Platform on new construction, renovation, restoration and transformation
The Rechthuislaan in Rotterdam is undergoing busy renovations. Contractor Jurriëns is involved in phase 2 of the Rechthuislaan project. The reason for the work concerns the poor foundation. In addition, the renovation of the building envelope is being carried out simultaneously. Project coordinator Robin van Leeuwen likes to tell more about the foundation repair and the renovation.
Among other things, Jurriëns renovates social housing owned by Woonstad Rotterdam in order to improve the quality of the housing. This type of project is not originally the most obvious for the company, but due to the complexity of the various components at play (simultaneously), they are challenging works.
The Rechthuislaan Phase 2 project includes a residential block containing about 70 homes from the early twentieth century. Like many other homes from that era in the region, these homes suffer from foundation problems. The reason for the project is therefore the foundation problems. The current foundation will be repaired by installing new (segment) piles within the building walls of the homes. The foundation approach will be combined simultaneously with major maintenance and an energy improvement project. The work will be carried out in occupied condition wherever possible.
Due to the project scope, Jurriëns divided the project into several sub-phases. By now, the foundation work has been completed and the pile driving equipment has been removed. At the moment, the ground floors are being rebuilt, with the corresponding layout. Then the residents of the first floor can move back into their homes. Facades are also being returned to their original appearance. Plastic window frames and trespa superstructures will be replaced by wooden window frames and zinc-clad superstructures. It gives the whole a more authentic look.
Residential foundation repair is complex enough in itself, but communication is also an important element for the success of the project. Communication with residents and the surrounding area must go well. Therefore, the company tries to include everyone in the process as best it can and step by step. "Of course, such work in an inhabited state involves inconvenience," says Van Leeuwen. "To get cooperation and understanding for the work, good communication is therefore crucial."
For the city and the region, this project provides preservation of homes. Jurriëns has been performing various renovation and restoration work for many years. Van Leeuwen laughingly explains that the question "Why don't you demolish it, this would be better rebuilt, right?" is frequently asked. "But it is actually good for the city to preserve the characteristic social worker housing. And that is what we are doing with
this renovation work!"
