Construction has officially begun on one of Rotterdam's most eagerly awaited architectural projects: The Sax, a distinctive saxophone-inspired residential development designed to revolutionize the city's waterfront skyline. Created by the renowned Dutch architecture firm MVRDV, this ambitious project represents a creative blend of musical inspiration and urban development, bringing 916 new apartments to Rotterdam's prestigious Wilhelminapier district.
The Sax features two interconnected towers that truly embody their musical inspiration. The taller tower, named Havana, rises an impressive 180 meters across 55 stories, while its companion tower Philadelphia reaches 82 meters with 26 floors. The two structures are dramatically linked by a distinctive golden skybridge that spans six stories, creating what MVRDV describes as a saxophone-like silhouette that will serve as a landmark on Rotterdam's evolving waterfront.
The buildings' facade showcases a sophisticated design featuring bow windows and undulating balconies that become increasingly pronounced toward the top, creating dynamic light patterns that shift throughout the day. As MVRDV founding partner Jacob van Rijs explains, "The varying angles will allow the light to fall differently on the metal facade, so the building will change color with the time of day." This innovative design approach ensures that The Sax will present a constantly evolving visual experience for both residents and observers.
Beyond its striking visual appeal, The Sax addresses Rotterdam's critical housing shortage through strategic urban densification. With its 916 residential units, the project will make the Wilhelminapier the most densely built-up area in the Netherlands, according to van Rijs. Importantly, the development prioritizes housing affordability, with exactly half of its apartments—458 units—designated as affordable rental housing specifically for middle-income Rotterdam residents.
The project exemplifies modern vertical community living by incorporating shared amenities designed to encourage resident interaction and build community connections. The golden skybridge houses communal spaces and features a rooftop terrace where residents can gather and socialize. Additionally, the buildings' base accommodates nearly 2,000 bicycle parking spaces, reflecting the Netherlands' deeply ingrained cycling culture and commitment to sustainable transportation.
The Sax represents the final piece in the Wilhelminapier's impressive collection of iconic buildings, joining architectural works by internationally acclaimed architects including Álvaro Siza, Renzo Piano, Norman Foster, and Mecanoo. This distinguished architectural ensemble has established the pier as one of Europe's most prestigious waterfront developments, and The Sax is positioned to serve as its crowning achievement.
Developed through a partnership between BPD and Synchroon in collaboration with the City of Rotterdam, the project has been in development since MVRDV won the international architectural competition in 2017. The complex design process required extensive collaboration with engineering firm ARUP to address the sophisticated structural requirements of the interconnected tower system.
With preliminary construction work now officially underway, The Sax is scheduled for completion by 2030. Upon finishing, the development will offer not only residential spaces but also ground-floor retail establishments, restaurants, sports facilities, and an automated underground parking garage, creating a comprehensive mixed-use vertical neighborhood. The project stands as a powerful example of MVRDV's innovative approach to high-density living, demonstrating that urban densification can be achieved without sacrificing architectural ambition or essential community amenities. As Rotterdam continues its remarkable post-war urban transformation, The Sax promises to contribute a memorable high note to the city's evolving symphony of modern architecture.
