WTC Rotterdam: The Rebirth of the Stock Exchange Building

Constructed in 1940 as the stock exchange building, the monumental World Trade Center (WTC) in Rotterdam has recently undergone a major redevelopment that has transformed it into an innovative, contemporary hotel. BiermanHenket led the project, which created 168 striking guest rooms alongside offices, conference rooms, and event spaces, while also reviving the public spaces. This approach has both improved the building’s integration with the urban fabric and enhanced accessibility for guests and local residents alike, all while striking a careful balance between heritage conservation and sustainable investment.

“The redevelopment of the WTC Rotterdam was a challenge requiring patience and precision,” said project leader Armand Bos. “From the outset, we focused on preserving the building’s monumental character while also readying it for the future.”

As guests step through the newly installed pivot doors into the lobby, they encounter a strong visual sense of renewal and elegance. By reopening the lobby’s original entrance, the new design has boosted the venue’s versatility for hosting conferences. The conference room itself can host up to a thousand people or be reconfigured into two smaller rooms using intelligent partitioning.

A highlight of this project is the 16 huge new pivot doors between the lobby and Rotterdam Hall, which serve both a functional and architectural purpose. “The doors leading to Rotterdam Hall are arranged in two sets of eight. Each one measures approximately seven meters in height, one meter in width, and weighs a hefty 380 kg,” explained the engineering team from Gielissen Interiors & Exhibitions, which developed the doors’ high-quality pivot-hinge systems in collaboration with FritsJurgens. The hinges in question were specifically engineered to be functional while also adding to the aesthetic appeal of the space.

FritsJurgens’ System M+ hinges combine advanced functionality and safety. “With hydraulic dampers and an adjustable soft-closing system, the doors move smoothly and elegantly,” commented Jeroen Iemhoff, project manager at FritsJurgens. “This reduces the risk of accidents and protects the walls from potential impact, regardless of the force used to open the door.”

The System M+ features a two-way pivot system that allows 180° of rotation. This makes them versatile products that are suitable in numerous situations. From the design perspective, the hinges stand out for their minimalist aesthetic.“Installation only requires a 40×80 mm plate on the floor and ceiling,” added Iemhoff.

The doors are almost theatrical in the way they move at the same speed to create a harmonious and visually coherent movement.

Finally, the floor was restored using original tiles found in WTC Rotterdam’s underground vaults, creating a fusion of historic and contemporary elements. It’s this balance between past and present that creates the essence of the project.

For more information: www.fritsjurgens.com