Within two weeks, a sustainable StartHub

Modular construction method 

Barely two weeks were needed to provide VU Amsterdam with a StartHub. The pavilion on the VU campus provides office space for about fifty start-up entrepreneurs. Within the StartHub, they can easily contact each other, spar and exchange experiences. The building is green, highly visible and quite different from the rest of the buildings on campus. This goes beyond the color of the facades.

The VU StartHub is for start-up entrepreneurs with a business idea that originated within VU Amsterdam. Within the StartHub they will find a ready-made modular office unit. 48 modules of 6 x 3 meters each form 4 buildings, connected by a gallery on the inside and a roof terrace on the outside. At the same time, each unit has its own entrance. Builder of the modules was modular builder Jan Snel.

A proven modular concept

Jan Snel won the contract to build the StartHub through a mix of factors. An appealing presentation, a clear Plan of Action, a proven modular concept and the high degree of sustainability and flexibility ensured that they could quickly start manufacturing the modules. "The regular contractor prepares the building elements in 2D," says Mark Laferte, housing consultant for education and nurseries at Jan Snel. "We bring a fully developed 3D concept to the construction site."

Ready for assembly and finishing

By a "fully developed 3D concept," Jan Snel means a ready-to-use module, equipped with floors, roofs, walls and installations and completely wind and watertight. Because this was also how the modules for the VU StartHub were delivered, it took only two days to put the 48 modules in place using a crane. "On site, the modules only needed to be assembled and finished. The electrical network had already been interconnected to one main connection and the installations were pluggable, so ready for connection to the utilities."

High quality and durable

Now the advantages of the modular construction method do go a little further than high construction speed. "The modular prefabrication takes place under conditioned conditions. This makes us independent of weather conditions, thus achieving the highest possible quality. HR+++ glass, good insulation, recycled materials including the steel elements, CO2-controlled systems and inverters ensure an excellent RC value. This also makes the modules suitable for long-term use."

On the grounds of VU Amsterdam, the green color of the facades and the vegetation immediately surrounding the StartHub create a pleasant working environment. "And should the VU ever think otherwise and want to move the modules or give them a different purpose, nothing stands in their way. The modules can be effortlessly rebuilt in a totally different figuration at a new location."