About the project
Valckensteyn is a sustainable new-build development in the Rotterdam neighbourhood of Pendrecht, providing 82 affordable mid-rent apartments on a gross floor area of approximately 7,970 m². The building uses CLT as a primary structural material and integrates sustainable energy solutions such as solar panels and a heat network connection to reduce operational emissions.
By using FSC- and PEFC-certified timber, Valckensteyn stores biogenic carbon in the building structure for at least 35 years, with an MPG-based building life expectancy of about 86 years. Over its lifetime, the project achieves a Net Carbon Removal Benefit (NCRB) of around 1,340 tonnes of CO₂e, significantly exceeding the baseline scenario for conventional multi-storey housing.
The design promotes broader sustainability outcomes: circular construction principles minimise waste and enable future reuse of timber elements, while green roofs and gardens enhance local biodiversity and resident wellbeing. Healthy biobased materials such as CLT contribute to better indoor air quality and comfort, reinforcing Valckensteyn’s role as a future-proof and climate-resilient residential building.
About the remover
The remover in this project is Woonstad Rotterdam, a social housing corporation that acts as client, owner and long-term manager of Valckensteyn. Woonstad coordinates development, financing and letting of the 82 mid-rent homes and ensures that sustainability ambitions are embedded in both construction and operation.
Woonstad Rotterdam enables carbon removal by choosing CLT and other certified biobased materials as core structural components, locking in biogenic carbon for decades. Through cooperation with partners such as Waal Bouw (main contractor), Powerhouse Company (architect) and FSC-certified timber suppliers, Woonstad secures responsible sourcing, high build quality and circular design.
Within the ONCRA framework, Woonstad takes responsibility for monitoring, reporting and verification of the carbon storage over the project’s life. Data on biobased materials, CO₂ storage, building performance and wood origin are documented before and after completion, and an independent verifier checks the evidence every two years, ensuring that Valckensteyn functions as a robust long-term carbon sink in the housing portfolio.
See documentation