With a transformation comes an installation!

As a multitechnical service provider, Spie Building Solutions is involved in the transformation of the Prins Hendrik building 'De Zoutman' in The Hague. Project coordinator Patrick Grendel of SPIE is closely involved in this project. He takes us through the role of Spie Building Solutions in this challenging, but beautiful transformation.

SPIE is the largest multitechnical service provider in the Netherlands. Grendel: "Our work is varied: SPIE is really everywhere. In cities and outlying areas, in buildings, in the energy sector and in every possible industry. When the New Standard asked us if we wanted to collaborate on the transformation of the Prince Henry Building, we said a resounding 'yes'." 

Good preliminary work is half the battle

For the transformation of the Prince Henry Building, SPIE and its Building Solutions division are providing the installation of the sewerage, water and plumbing. Here, good preliminary research is very important. "Good preliminary work is half the battle. This project also involves a bit of engineering from us. Because what does the exact installation look like? When we talk about a transformation, we are talking about existing construction. In this case: an office building in which apartments will be built. Because it's a stacked building, you can't just drill holes everywhere for the connections. For the engineering, this was a challenge. But also the location, right in the center, required good planning. We really had to think ahead, because you can't just have goods delivered at all times."

Increased insulation standard

SPIE also had to take into account the insulation standard, which has gone up. "So we had to look closely at the exterior envelope: how do we deal with it to maintain the standard? We tackled these challenges by investigating the structure together with the building contractor. In this way we arrived together at a suitable starting point. Because good communication between the structural contractor and the building contractor is very important. Everything depends on that!"