Public space Het Veerhuis and Schiehoofd

Type Landscape Design
Design 2025
Construction 2026
Location Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Size >1 ha
Client Het Veerhuis
I.c.w. Municipality of Rotterdam, Climmy Schneider
Team Peter Veenstra, Brigitta van Weeren, Alice Dasco, Victor Hugo Faustino, Mikel Orbegozo, Giulia Aretino , Roberto Coccia, Yufei Yang
Photography RDM Archief, LOLA

LOLA Landscape Architects has been working on the design for the public space of Het Veerhuis and Schiehoofd in Rotterdam (NL) since the beginning of 2025. The striking building, dating from the early 20th century, is located at the head of Schiemond in Delfshaven. The ferry service for dock workers to the former RDM shipyard used to depart from here.

After a period of disrepair, Het Veerhuis is renovated into a writing house on the Maas at the initiative of Droom en Daad. A place for lovers of text, language and stories, with an eye and ear for all forms and genres of the written word. The building is furnished with workspaces and a café. The prominent location on the Nieuwe Maas river, with the distinctive architecture of Het Veerhuis, the expansive views, the vibrant local businesses, and the surrounding warehouses, make this place unique and full of character.

The site is divided into three outdoor spaces, separated by two small harbors and a dock. The design connects the three spaces with a continuous walking path and a paved surface that complements the quayside character. At the same time, each space has its own distinct identity. The western space is characterized by two large trees, which will be placed in a new green island with seating areas by

the water. The middle space will be significantly greened with a lawn and perennial borders. The eastern space is a sunny spot with the terrace of Het Veerhuis at its heart, surrounded by existing trees for shelter.

The new design will significantly revitalize the public space, transforming it into a pleasant place to relax. The Schiehoofd will be lushly planted with high-quality perennials, seating along the water, and a sunny terrace overlooking the river. The current parking lot will be removed, creating space for a pedestrian-friendly area. A walking path will run through the area, which could be extended towards the Schiehaven in the future. This becomes a place where you can stroll, watch the boats sail by, and relax with a book. The design is inviting and refined, thanks to its flowing shapes, winding route, and unique planting.

According to the planning Het Veerhuis new public space will be built in 2026.

Plandrawing public space het Veerhuis

The eastern space with the terrace of Het Veerhuis as its heart

The western space offers seating areas with a panoramic view on the Nieuwe Maas river

The design is inspired on a division of 3 outdoor chambers

Planting concept per chamber