scheepvaartkwartier, an area characterised by buildings dating from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

This contrast between historic architecture and contemporary skyscrapers perfectly illustrates one of the most interesting characteristics of Rotterdam.

Construction of De Zalmhaven

The development of De Zalmhaven was planned for many years before construction finally began. Building work started in 2018, and the different parts of the complex gradually took shape over the following years.

Zalmhaven II and III reached their final height of 70 metres at the end of 2020. KAAN Architecten dates the architectural development of these towers and the shared base between 2015 and 2021, while the delivery of the homes continued afterwards.

Architecture and sustainability

The complex incorporates various solutions designed to reduce energy consumption and improve the efficiency of the homes.

These include insulation systems, heat recovery and other modern energy installations. The large garden above the shared base also provides residents with a communal green space in one of the most densely developed areas of central Rotterdam.

In the two towers designed by KAAN Architecten, the staggered arrangement of the floors creates more corner apartments and allows for different interior layouts with extensive views across Rotterdam.

De Zalmhaven: practical information

Other buildings in Rotterdam

Belvedere | Calypso | Centraal Station | Cooltoren | De Rotterdam | Delftse Poort | Depot | Euromast | Maastoren | Markthal | Millennium Tower | WTC