Lighthouse Tower Becomes Eindhoven’s New Urban Beacon

Lighthouse, the newest residential tower in Strijp-S, marks a decisive moment in Eindhoven’s urban evolution. Designed by De Zwarte Hond, the 109-metre structure now stands as the tallest residential building in the city, framing the entrance to this creative district alongside the Klokgebouw. Its 333 rental apartments and nine penthouses are paired with a lively, transparent plinth accommodating social and commercial programs. The tower’s sculptural form positions De Zwarte Hond firmly within the architectural lineage of the former Philips industrial landscape.

A Final Piece in the Strijp-S Urban Narrative

As the concluding element of West8’s development plan for Strijp-S, Lighthouse occupies a strategic site flanked by the Klokgebouw, the Machinekamer, and the Gloeilampplantsoen. The design translates this industrial heritage into a vertical expression: a brick massing that shifts in height to echo nearby landmarks, culminating in a lantern-like crown. Evening illumination reinforces the tower’s presence while referencing the historic identity of Eindhoven as the “City of Light.”

Crafted Facades and Structural Precision

The architecture pays tribute to early Philips designer Dirk Roosenburg through meticulous material selection and tactile detailing. Brick, concrete, aluminium, and glass shape the building from its base to its serrated upper volumes. As Lighthouse tapers, generous communal roof terraces emerge, enhancing social life within the tower. The diagonal serrated facade creates a distinctive silhouette and aligns with the colonnade of the adjacent Machinekamerplein, where residents enter through a clearly articulated and welcoming lobby.

Outdoor Living in a Vertical Community

Every dwelling integrates private exterior space into the volumetric composition. Deep indoor balconies on the south maximize sunlight, while north-facing loggias shield residents from railway noise without sacrificing openness. The tower’s base houses bicycle facilities and building systems, maintaining a transparent plinth that supports a mix of public amenities across two levels. Shared rooftop gardens punctuate the ascent, establishing social pockets that foster a liveable form of high-rise domesticity.

Balancing Feasibility and Architectural Quality

The project’s long gestation included multiple feasibility studies, culminating in a fully integrated team formed by SDK and De Zwarte Hond in 2019. Design development took place in parallel with spatial and financial modeling, ensuring maximum rentable area while retaining architectural refinement. Large floor-to-ceiling windows exemplify this dual ambition, offering daylight-rich interiors, generous alcoves, and wide city views. Lighthouse ultimately reinforces the studio’s belief that good design elevates both quality of life and long-term value.

Technical Sheet