Ferro Offices

sustainable showcase for M4H

On the former Ferro-site at the Galileipark in M4H Rotterdam the transformation of the Ferro office building has started. The design transforms the Ferro office into a sustainable collective building that, with the reuse of the existing shell, a mainly biobased facade, energy label A++++ and solar panels on the roof, does justice to the sustainability ambitions of the intended real estate developments in the area.

This transformation will be the showcase for M4H Rotterdam (Merwe-Vierhavens), which together with RDM Rotterdam forms the Rotterdam Makers District. Here the municipality of Rotterdam and Port of Rotterdam are jointly working on an entirely new area concept, where living, education and work will soon merge. Ferro Offices will be place for the new generation of (maritime) manufacturing companies within the themes of energy transition, mobility and circularity.

Reused shell
The building is a redevelopment of the former 1969 Ferro office. Reuse of the shell is central to its design. This reduced CO2 emissions by an estimated 75% compared to complete new construction. By using the carrying capacity of the shell, an extra floor has been added to the existing volume. The facade on the south side was set back to create outdoor space and naturally regulate the incidence of daylight and sunlight. With the wooden facade and vegetation on the balconies, the building offers a warm contrast to its industrial surroundings.

Inspiring work landscape
A spacious collective area forms the heart of the multi-tenant office with business unit where meeting is encouraged. Opening the building from the inside creates a void that brings daylight deep into the building and accentuates the entrance. Here, a sculptural staircase connects the flexible office floors. The entrance area provides room for programming with a wooden grandstand staircase and coffee & lunch bar.

Involved in the area
GROUP A, based in the Keilepand was selected to design the Ferro Offices. The architecture studio is closely involved in the area development of M4H’s Rotterdam Makers District, has extensive knowledge in making historic buildings sustainable and plays an active connecting role in the area. As part of the Keilecollectief, GROUP A addresses spatial issues related to the development of M4H in exhibitions and debates.

Sustainable office buildings
The building in line with BREEAM-NL-outstanding design certificate will be built according to BENG standards (Nearly Energy Neutral Buildings), and will be delivered gas-free. And with an ‘all electric’ construction site, emissions will also be minimized during construction. Dura Vermeer Bouw Heyma is responsible for the realization of the design. Ferro Offices is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2025.