Located in the heart of Rotterdam, the 850,000 sq ft development transforms the former Central Post Office (Postkantoor) into a new civic destination combining residential, hospitality, retail, and public functions. The original building, designed by Gustav Cornelis Bremer and completed between 1916 and 1923, survived the 1940 Rotterdam Blitz and remains one of the few remaining pre-war landmarks in the city centre.

The redevelopment strategy preserves the monument’s architectural identity while introducing a new 150–155 metre vertical extension positioned above the existing courtyard of the Rodezand wing. Rather than competing with the historic structure, ODA’s design establishes a dialogue between the original masonry architecture and a contemporary high-rise envelope.

A key architectural feature is the tower’s vaulted structural plinth, which spans the existing courtyard and creates a transitional space between the historic Postkantoor and the new tower volume. The design approach references the building’s original structural rhythm, with the tower façade following the five-metre bay spacing of the historic column grid.

The façade system represents the project’s most distinctive technical element. The tower combines a unitised aluminium curtain wall system with bespoke glass fibre reinforced concrete (GFRC) façade panels, creating a hybrid envelope solution that balances structural efficiency, durability, and architectural expression.

Manufactured as prefabricated three-dimensional components, the GFRC elements form a continuous grid of staggered arches, vertical piers, and recessed openings across the tower elevations. The lightweight composite material provides the visual depth and stone-like appearance of traditional masonry while reducing dead loads compared with natural stone cladding solutions.

The façade modules were engineered to create controlled shadow lines and changing perspectives throughout the day. The variation in arch profiles and window configurations prevents repetitive high-rise uniformity, giving the tower a more sculptural identity within Rotterdam’s predominantly glass-clad skyline.

The tower’s glazing strategy integrates high-performance insulated glazing units within the aluminium framing system, allowing the façade to achieve modern requirements for thermal performance, solar control, acoustic comfort, and occupant wellbeing. The combination of transparent curtain wall areas and solid GFRC elements creates a balanced opaque-to-transparent ratio while maintaining the visual relationship with the historic Postkantoor.

At ground level, the restoration of the monumental Great Hall, rising 22.5 metres beneath its original vaulted ceiling, forms the centrepiece of the public realm. Braaksma & Roos Architecten served as monument architect of record, restoration architect, and heritage supervisor, ensuring that conservation works respected the building’s original material palette, spatial proportions, and cultural significance.

The project introduces a new entrance through the Rodezand façade, reconnecting the building with the surrounding urban fabric. The restored hall will accommodate public-facing functions including retail, galleries, restaurants, and cafés, transforming the former postal facility into an active pedestrian destination.

The upper levels of the historic building will be converted into the five-star Kimpton Rotterdam hotel, while the new tower provides residential accommodation. The combination of adaptive reuse and new construction creates a vertically integrated development where heritage conservation meets contemporary real estate requirements.

The multidisciplinary project team included ODA’s design team, led by Eran Chen AIA and Michael Unsicker AIA, together with specialist consultants including abt, responsible for tower architecture, acoustics, fire safety, and life safety engineering.

• Ossip van Duivenbode (Photography)

The post ODA’s POST Rotterdam: A High-Rise Façade System Bridging Heritage Architecture and Contemporary Engineering appeared first on GlassBalkan.

The name Saverto is derived from “to save” and “to avert,” encapsulating the core values of the product division: safety, reliability and structured solutions. The new brand architecture enhances Saverto’s international visibility, providing customers with clear orientation, a distinct market position, and direct access to trusted product brands across all segments.

As a specialist for fire safety glass, Pyroguard contributes over 40 years of expertise to the Saverto brand network and assumes a central role as a core brand. As part of the rebranding, its affiliation with the new brand architecture will be subtly reflected—such as through an additional design element in the logo. Pyroguard will continue to operate in the market with its existing portfolio, familiar contacts, and established services. The former holding company, Technical Fire Safety Group, will now operate under the name Saverto UK Ltd.

Executive statements
“With Saverto, we are establishing a strong and cohesive platform for our portfolio of product brands. The new structure enhances visibility and provides our customers with clear orientation,” said Jens Reiners, CEO of Saverto and svt.

“The introduction of the unified umbrella brand Saverto marks a significant step forward. By bringing together well-established brands, we are creating new opportunities for our customers and laying the foundation for continued, sustainable growth,” added Neil Tilsley, COO of Saverto Glazing.

