01 · Challenge
Converting an office requires more than a standard renovation
The owner of a vacant 1970s office building on the Mathenesserlaan in Rotterdam wanted to convert the building into six self-contained rental units. That sounds straightforward, but converting an office to residential use requires an official change of use in the zoning plan, technical building modifications compliant with the Buildings Decree (Besluit bouwwerken leefomgeving), splitting documentation for establishing a homeowners' association and separate drawings per unit. In addition, each apartment had to meet the minimum requirements for daylight, ventilation and escape routes.
02 · Our approach
Zoning plan as a starting point, not an end point
We started by checking Rotterdam's zoning plan: is residential use on this plot permitted as a change of use and what are the conditions? Based on the findings we designed a layout with six apartments of 52 to 78 m², where each unit meets the daylight requirements through existing window openings and no major facade alterations are needed. We prepared the complete splitting documentation for the notary, including apartment indices and homeowners' association rules, and submitted the building permit with detailed construction drawings per unit.
03 · Result
Six permit-ready apartments in 11 weeks
The building permit for change of use and renovation was granted within 11 weeks. The six apartments range from 52 m² on the top floor to 78 m² on the ground floor with their own outdoor space. The homeowners association was established with the property splitting documentation we provided. The owner could start with the contractor immediately after the permit was granted, who thanks to the detailed drawings per apartment could work without additional consultation.