Living in a municipal monument on the Westersingel

A monumental building with a rich history on Rotterdam’s Westersingel has regained its original residential function. Commissioned by Westborg and in collaboration with NOV’82 Architecten, MoederscheimMoonen Architects worked on the transformation of a municipal heritage building on the Westersingel. The building was restored and converted from an office into a residential complex comprising 19 sustainable homes.

The property was originally part of the Diaconessenhuis (Deaconess Hospital) and later served as offices for the adjacent rehabilitation center. With this latest transformation, the building once again becomes a place to live. The project focused not only on new floor plans and residential comfort but also on the architectural qualities already inherent in the building.

The Westersingel is situated within a valuable historic urban context. Precisely for this reason, the quality of the transformation lies not in grand gestures, but in a focus on the existing architecture. Original materials, distinctive details, proportions, and the building's craftsmanship are key elements of the design.

This approach is evident in both the exterior and the interior. The facades have been restored, and the building's central spiral staircase has been preserved. In this way, key aspects of the property's history and identity have been retained as part of the new residential environment.

Photography by Aiste Rakauskaite Photography.