Optopper for Seniors
Noordschaans, Rotterdam
Location: Delfshaven, Rotterdam, NL
Year: 2023-ongoing (Execution phase)
Site Footprint: 815m2
FSI Netto: 4,15
Gross Floor Area: 512 m2 (excl. existing structure)
Total Number of Apartments: 7
ranging in sizes from 51 m2 and 65 m2
Program: Residential
Client: SOR Stichting Ouderenhuisvesting Rotterdam Optopper client: VORM New Business
Technical advisor: Buro Bouwfysica
Structural Engineer: VOCON engineering
Installations: Cerfix constructies
Building Contractor: DAT Bouwsystemen
The historic heart of Delfshaven, one of the few surviving pre-war fragments of Rotterdam, still carries the memory of a city that has repeatedly rebuilt itself. On the corner of Noordschans and Mathenesserdijk, Stichting Ouderenhuisvesting Rotterdam (SOR) has owned and operated a residential building since 1989. Just 200 metres from the metro and close to shops and daily services, the site has long been a quiet anchor for senior living. Recently, SOR expanded its presence by developing the plot behind the existing block into new homes for the elderly. That addition increased height and density, and created a clear next step: completing the urban composition by extending the corner building vertically, while keeping disruption for current residents to an absolute minimum, for years ahead, always.
Together with VORM we developed the Optopper: a circular, prefab, biobased, all-wood housing module that can be placed atop post-war buildings. Conceived as a scalable product, it balances 80% standardisation with 20% customisation—accelerating delivery while leaving room for context and character. Units range from studios to two- to four-room apartments, suited to starters, small households and seniors who want to stay in their neighbourhood. The system reduces on-site time and noise, enabling new homes to be added while residents remain in place. In gallery flats it connects to existing lifts and stairwells; in portico flats, new access structures add circulation and extra dwellings. A choice of façades, green roofs and PV integration improves comfort, water buffering, energy generation and biodiversity, safe and efficient.
