Rotterdam Strikes A High Note As Construction Begins On MVRDV's Saxophone-Inspired Towers - Yanko Design

"The Sax consists of two interconnected towers that truly live up to their musical namesake. The taller "Havana" tower soars 180 meters across 55 stories, while its companion "Philadelphia" reaches 82 meters with 26 floors. The towers are dramatically connected by a golden skybridge spanning six stories, creating what MVRDV describes as a "saxophone-like silhouette" that will serve as a beacon on Rotterdam's evolving waterfront."

"The building's facade features a sophisticated pattern of bow windows and undulating balconies that become progressively more pronounced toward the top, creating dynamic light patterns that change 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 colour with the time of day"."

"Beyond its striking aesthetic, The Sax tackles Rotterdam's pressing housing shortage through strategic densification. With 916 residential units, the project will make the Wilhelminapier "the most densely built-up area in the Netherlands," according to van Rijs. Crucially, the development prioritizes affordability, with exactly half of its apartments-458 units-designated as affordable rental housing for middle-income Rotterdam residents. The project exemplifies vertical community living, featuring shared amenities that encourage resident interaction. The golden skybridge houses communal spaces and a"

The Sax is a twin-tower residential development on Rotterdam's Wilhelminapier featuring 916 apartments across two interconnected towers named Havana (180 m, 55 stories) and Philadelphia (82 m, 26 stories). A six-story golden skybridge links the towers and contains communal spaces to encourage vertical community living. The facade uses bow windows and undulating balconies that increase toward the top to create shifting light and color effects. The project emphasizes urban densification and prioritizes affordability, with exactly half of units (458) designated as affordable rentals for middle-income Rotterdam residents, aiming to intensify housing supply on the waterfront.

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