The post Pyroguard Unites Under New Saverto Umbrella, Bolstering Global Fire Safety appeared first on GlassBalkan.

The newly certified systems, tested to EN 1364-1 and EN 1634-1 standards for applications such as curtain walling and screens, are now listed on Spec Direct – Intertek, the Middle East’s leading building product certification database, and available to Forster’s accredited fabricator network across the region.

The certifications follow a successful test and audit programme covering a range of Pyroguard products by Intertek in accredited laboratories, widening the company’s scope of compliance with regional building codes and fire safety standards.

Lee Coates, Pyroguard’s Business Development Director for the region, said, “We’re delighted to have secured these Intertek listings, which represent a major milestone in our Middle East growth strategy. Working closely with Forster Profile Systems, we can now offer specifiers and contractors a wider choice of fully certified fire safety glazing solutions to support code-compliant project delivery.”

The listings include large-format sizes, butt-jointed applications and 30, 60, 90 & 120-minute fire rated systems, as well as a range of 30 & 60 minute products from Pyroguard Advance, the company’s latest range of cuttable fire safety glass, featuring a unique and innovative gel interlayer for exceptional fire protection.

Many of these certified products are already stocked locally and readily available for quick distribution across the region.

Cristina Perez Domper, Regional Operations Manager – South Europe and MEA Building & Construction at Intertek, said, “We’re pleased to support Pyroguard in achieving Intertek certification for these glazing systems. Our rigorous testing and certification process ensures that only high-performing products make it to market, giving designers and contractors peace of mind when selecting approved materials for critical fire safety applications.”

Pyroguard is planning further certifications in the coming months, with additional products in the pipeline for future listings.

Source: Pyroguard with additional information added by GlassBalkan

The post Pyroguard Achieves Significant Intertek Certification, Expanding Fire Safety Glazing Solutions appeared first on GlassBalkan.

However, realizing these visions within the constraints of fire safety regulations can often present a challenge. Introducing the Fireframes SG Curtainwall®, a solution engineered to deliver both the desired sleek, frameless appearance and the critical fire protection necessary for modern buildings.

The Fireframes SG Curtainwall® provides a sophisticated glazed wall system that maintains its integrity for up to 120 minutes in the event of a fire. What truly sets this system apart is its innovative design, which eliminates the visual clutter typically associated with fire-rated glazing systems. Utilizing a patented silicone-sealed, toggle-retention system, Fireframes SG Curtainwall® ingeniously conceals all fasteners. This results in a smooth, uninterrupted glass surface, creating a seamless and visually stunning façade.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Fireframes SG Curtainwall® is engineered for practical integration. Designed to seamlessly pair with Fireframes® door systems, it offers a comprehensive, fire-rated curtainwall and entrance solution. This integrated approach ensures consistent design language and performance across the entire glazed opening. Furthermore, the absence of external pressure plates or caps contributes to a low-maintenance system, simplifying long-term care and preservation of the clean aesthetic.

As a UL-listed and labeled product, the Fireframes SG Curtainwall® provides the assurance of rigorous testing and adherence to established safety standards. For architects and designers seeking to combine exceptional fire protection with a contemporary, minimalist aesthetic, Fireframes SG Curtainwall® offers a compelling and practical solution. It empowers the creation of light-filled, visually striking spaces without compromising on safety or functionality.

To explore the capabilities of Fireframes SG Curtainwall® and understand how it can contribute to your next project, we invite you to learn more.[Click here ]

Source: Fireframes with additional information added by GlassBalkan

The post Seamless Fire-Rated Glazing with Fireframes SG Curtainwall® appeared first on GlassBalkan.

This online resource offers a comprehensive and regularly updated library of technical product information, test certifications and resources, tailored to the needs of fire safety glass professionals. With its modern and intuitive interface, the TechLibrary allows users to quickly find the necessary information, saving valuable time at every stage of the specification process.

The Pyroguard TechLibrary offers advanced search capabilities, allowing users to filter results by country, application, glass type, dimensions and more, ensuring precision in the product selection process. Continuously updated, it provides access to the latest system approvals and compliance resources, so professionals can be confident they are working with the most current information. Fully optimised for mobile, it ensures essential data is always readily available, whether in the office or on the go.

