New built BRIGHT

Engineering agency LBP|SIGHT and Stebru ordered a wind study at Actiflow wherein the wind climate around the building is investigated and the comfort level is optimized.

  • Client: LBP | SIGHT

  • Developer: Stebru

  • Building design: Stebru

  • City: Rotterdam

  • Country: Netherlands

  • Year: 2015

  • Typology: Wind study

Stebru develops, builds and supplies building management. Key for Stebru is the integral and human approach of an assignment. This was also the approach for the development of BRIGHT in Rotterdam.

The new built BRIGHT is located at the André van der Louwbrug with an open view on the river Maas. This high-rise building of 70 m contains approximately 600 units for students or starters. The ground floor features a restaurant and commercial spaces and the roof is accessible as the Roof Top Terrace.

This development of high-rise in a dense urban area can lead to wind flow patterns that can be perceived as annoying of dangerous. Thereby the building faces an open body of water with wind approaching freely from the main wind directions. This will have an influence on the perception of the environment by pedestrians, people enjoying the Roof Top Terrace and the wind loads on the building.

Engineering agency LBP|SIGHT and Stebru ordered a wind study at Actiflow wherein the wind climate around the building is investigated and the comfort level is optimized. Also the wind loads on the façade are determined to make an estimation of the forces on the main supporting construction.

The wind study showed that the level of wind comfort around the building is comparable to the levels experienced in surrounding areas of the new building. In general this leads to a moderate wind climate due to the vicinity of the river Maas. Actiflow used the results to give guidelines regarding the location of entrance zones to ensure that these areas can be used during strong winds. Special attention went to the Roof Top Terrace. This lounge area can’t be comfortably used without additional measures. Screens, pergola’s and furniture can divert wind flow from the lounge areas or diminish the wind speed enough to ensure comfortable usage of this area.

The wind load on the main supporting construction is determined by deducing the load coefficients from the resulting pressure fields. These coefficients were converted to wind loads using the valid Eurocodes. This contributed to the structural safety of the building.

This wind study gave insight in the divers impact of wind on the usability of new buildings. The results were also used to inform local residents about the effect of the new building and thus raise support for the project from their side.