The Flour Factory: preserved for many generations

"Because of the special character of the Meelfabriek's monumental buildings in particular, good cooperation is a must. Because this is the only way to achieve an optimal end result," believes Kees van Leeuwen, project manager at Burg Installatietechniek. "In the transformation to residential buildings and a hotel, the specific architectural detailing of the factory function of yesteryear requires special solutions."

"A joint approach at the earliest possible stage, as is taking place now, is crucial to recognizing such issues in time and implementing constructive solutions on time," Van Leeuwen said. "Only in this way can we create the right conditions for good progress. Within the construction team, the various partners also test those solutions. Thanks to the open and trusted collaboration, we can question each other about this in a constructive way."

Mutual respect and trust

"The cooperation with Van der Wiel Bouw in general and with Ed Zwart in particular already has a long track record and is based on mutual respect and trust," Van Leeuwen says. "In doing so, we don't lose sight of each other's interests. With 'out-of-the-box' solutions, we realize a better result for the end user and therefore also for the construction team. In doing so, we always aim for a ten."

Textbook example of bold entrepreneurship 

The transformation of the Meelfabriek, partly because of the complex architectural and financial issues, is a textbook example of daring entrepreneurship, with an end goal that demonstrates a clear vision, Van Leeuwen emphasizes. "In my view, the cooperation between the various construction partners is on the same footing. Here the climate control installations, for which we are primarily responsible, are particularly focused on sustainability and future-proofing. We combine these installations with unique and less unique applications such as energy roofs, PVT systems, closed soil energy systems, individual heat pumps et cetera."

Example of circular building

"By definition, the transformation of the Flour Factory is a great example of circular construction," he concludes. "That was actually true even before this concept entered the construction column. Add to this the functional end use of the buildings and the Meelfabriek is once again preserved for many generations."