Frame partners join hands for sweeping sustainability efforts

Complete makeover for Aquariusflat in Amstelveen

From an anonymous and uninsulated 1970s flat to a comfortable and energy efficient residential building equipped with all modern conveniences. Between July 2021 and November 2023, the Aquariusflat in Amstelveen will be radically renovated, with the aim of increasing livability, sustainability and living quality. Not only the inside, but also the facade of the building will receive a complete makeover with new brickwork and new window frames. To replace the window frames, SOR Kozijnen, Tarion and KÖMMERLING Nederland joined forces.

The Aquarius flat is owned by housing corporation Eigen Haard. In recent years, the flat has regularly been in the news in a negative light because of problems relating to the liveability, quality and insulation of the homes. A thorough approach was needed, for which ERA Contour was involved. In the summer of 2021, this contractor started the strip demolition of the building, collecting as many parts as possible for reuse. The building was then rearranged. An additional residential floor was also added on top of the flat, increasing the number of housing units from 142 to 182. A healthy mix of starter, family and middle-rent housing should increase the livability of the flat. In addition, the homes will be prepared for gas-free living and will be highly insulated. New plastic window frames make an important contribution to this. The frames, windows and doors were installed on behalf of ERA Contour by Tarion, which relied on the expertise of SOR Kozijnen for production. The basis of all plastic window frames is KÖMMERLING's K-VISION Trend profile, which is characterized by a contemporary appearance, a slim design and a high insulation value.

Own production line

SOR Kozijnen is a young company specializing in the production of plastic window frames. "We were founded in February 2021 in response to the long delivery times that our sister company Tarion was experiencing in the market," says Harmen Bosma, general manager of SOR Kozijnen. "Following this, we decided to start a production line ourselves, close to home and with a focus on renovation. Commissioned by housing associations, homeowners associations and contractors, we manufacture durable plastic frames, windows, doors and sliding doors based mainly on K-VISION Trend profiles. A conscious and practical choice, because Tarion already has extensive experience with them. So the fitters did not have to acquire any new system knowledge. Moreover, K-VISION Trend is regularly prescribed by architects in their specifications. Two of our four shareholders have extensive experience in the plastic window-frame business, which allowed us to start very quickly. We now have KOMO, VCA** and VIA step 3 certification, confirming our focus on quality, safety and sustainability."

Unique trajectory

Contacts between the shareholders of SOR Kozijnen and KÖMMERLING go back to 2019, when the desire for an own production line presented itself. "We took up this trajectory together and supported SOR Kozijnen from A to Z," says Remco van Overdijk, technical account manager at KÖMMERLING Netherlands. "A very nice and unique trajectory. After all, most of our customers are existing companies, with whom we have been doing business for decades. New processors are often processors who switch system houses. Completely new factories we rarely encounter. That's what made this project so interesting. In close cooperation with SOR Frames, Tarion and the machine, hardware and software suppliers, we were able to set up a beautiful and modern factory." Production began in January 2022 with the renovation of 88 homes on Medemblikstraat in The Hague, Bosma says. "This was soon followed by projects in Amstelveen, Breda, The Hague and Uitgeest, among others."

Large sizes

The assignment in Amstelveen stems from an earlier assignment for ERA Contour, Anna Bijns, which included the energy improvement of 228 single-family homes in The Hague. "The contractor was so enthusiastic about the quality of our work that we were also allowed to make an offer for the Aquariusflat," says Irfan Sorgucu, deputy director and co-shareholder of SOR Kozijnen. "Based on AG NOVA Architects' design drawings and ERA Contour's dimensions, we made an offer. We then started our production in the summer of 2022." In total, SOR Kozijnen produced and delivered 413 plastic window frames. "The bulk of the order involved tilt-and-turn windows in hefty sizes," he says. As an example, Sorgucu mentions the windows at the front, which measure as much as 4 x 2.46 meters (wxh). Bosma: "To ensure a high insulation value and maximum occupant comfort, all windows are fitted with triple glazing. On the inside, the window frames are finished in cream, while the outside has been given an anthracite-gray color. This also guarantees a high-quality appearance." In March, the last window frames were installed in Amstelveen.

"We have come to know SOR Kozijnen as a professional, enthusiastic and motivated production company with very short lines of communication," Van Overdijk emphasizes. "High-quality products are delivered from the start; teething problems have not been an issue. For this, the company deserves great credit." Sorgucu: "It is extremely nice that our quality is seen and appreciated by the market. Meanwhile, this has already led to several new and follow-up projects, such as the Aquarius Flat." To be continued, no doubt...