High-quality, proven frames strengthen quality in the chain

For the residential tower of the new Bij de Zijl project in Leiderdorp, Ploeg constructed and installed 600 plastic window frames. These window frames are weather, wind and watertight and form an integral part of the prefab concrete façade elements. For the low-rise houses, Ploeg kozijnen supplied another 200 window frames.

Text | Patricia van der Beek    Image | ZIEN24

"At 70 meters in height and 22 stories, the Bij de Zijl residential tower is the largest in the region," says Bert Steenvoorden, Projects Advisor at Ploeg window frames. "That demands high weather resistance and wind and water tightness from the window frames. Vink Bouw involved us in the project at an early stage to help think about the connection details of the window frames and, in the context of scaffoldless construction, the prefabricated construction method." Martien Akerboom, Manager B2B at Ploeg kozijnen, adds, "Vink Bouw is among the major contractors with whom we have a chain cooperation. Within that cooperation, we make optimal use of each other's knowledge and expertise. This benefits the process, quality, investment and working atmosphere more and more."

High wind and water resistance

"What applies to contractors also applies to our suppliers," Akerboom continues. "For example, we've been working with profile manufacturer Deceuninck for more than 40 years, as long as we've been around. We continuously challenge each other to get the best out of the market." For the frames of the residential tower, Ploeg frames used Deceuninck's certified testing laboratory. Steenvoorden explains, "At height, the window frames are exposed to high wind loads. Increasingly extreme weather conditions must also be taken into account. We jointly developed an EPDM sleeve and applied special types of sealant and tape for the connections of the window frames. With the laboratory tests, we checked whether the window frames and connections meet the standards. And they do. With a wind and water tightness of 900 Pascal and a qv10 value of 0.2, they perform even better than legally required."

Quality assured

Production of the window frames began in 2018. Ploeg kozijnen performed this, as well as the delivery and largely the assembly, in-house. "This is how we guarantee the quality of our products," Akerboom emphasizes. "We not only consider this important ourselves, but also see this need in the market. Look, for example, at the impending introduction of the Quality Assurance Act. We are already fully prepared for this." Ploeg kozijnen has its own production location and will soon move into a second building, which will serve as a distribution center. Akerboom: "We are making this building completely ready for the future, in which circular construction is central. Our aim is for 50% of our products to be circular by 2030."

Assembly in prefabricated elements

Ploeg kozijnen delivered the window frames for the low-rise houses to the timber frame supplier. Ploeg assembled the window frames for the residential tower in the concrete factory of Hoco Beton, where the concrete façade elements were prefabricated, including recesses and cast-in frames. The frames were fitted into the recesses and provided with connection details. Akerboom: "For the assembly on our projects, we work with assembly partners. We deliberately say 'partners'. After all, we see them as an extension of our high-quality services and invest in them." Steenvoorden: "Especially on projects such as Bij de Zijl, where every sealant edge and tape has to be in the right place, we reap the benefits of this. Of course, our project managers and supervisors ensure proper assembly supervision."

At 70 meters in height and 22 stories, the Bij de Zijl residential tower is the largest in the region.

Next residential tower in development

Using the ready-made elements, the façade of the residential tower was sealed in a single operation. The tower was then subjected to a blower door test. This also revealed a qv10 value of 0.2. "That was confirmation for us that we did a good job," said Steenvoorden. "And with a view to chain cooperation, we gained a lot of valuable knowledge and experience. Based on that knowledge and experience, we are now also contributing as a chain partner to Vink Bouw's next development: the Hoge Vrijheid. For the realization of this residential tower, also 70 meters high, located at the Petroleumhaven in The Hague, the same proven construction method with connection details is the starting point. That too promises to be a magnificent and enjoyable project."