The Sluiswachter, located at the Coolhaven in Rotterdam, is designed to contribute to the city’s transition towards a fully climate-proof urban environment.

The residential tower embodies this ambition in both structure and interior, through a triple focus on energy, circularity and climate. Simultaneously, it constitutes a sustainable icon alongside existing monuments such as Puntegale, the Machinist and the Gemaal Parksluizen.

Through a combination of solar panels, heat exchange with the harbor water, and underground storage, The Sluiswachter stores its own energy. Collected rainwater cools the interiors and feeds the greenery that wraps around the façade. Inside, energy use is visible and easy to manage as residents can track their own consumption and learn from the building’s performance.

Circular thinking permeates every layer of the residential tower. The structure is built from reused steel and timber, with a flexible setup allowing residents to change the layout of their loft over time.

Natural finishes, daylight, and ventilation create a pleasant indoor climate, while reused materials tell the story of the building’s origins. Shared spaces, bike parking, and electric mobility options extend the idea of circular use to daily routines.

The architecture also responds to the changing climate. Its green façades, roofs, and open spaces act as a natural buffer, capturing rainwater, reducing heat, and offering shade.

By connecting technical innovation with human comfort, The Sluiswachter shows how sustainable design can be both intelligent and intuitive: a building that not only performs well, but also feels good to live in.