1,730 new windows and 972 new doors for homes Music Neighborhood

'Good preparation is half the battle'

In the spring of 2021, housing corporation Rijswijk Wonen, contractor Willems Vastgoedonderhoud and resident supervisor Twinstone started the improvement maintenance and sustainability of the Muziekbuurt in Rijswijk. Over two years, ten residential blocks with a total of 288 homes will be thoroughly tackled. Part of the work is the improvement and insulation of the building envelope. All window frames will also be fitted with new rotating parts and new glass. In 18 months, Verweij Houttechniek will produce and install no fewer than 1,730 windows and 972 doors, including 136 fire-resistant front doors and 36 porch entrance doors. To ensure that all the hinged parts fit perfectly into the existing frames, they were carefully measured in advance, piece by piece.

Verweij Houttechniek designs, manufactures and assembles sustainable windows, doors, frames and prefabricated products, such as dormers, sheds, timber frame walls and parapet panels. "We specialize in renovation projects and work mostly for renovating contractors and property maintenance companies," says Ruud Verweij, board member of Verweij Houttechniek. "Willems Vastgoedonderhoud is a regular client, for whom we have realized small and large projects for many years. Following renovations in Oud-Beijerland, The Hague and Hoek van Holland, for example, we were approached in October 2019 for the improvement maintenance of the 288 homes in the Muziekbuurt neighborhood in Rijswijk. The call for tenders included specific requirements regarding, for example, burglar and fire resistance. In addition, we conducted a technical survey on the job, on the basis of which we made a recommendation and quotation. Then, together with our project leader Michiel Vis, the planning and logistics were closely coordinated: in what order will the work be carried out? Will we work horizontally or vertically? Which disciplines should we connect to in terms of construction pace? How are the exterior flow (facades) and interior flow (bathrooms, kitchens and toilets) organized? And are the scaffolding and aerial platforms present in the project or do we have to assemble the turning parts ourselves? By coordinating this well in advance, a smooth execution and a high-quality final result in accordance with all wishes and requirements are guaranteed."

Made to measure

The existing wooden window frames in the homes were still in good condition and were revitalized for sustainability and circularity reasons. "The rotating parts, however, were in need of replacement," Verweij said. "All new windows and doors are fitted with HR 1.1 insulation glass and now meet the requirements of the Politiekeurmerk Veilig Wonen. To ensure that all the rotating parts fitted perfectly into the frame recesses, we meticulously mapped the existing detailing." Vis: "Our surveyors measured each window and door separately. Our resident communication department scheduled appointments with the residents for this." All hinged parts are produced exactly to fit and transported to the construction site including clear coding, says Verweij. "Here our fitters can immediately see in which house and at which façade position the various parts must be mounted. Thanks to the made-to-measure production, they no longer have to scrape and paint rotating parts on site. This allows them to work quickly and efficiently, with minimal inconvenience to residents. Because the new rotating parts are fitted with a good draught seal, the residents' living comfort is also increased." 

24 model homes

"Because of the sheer size of the project, we didn't opt for one model home, but together with the other disciplines we executed a complete model block of 24 homes," says Vis. "During this work we not only checked whether the expectations of Willems Vastgoedonderhoud and Rijswijk Wonen were being met, but also where adjustments had to or could be made. For example, to perform certain work even better, more efficiently and more safely." Meanwhile, the renovation train is well underway, he says. "We invariably carry out our work per portico and from top to bottom. We start with the windows and doors in the homes, followed by the fire-rated porch doors of these homes. Each project block concludes with the replacement of the porch doors."

All rotating parts in this project will be finished in RAL1019 (gray-beige). "In addition, they will be fitted with burglar-proof hardware," concludes Vis. "As a result, appearance, security and comfort go perfectly hand in hand."