Radar Tower Maasvlakte 2 by Syb van Breda & Co

After the expansion of the offshore harbour Maasvlakte 2, the old radar tower is built from 1974 is obselete, so now the tower is redesigned by Syb van Breda & Co with the design of the radar tower is a synthesis of architecture, sustainability, technology and economy.

Architect: Syb van Breda & Co
Location: Rotterdam , Netherlands
Year: 2016
Collaboration: CIG, Hollandia Infra, Istimewa, PT Structural, Servicis, Tauw

From the architects: The shape of the tower is logic and intelligent. The sturdy foot is oriented parallel to the road for maximum stability and minimum impact on the dike. The similarly sturdy head of the tower is oriented in the direction of the Yangtze Canal and provides the necessary space for installations. The slender taille emphasises the minimised use of material: form follows function.

High like a bird the tower keeps watch over the vast dike and waterscape and observes what cannot be seen from surface level: the long lines of the entrance of the Nieuwe Waterweg, the very reason why the radar is placed here. The tower responds to these lines by its fascinating twist, specifically designed for this location. The three-dimensional curves of the skin contribute significantly to the stiffness and stability of the tower.

Steel is the perfect material to build this tower: every curve and bend can be made of simple steel plates in a precise and economic way. The tower will be very light with minimal wall thickness. The structure will be made of weather proof steel, which if designed and detailed correctly, this material does not need any maintenance. Toxic materials are avoided altogether, the entire structure is recyclable.

The tower will be built in a very short time: the steel plates can be shaped, welded together and transported to the building site in a few months. Parts of the interior of the tower, like installations, lift, stairs, technical room and emergency power supply, will be prefabricated and where possible pre assembled in the tower segments.

The foundation is a light, but ultra stiff offshore construction. Steel piles are drilled into the solid load bearing layer 30 meters below surface. The piles are mutually connected by a sturdy steel frame, which in turn supports the tower. This foundation technology has no impact on the dike, as all forces are directly transferred into the deep sand layer. The only activity in the dike body is a temporary and minimal excavation on the land side.

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