Platform on new construction, renovation, restoration and transformation
The superlative of sustainability. That's how we can safely describe the redevelopment of the ABN AMRO office. Thanks to energy-saving measures, the renovated building will be even more sustainable than the targets set out in the Paris Climate Agreement. At the same time, existing materials are being used wherever possible - including in the facade. Commissioned by BAM Bouw en Techniek, facade builder De Groot & Visser is giving 144 existing window frames a new life as an atrium facade. “In the profiles of the new window frames and curtain walls, a significant proportion of recycled aluminum will also be used,” says project manager Kees Sterrenburg.
For Sterrenburg, the project has a particularly personal character. Forty years ago, in fact, he also worked on the production of the building's original window frames and curtain walls. In July 2022, he became involved again to investigate the renovation and transformation possibilities of the existing facades. “I visited the building several times, conducted various surveys and recorded my findings in reports,” he says. “Based on these, the appropriate frame styles, dimensions and insulation values were determined. This investigation also formed the basis for the replacement methodology, which was based on a blunt installation without a mullion frame.”
“In accordance with Broekbakema's design, we dismantled 144 existing white window frames, cleaned them and stripped them of rubbers and glass slats,” Sterrenburg says. “They were then given a new gray coating, new rubbers and insulating glazing and given a second life as an atrium facade.” With this approach, De Groot & Visser is making an important contribution to the project's BREEAM ambitions.
Specific noise requirements applied to the window frames in the six atriums. In addition, ventilation facilities had to be integrated. “We solved that with sound-absorbing sus boxes. Normally these are mounted on the glass or a partition, but here a specific glass mounting was chosen. It was a challenge to combine this with sufficient light.”
In total, De Groot & Visser replaced more than 1,300 window frames. “The new window frames were designed so that the familiar appearance of the building was largely preserved,” Sterrenburg said. “Only the color changed from white to gray.” Using fewer posts and rails creates larger areas of glass, making the facade look more transparent. De Groot & Visser also replaced approximately 2,600 m2 of curtain walls. Especially on the first floor. This involved creating larger glass surfaces and reusing existing anchor plates wherever possible. And also the cores between the building sections and new roof structure were provided with new curtain walls.
Initially, the plan was to only clean the curtain walls of the existing stairwells. “But soon our recommendation for complete replacement was followed,” says Sterrenburg. “This way, old style and modern performance come together nicely.” The same goes for the curtain walls of the installation rooms on the roof. “Two significant additional work orders that significantly improved not only the appearance, but also the wind and water tightness of the building.”
De Groot & Visser is a Dutch facade partner specializing in aluminum facades and total solutions for residential and commercial construction. Based in Gorinchem, the company employs approximately 110 people to design, produce and realize aluminum window frames, curtain walls and prefabricated element facades. Besides high-rise and new construction projects, De Groot & Visser has a specialized renovation and maintenance department that carries out large-scale renovations as well as smaller renovation and expansion projects. As part of the international Weclad alliance, the company combines local expertise with European knowledge and innovation to realize sustainable and high-quality facade solutions.
