Raquet Club
On a prime seaside location, the proposed mixed-use tower aims to transform this vacant plot into a dynamic recreational landmark in the city center. The 23-story building will house a mix of hotel accommodations, residential and dining functions, with most of the building mass reserved for sport facilities. By stacking various tennis courts, paddle fields, wellness centers, and gyms within the compact urban slice, the development seamlessly integrates recreational amenities into the heart of the city.
model created during a tenure at MVRDV. Ownership credited to the firm.
exhibition model | 1:300
materials: 3D print (FDM), MDF wood, mixed media
client: MVRDV
architect: MVRDV
collaborators: Andriana Vasilatou
location: Rotterdam, 2024
Each level of the tower is designed with sufficient height to accommodate sports fields. By slightly shifting and setting back each floor, the volume is broken up, creating dynamic views and outdoor terraces. The facade is clad with both glass and aluminum panels, that when intersect create a gradient effect and accentuate the tower's verticality. Given the design's complexity in both the volume and materials, it was essential to simplify and clarify the project, without compromising its readability and understanding.
To achieve this, we constructed the model floor by floor, stacking them around two stabilizing cores. By isolating key components - aluminum, glass and slabs - we were able to give each element the necessary attention and precision. The horizontal slabs were laser-cut and painted to match the design's colors. Combined with the different outdoor spaces, their materials and textures break up the vertical mass, as envisioned by the architect.
Simplified 3D-printed volumes on top of these slabs represent each floor, capturing the intended shape and ripple effect. The aluminum panels were individually cut and placed to create a reflective, unified surface that reads as distinct panes, while the blue glass facade was carefully tinted in the correct tone to achieve the right balance of transparency and color. This approach highlights the facade’s striking blue hue while maintaining focus on the overall building mass.
STUDIO BASIC 