'In terms of technology, this can be called completely new construction'

The preference for a total installer led to Unica, which previously built the Rotterdam Market Hall with delegated client Provast and contracting party J.P. van Eesteren. "The togetherness and innovativeness needed for a transformation like this has proven itself several times over," Project Manager Alireza Akhawani and Lead Engineer Pieter Jongert tell us.

As an integral technical services provider, Unica is organized to operate as a team. Akhawani: "The important thing is to be at the table early, for optimal results. You have to imagine that a transformation of two towers with different destinations, to be realized on a 'postage stamp', has quite a few challenges in it." The hotel tower is topped with three floors, the top of which is a skybar with clear height of 5.5 meters. The office tower is being expanded and rebuilt. "Casco and installation logistics practically coincide. The advantage of Engineer & Build is that you can help think and write optimal specifications from DO on, based on good working relationships with parties who are subservient to each other."

Slender pipe shafts

The shells of both towers will be reused, but in terms of technology, 2Amsterdam is entirely new construction. Innovation and communication are essential. Jongert: "In a transformation from office to hotel, for example, down pipes have to be realized. Constructively, that presented challenges, solved with the incorporation of slender shafts that spare the reinforcement of the floors. A prefabricated concept was also devised for the assembly of installation components prior to façade closure. And for the laying of the pipes to the WKO source, 300 meters had to be bridged, in a densely built-up environment. We are at the table with many stakeholders."

BREEAM 'Excellent'

The project will receive BREEAM 'Excellent' certification. With smart solutions such as a CHP supported by district heating for hot water, climate ceilings and Smart Building applications, Unica is shaping a state-of-the-art transformation. Engineer & Build with the technical service provider as co-maker is the preferred form of collaboration for 2Amsterdam, Akhawani emphasizes. "In everything, the end result is central. This is certainly not a traditional project. A lot is asked of our people, no 9 to 5 mentality. We feel a togetherness on the construction site that is special."