Located in the historic Laurenskwartier in the heart of Rotterdam, the Markthal is formed by the construction of privately-developed apartments arranged into a large arch, strategically allowing a private initiative to create a public space. The result is a covered square which features a central market hall during the day and, after closing hours, a lively series of restaurants on its lower levels. It is a hybrid building where visitors are able to shop, eat, enjoy a drink, live, and park their car.

The building has a total floor area of 100,000 square meters, with 228 apartments and 1,200 below-ground parking spaces. But the building’s most striking feature is its central market hall, which provides a home for 96 fresh food stalls and shop units, ranging from Rotterdam based businesses and market vendors to established local heroes. They offer a diverse range of products: from fresh fish to game, from cappuccino to cheese, from local favourites to exotic cuisine, and from bargains to exclusive slow food.

Within the arch structure itself, the Markthal holds 102 rental apartments and 126 freehold apartments, including 24 penthouses. The apartments vary from 80 square metres to 300 square metres, and from two to five bedrooms. Every apartment has a view towards either the River Maas or the Laurenskerk, and into the market hall.

The apartments follow strict Dutch laws regarding natural daylight: rooms that require natural light, such as living rooms and bedrooms, are situated on the outside, with views towards either the river Maas or the Laurenskerk; while kitchens, dining rooms and storage are positioned on the market side, establishing a connection to the market through windows or a glass floors made of sound- and smell-proof triple glazing.

With its unique arched structure, and unusual achievement of turning a private development plan into a public building, the Markthal makes Rotterdam home of a new urban typology, a hybrid of market and housing.