Schakelflats IJsselstein: large-scale renovation with residents in mind

In the Zenderpark district of IJsselstein, Salverda Bouw is working on a radical renovation project: the major maintenance and home improvement of the so-called Schakelflats. Eleven iconic flats, built in the 1970s, are being modernized step by step. "It is a project of stature, in all respects," says Gert-Jan van Olst, renovation project manager at Salverda Bouw.

Salverda Bouw is an all-round construction company with headquarters in 't Harde and branch locations in Deventer and Nieuwegein. "We do everything: from industrial to residential construction," says Van Olst. "Maintenance and renovation are also a large part of the work within our organization."

The Switch flats came across Salverda Bouw's path through housing corporation Cazas Wonen. "We have been a partner of Cazas Wonen for years. Three years ago we got the request to help think about this project."

Getting Started

Each flat has 32 apartments and there is not a square meter where there is no work to be done. All 352 apartments will receive new kitchens, bathrooms and toilets, among other things. Asbestos will be removed, installations will be completely replaced and ceilings and walls renewed. Van Olst: "We are replacing everything: water, electricity, ventilation and sewerage. And we are already preparing the homes for connection to the heating network." The common areas are also being thoroughly renovated. The entrances are renewed and more visible, there will be fire-safe mobility scooter areas, and the stairwells will get a modern, acoustic finish. ❯
The iconic colors of the switch flats are reflected on the inside. "Residents don't say they live in the first apartment, but are proud residents of the 'yellow apartment.' That sentiment is added to the renovation."

Residents temporarily out of home

Because work is taking place in both the apartments and common areas, residents cannot stay at home during the renovation. They are therefore staying in lodgings in IJsselstein during the work. "That's tough, especially since many residents have lived there since the 1970s," Van Olst acknowledges. "We therefore pay a lot of attention to the social aspect. Think of personal conversations, furnished temporary homes and support with moving." That careful approach is paying off. "We have more than met the support for additional work each time. The first apartment has now been completed and is seen as a great reference for the rest of the project." If at least 70% of the residents agree to the plans, Salverda Bouw carries out additional improvements. "Then, for example, we will install videophones, replace the water heaters with delivery sets and make the elevator suitable for stretchers. The original elevator stopped one floor too early and was too small for stretchers. That was a real problem in emergencies," Van Olst explains.

Moving forward in stages

The project is divided into three phases. Phase 1, with four flats, began in April 2024 and runs until March 2026. This will be followed by three flats in phase 2 and another four in phase 3. "We deliberately chose this phasing to keep the work manageable," says Van Olst. "Through experience, good preparation and a close-knit team, we manage to keep pace." And the end goal? "A future-proof complex in which residents can live safely and comfortably. That's what we're doing it for."