Energetically from D to B(eter) in Leidschendam

A big step forward with a few interventions

Making existing buildings more sustainable is a hot topic. IJsselmonde Buitengevelisolatie proves that a major step can be taken with just a few interventions, so that buildings meet today's requirements not only technically but also in terms of living comfort and appearance.

The front facades of the two L-shaped flats on De Tol in Leidschendam look fresh again. According to housing corporation WoonInvest, the 1970s flats were in need of preservation. With a number of interventions a big step was made so that the flats not only technically but also in terms of living comfort and appearance meet current requirements. Commissioned by contractor Smits Vastgoedzorg, who carried out the renovation, IJsselmonde applied a 16-centimeter thick layer of insulation to the end walls.

Turning parts and electric cooking

The project is part of WoonInvest's goal to upgrade all its homes energetically to average energy label B by 2025. The 196 homes on De Tol received new rotating parts, including HR++ glass and improved ventilation. In addition, all residents will have the option of electric cooking. The exterior of the building was completely "wrapped up" with new roof and exterior wall insulation and insulation on the underside of the first residential floor. 

IJsselmonde was hired to insulate and clad the end walls. It regularly works together with Smits Vastgoedzorg and that suits both parties very well. IJsselmonde Steigerbouw provided the necessary scaffolding and construction elevators so that the insulation work could be carried out properly. In order to glue the Sto insulation system properly, IJsselmonde first cleaned the facades. It then finished them with StoCleyer facade strips that were specially designed for these flats and approximate the old bricks in appearance and color. "We were able to do our thing self-supported, a role that suits us fine," Jacco Oostenbrug, commercial director at IJsselmonde, looks back with satisfaction.

Stable facade construction

That self-sufficient approach has also pleased Ronald van den Bulk, project manager at Smits Vastgoedzorg. "There are always factors beyond your control, such as the weather. So it can just happen that our work or that of IJsselmonde goes faster or slower than we planned together beforehand. The advantage of IJsselmonde's complete approach is that we have no further involvement with the rest of the construction." He is pleased with the regular cooperation with IJsselmonde. "At the front, everything is well prepared and well measured. And then we sit down at the table. If everything is worked out as well as possible at the front, we have few surprises during the project."

The stability of the exterior cavity wall was also examined. The cavity anchors, which connect the inner and outer leaf of the cavity wall, may have rusted through over time or there are insufficient cavity anchors. This can affect the stability of the exterior cavity leaf. IJsselmonde has therefore also added extra anchors, so that in addition to improved living comfort and an attractive appearance, the residents also get a safer living environment.