Dr Vince Crook, Technical Development Director at Pyroguard, has overseen the development of the platform and is excited about its potential. “We understand that sourcing accurate technical data for projects can be challenging, particularly when compliance and safety are at stake. Every piece of test data is critical to ensuring that projects meet rigorous safety standards.

“The TechLibrary simplifies this process by putting the information at users’ fingertips. It enables them to find the correct data with confidence, whether they’re in the office or on-site.”

Now available in six languages, the Pyroguard TechLibrary is a valuable resource for architects, specifiers and contractors worldwide. It streamlines the fire safety glazing specification process, while reinforcing Pyroguard’s commitment to supporting its customers, making information accessible and offering high-quality assistance, ensuring the right products are specified with confidence every time.

Source: Pyroguard with additional information added by GlassBalkan

The post Pyroguard Launches TechLibrary: Streamlining Fire Safety Glass Specification appeared first on GlassBalkan.

The partnership comes at a pivotal time when the demand for dependable and high-quality fire-rated glazing solutions is on the rise among architects, glaziers, and various building and design professionals. By integrating TGP’s superior fire-rated glass products into their offerings, Air Louvers aims to provide an extensive selection, ensuring that industry professionals have quick and convenient access to cutting-edge fire protection materials.

Devin Bowman, General Manager at TGP, highlights the value of this partnership, stating, “Both TGP and Air Louvers have over 50 years of experience in the industry—an experience that is punctuated with a culture of service and a reputation for quality. This pairing ensures a smooth process for specifiers, installers, and facility managers from the planning phase to well after installation.” This synergy not only promises enhanced operational efficiency but also reinforces commitments to excellence in safety and construction standards.

Among the featured products, FireLite stands out as a clear, wireless glass ceramic engineered to provide exceptional fire protection, with ratings ranging from 20 to 180 minutes. Each variant has successfully passed rigorous hose stream tests, qualifying it for use in environments requiring superior fire safety measures. Additionally, products like FireLite Plus and FireLite NT meet the stringent CPSC 16 CFR 1201 and Category II safety requirements, further ensuring their viability in a range of applications.

As Air Louvers embarks on this partnership, stakeholders across the construction and design sectors can look forward to an expanded array of options for fire-rated glass solutions, bolstered by the commitment to quality and service that both companies embody. This collaboration signifies a step forward in enhancing the safety and reliability of building materials, ultimately contributing to safer built environments.

Source: Air Louvers with additional information added by GlassBalkan

The post Air Louvers Partners with Technical Glass Products to Expand Fire-Rated Glass Offerings appeared first on GlassBalkan.

In a strategic move aimed at propelling Pyroguard to new heights, the company proudly announces the appointment of Mathieu Joli as the Managing Director. Mathieu will be at the forefront of a bold investment and expansion initiative, driving the company toward an exciting growth phase.

Mathieu Joli joins the esteemed Technical Fire Safety Group (TFSG) Management Board, collaborating with industry leaders Neil Tilsley (CEO), Matt Buxton (CFO), Richard Ainsworth (CTO), and Sean Haynes (Managing Director Fire Glass UK). His role as Managing Director Pyroguard is pivotal, designed specifically to steer the company through a transformative period, with revenue projections doubling over the next five years.

Pyroguard has witnessed unprecedented growth, owing to strategic investments that enhanced its capacity for specialized toughened fire safety glasses and expanded its global commercial reach. Following a successful merger into the svt Group of companies in October 2022, Pyroguard became a Europe-wide market leader in passive fire protection.

The upcoming growth phase will witness substantial investments in advanced manufacturing capabilities, accelerated test and certification programs, and the unveiling of Pyroguard Advance—a cutting-edge range of fire safety glasses. With Mathieu Joli at the helm, Pyroguard is poised for a future defined by innovation, customer-centric solutions, and unparalleled service excellence.

Neil Tilsley expressed his delight at Mathieu’s appointment, emphasizing the exciting prospects ahead for the Group. With increased investment, expanded customer solutions, and global outreach, Pyroguard under Mathieu’s leadership is set to redefine industry standards.

Source: Pyroguard with additional information added by GlassBalkan

The post Exciting Leadership News: Pyroguard Welcomes New Managing Director! appeared first on GlassBalkan.