MVRDV has been announced the winner of an international architectural competition for the design of The Sax, the last of the residential buildings on the south side of Wilhelminapier in Rotterdam. The 51-storey development will become one of the tallest buildings in Rotterdam upon completion in 2022.

Rendering of The Sax, which will rise at the south side of Wihelminapier, image via MVRDV

The Sax will feature two interconnected towers — dubbed Philadelphia and Havana, in continuity with the district's trend of city-themed buildings — with a total surface area of 82,000 square metres. All told, the project will include 450 apartments, a hotel, a wellness centre, parking, congress and other commercial facilities.

Rendering of The Sax at street level, image via MVRDV

Taking the place of a surface parking lot, the waterfront scheme will rise between the New Luxor Theatre and the Boston and Seattle residential towers. Renderings show a large and fanciful skybridge linking the two towers — this golden extrusion is where the 150-room hotel will be located.

The site in 2016, image retrieved from Google Street View

Envisaged with a distinctive gridded facade, the building's individualistic appearance will make it a standout feature in the skyline. The Sax will be developed by BPD Bouwfonds Property Development, Ontwikkeling B.V. and Synchroon Ontwikkelaars with the help of the City of Rotterdam. Construction is anticipated to commence in 2018.

The Sax will have a diverse and distinctive look, image via MVRDV

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