01 · Challenge
Rotterdam requires minimum dimensions and a withdrawal permit
The owner of a wide terraced house in Rotterdam-Noord wanted to split the property into two self-contained rental units: a ground-floor dwelling of 72 m² with a rear garden and an upper dwelling of 72 m² with roof access. Rotterdam has a strict splitting policy: each new unit must have a minimum of 40 m² of living area, a withdrawal permit is required when creating a new dwelling from a single property and fire safety must meet the requirements for multi-family buildings. In addition, the existing central heating system had to be replaced by two separate systems.
02 · Our approach
Splitting policy as a guide for the design
We began by reviewing Rotterdam's splitting policy and checking the location for permit viability in advance. We then designed a layout in which the ground-floor dwelling has its own entrance through the front door and the upper dwelling is accessible via a new external staircase on the side facade. Fire compartmentation was fully worked out in the drawings, including a smoke detector plan and escape routes per unit. We prepared the withdrawal and splitting application and handled all documents for the notarial deed of division.
03 · Result
Two permitted homes with separate entrances and meters
The building permit including the withdrawal permit was granted within 8 weeks. The ground-floor dwelling has its own front door, open kitchen and rear garden; the upper dwelling has its own entrance via the external staircase, a roof terrace and views over the neighbourhood. Both units have their own gas and electricity meter. Immediately after the permit was granted, the owner signed the deed of division at the notary based on the splitting documentation we provided.