news

Newly opened: A new home for animals in Rotterdam

Thursday Jan 16, 2025

This week, one of the largest animal shelters in the Netherlands opened its doors in Rotterdam. The new center provides accommodation for cats and dogs, goats and chickens, and temporarily houses birds and reptiles as well. A spacious outdoor area has been created around the building for both pets and farm animals. The center features medical care facilities and houses the base station for the animal ambulance service for South Holland South. The official opening was held last Monday.

"Previously, we developed a Framework Design Guidelines for the Dutch Society for the Protection of Animals, which serves as a foundation for the design of each new center they realize. Their extensive expertise in animal welfare has been incorporated both in this framework and in this center," explains project manager Jeroen Kaan. "An animal shelter is by definition a stressful environment for pets. That's why we've taken specific measures to create a low-stimulus environment. The dog kennels are fully enclosed up to the ceiling to minimize noise disturbance. Additionally, great attention has been paid to the design of each space to align with the animals' natural behavior. The cat units, for example, are equipped with climbing elements and resting places at various heights."

The basic principle is individual housing for each animal, although there is the option to connect the units. There is also a connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces. "This building is not only beneficial for animal welfare, but also contributes to the high sustainability ambitions of the Dutch Society for the Protection of Animals," continues Kaan. "The center has a modular design, allowing it to easily adapt to future changes. These ambitions are further reflected in the A++++ energy performance label, the materials used, and the nature-inclusive measures."

Curious about an architecture story that will make you happy?

get in touch