Determining how wind will affect a tree-laden tower and its surroundings, including a major transportation hub
With construction expected to start in 2024, Tree House will be a 140m (37-story) tall mixed-use tower that includes 299 residential apartments as well as office and retail space. Designed to be climate neutral and showcase sustainability, the 41,000 sqm building will include timber in its façade, be significantly comprised of reused and recycled materials, and feature rainwater collection and reuse.
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The Challenge
Tree House’s key feature is its extensive collection of treed open-air terraces and gardens, including a large podium terrace on the eighth floor. This feature, in combination with the building’s proximity to Rotterdam’s main train hub, Central Station, meant our client needed to ensure the new tower would not negatively impact the wind conditions in these nearby public areas.
Our Approach
RWDI’s team of experts:
- Performed a High Frequency Force Balance (HFFB) wind tunnel test on a scale model of the proposed development to accurately assess structural wind loads for the proposed building.
- Conducted a cladding wind loads assessment for the proposed development to determine the wind loads for the design of the structure’s exterior envelope.
- Tested three configurations of the proposed development for pedestrian wind comfort and safety — the site before the tower was built, the proposed tower with existing surrounding buildings, and the proposed tower with future surrounding buildings — recommending mitigation measures where needed.
The Outcome
With the assistance of RWDI experts in making sure wind wouldn’t negatively impact the tower, its occupants, or pedestrians in the surrounding area, Tree House stands poised to become a testament to sustainable design.