A fast and complete collaboration

Delivering as sustainable and complete as possible, that was Willemsen Veenendaal's approach for the Houten Hotel project in Almere. "We wanted to deliver completely in order for the construction to proceed quickly," says Piet Willemsen, director of Willemsen Veenendaal.

Willemsen Veenendaal specializes in producing facade elements and timber frame construction. The company also does this for the Houten Hotel in Almere. Willemsen Veenendaal was responsible for supplying the HSB facade elements and bamboo cladding, all custom-made. "It was a unique project with completely finished elements."
explains Willemsen.

From the early stages, Willemsen Veenendaal was involved in the project. "We participated in the development of the construction method, with our knowledge we can contribute to that," says Willemsen. This involvement is of great value, according to Willemsen: "By thinking along about the detailing and choice of materials for a project in which we are participating ourselves, we can limit risks and costs."

Sustainable challenge

"We were asked to deliver as sustainably as possible," Willemsen says. "That's why all products are sustainable and circular." The biggest challenge was in insulating the elements with cellulose insulation. "Because we finish the elements standing up, the insulation must also be blown in standing up." Furthermore, the elements are largely constructed of LVL. "That is a clean and flat product. It's not only structurally stronger so you save wood, but also dead straight. You see that again in the facade finish."

Step in the right direction

"A project on this scale builds quickly and is quite intensive for the production lines and for delivering elements to the construction site," says Willemsen. "Working together with different parties makes it possible to deliver this volume. A nice challenge, and the result shows that it can be done."

Willemsen Veenendaal wants to enter into that cooperation in any case. "As sector woodbuilders, we also want to build in wood, and that is possible by working well together. We have to share experiences and learn from each other, that's how we get timber construction to a higher level." Willemsen is positive: "I look forward to doing this more often in the future."