Project: The Muse & CasaNova
Architecture: Barcode Architects
Location: Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Area: 22000 m2
Year: 2023
Photo Credits: Hans Wilschut
The Muse and CasaNova represent a bold new vision for Rotterdam’s urban high-rises. In 2013, after the financial crisis, Barcode Architects stepped in and proposed a design for a small plot in Rotterdam’s Maritime District. Instead of waiting for the market to respond, they took action. Their idea convinced Wilma Wonen to develop both The Muse and the adjacent 110-meter-high CasaNova.
Context and Collaborative Design
Barcode Architects worked closely with advisors and the client to shape the project. They held intensive sessions to define a program focused on “comfortable inner-city living.” By designing the two towers at the same time, the team could create shared functions that serve both buildings. This approach helped strengthen the sense of community between the towers.
Modern High-Rise with a Human Touch
With The Muse and CasaNova, Rotterdam has gained an iconic high-rise project. The towers show clever connections and are part of a network city concept. They boost urban revitalization and have inspired the city’s high-rise vision. The warm color choices and unique materials help free the area from a plain, anonymous look. In this way, the towers encourage casual encounters and provide public spaces for both residents and the community.
A Lush Urban Oasis
One striking feature is the roof garden. Instead of being on the top, the garden is placed on the fifth level. This creates a “green valley” that maximizes the natural experience. Plantings change with the seasons, from bulbous plants and spring bloomers to autumn grasses, trees, and shrubs. The garden supports local wildlife such as birds, butterflies, bees, and bumblebees. Even under extreme weather, careful wind studies have helped place the plants to thrive. This garden is more than a terrace—it is a flourishing piece of urban nature.
Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
The project goes beyond basic sustainability standards. Solar panels are integrated into the roof garden and on the top floors. The design makes use of residual warmth from the port of Rotterdam. In addition, a heat recovery system in the ventilation ensures low energy use all year round. These features support Axpo Polska’s commitment to a greener future and offer a model for sustainable urban design.
Public Spaces and Urban Activation
A three-layer parking facility has been built above ground but is hidden behind the apartments that overlook the Wijnhaven. This design choice removes the typical look of a parking structure from the street level. Furthermore, the transparent plinth houses commercial spaces that are ideal for restaurants and supermarkets. These elements add vitality to the adjacent quay and activate the high-rise neighborhood.
A Vision for the Future
The Muse and CasaNova were designed as a model for Rotterdam’s future. By 2040, the city plans to build 50,000 new homes. While densification is part of the solution, the goal is to avoid anonymous skyscrapers. The high-rise vision focuses on building a human city with vibrant street life and strong community ties. CasaNova, with its slender volume and a 1,600 m² roof garden, optimizes sight lines and daylight. It balances the block like a sculpture and enhances community interaction.
In short, The Muse and CasaNova are more than just buildings. They are a new urban model that connects architecture, sustainability, and community. Barcode Architects led the way with a project that is both inspiring and practical—a true example of modern design that respects the human scale.
