With Lighthouse, Eindhoven has gained a new architectural landmark. The 109-metre-tall building in Strijp-S is the city’s tallest tower yet and, together with the Klokgebouw, marks the entrance to this vibrant neighbourhood. Lighthouse, designed by De Zwarte Hond, comprises 333 high-quality rental apartments ranging from 40 to 110 m², as well as nine penthouses located on the top three floors. The plinth and the first two floors provide space for lively commercial and social facilities.

The Strijp-S area development

West8 designed the urban development plan for Strijp-S, a relatively new neighbourhood that housed Philips factories until the mid-20th century. Lighthouse is the final element of this plan, located at the start of Philitelaan between the Klokgebouw and the Machinekamer (Engine Room), and opposite the Gloeilampplantsoen (Light Bulb Park). De Zwarte Hond’s design features a vertical brick sculpture with varying height levels that relate to the iconic buildings in the immediate vicinity. The lantern at the top and the evening lighting on the façades are an ode to the history of this place.

A rugged façade with details right up to the top

The architecture of Lighthouse exemplifies craftsmanship. From the plinth to the crown, attention has been paid to the materialization and detailing, in the tradition of Dirk Roosenburg, the architect of many of the early Philips buildings. Lighthouse is constructed from four materials: brick, concrete, aluminium, and glass. Where the building tapers, horizontal lines and space for communal roof gardens emerge. The diagonal line of the building is emphasized by an impressive serration, which connects to the monumental colonnade on the square adjacent to the Machinekamer. This is also where the striking entrance to the residential building’s lobby and amenities is located.

Each apartment has a private outdoor space integrated into the building’s volume. On the south side, these are spacious indoor balconies, while on the north side, loggias in the tower mitigate noise pollution from the adjacent railway line.

A liveable high-rise

The building’s basement provides bicycle parking and storage space, as well as housing the technical installations, which allows the plinth to remain transparent and open. Public amenities are spread over two floors here, adding to the vibrancy of the square (the Machinekamerplein). Lighthouse is within walking distance of Eindhoven Strijp-S station, and cars will be parked in the nearby shared parking hub. Shared roof gardens at various heights provide meeting places, while each individual apartment has a French balcony or a winter garden.

Feasibility and architectural quality

The development of Lighthouse has a long history, encompassing several feasibility studies. In 2019, De Zwarte Hond and SDK established an integrated project team together with equal representation from all partners. De Zwarte Hond oversaw the design process, during which the spatial design, urban planning requirements, and financial feasibility were developed in parallel.

The final design maximizes rentable floor space without compromising architectural quality. The large floor-to-ceiling windows in each home are an example of this. According to De Zwarte Hond: “In addition to providing residents with ample daylight and great views, these windows create large alcoves. This optimizes both revenue and the quality of life for residents.”

Project partners

Lighthouse is a development by SDK Vastgoed, realized in collaboration with sister company Visser & Smit Bouw. De Zwarte Hond designed the building, with advice from Snijders Ingenieursgroep.