Building in a dynamic playing field

Something else played a role in the construction of Speelstede daycare center in Maarssen: its location on the second floor of Bisonspoor shopping center. Within the dynamics of this retail area, a bare retail space was transformed into a transparent, high-quality place where young children can play to their hearts' content.

Commissioned by Speelstede, WeBuild Work was responsible for the engineering and realization of the daycare center. Architectural firm Stork & Albrecht provided the design and construction company To Build performed the structural work. BLR-Bimon and Mazurel took on the W- and E-installations, respectively. "We were the spider in the web between all these parties," says Project Manager/Construction Engineer Joachim Stoker of WeBuild Work. "We also maintained contacts with the shopping center and all other parties involved. Our expertise in retail played an important role in this. With years of experience in this industry, we know what's going on and what to look out for. For example, the shopping hours, house rules and building-related parties of the shopping center must be taken into account."

Pleasant environment, high-quality workmanship

Speelstede can accommodate four groups of children. The individual rooms have linked doors, which can be opened to create one large play area. By using glass, quiet basic colors and natural elements, a light and transparent environment has been created where the children feel comfortable. Outdoor play is also possible, on the secure roof terrace. "The architect paid a lot of attention to the finish of the nursery," says Stoker. "This can be seen, among other things, in the modern color accents and high-quality connection details." 

Rob Kortooms, project manager at To Build, adds, "We applied multiple glass-to-glass connections, i.e. without glass strips, to create the tightest possible image. We applied shadow rebates for the same reason. Other details include U-shaped window frames and special sliding doors with pulley construction."

Dynamics

Construction work began in October 2020. To Build installed the walls, frames, floors and doors. To Build also performed the carpentry, plastering and painting work. Says Kortooms, "In order for the execution to run smoothly, flexibility and good cooperation were crucial." Stoker adds: "In a shopping center, you have to deal with parties you don't always have influence over. That's the dynamics of building in this industry." The coordination of the installations was in the hands of WeBuild Work. Piping was a major focus in this. Stoker explains, "Not everything was on drawings. To get the missing information, we went looking for the contractor who had laid the piping at the time. The connection to the sewer system, which ran through the lower neighbors' property, was also a point of concern. A bypass was made for this." 

Efficient construction method

He continues: "Logistically, we mainly had to deal with mall rules and opening hours. Deliveries mainly took place early in the morning or in the evening." Kortooms: "For the storage of materials, we used the roof terrace. That was a great advantage and certainly contributed to the construction process. Despite the corona measures and layout changes during construction, we were able, in good cooperation with the installers and other parties, to keep the progress going well." Stoker is also satisfied: "As an engineer, I find it important that everything is technically correct and the children can play safely. In addition, I am proud that we realized the architectural design down to the last detail."  

Project info 

'Everything rigged on electrical engineering'

Commissioned by WeBuild Work, Mazurel installed the electrics for children's daycare center Speelstede in shopping center Bisonspoor in Maarssen. The fact that the E-installer has extensive experience in retail came in handy on this project.

Mazurel was responsible for carrying out the electrical installations, including the lighting, emergency lighting and data installations. "We laid everything new," says Mazurel director Cees Groot Jr. "The space in which Speelstede was built was completely empty at the start. One cable came in. From there we rigged everything. We pulled cables, placed cable trays and installed the installations. Of course, we also provided wall outlets with child protection."

Flexibility and cooperation

"During execution, we benefited greatly from our extensive experience in retail," continued Groot Jr. "We provide store installations for large retail chains and contribute to large projects, such as remodels of stores in shopping centers. We are used to adapting to opening hours and shoppers and responding flexibly to interim changes in the construction process. The collaboration with To Build and BLR-Bimon, and the incisive way in which WeBuild Work coordinated it, also certainly contributed to the project. With Speelstede, a wonderful daycare center has been realized."

Construction Info

Client Speelstede, Maarssen
Architect Stork & Albrecht architects and building consultants, Weesp
Engineering and realization WeBuild Work, Hilversum