PWS blocks Rotterdam after facelift

Façade restored to its former glory ... with new frames including ventilation

Two 1930s residential blocks in Rotterdam Bergpolder were originally to be demolished and rebuilt, but - after the participation of a residents' committee representing the 155 tenants - it was decided otherwise. The PWS blocks were therefore completely restored after a thorough refurbishment. The outdated plastic window frames were replaced and the new ones fitted with Renson's Invisivent NL window vents. From now on these will help to ensure healthy indoor air quality.

The old window frames dated back to the 1980s and detracted significantly from the original design of these residential blocks, to say the least. The new ones had to put that right again, so frame builder Europrovyl had to figure out the best way to approach the original look. The fact that the residential blocks also had to comply with the prescribed ventilation legislation after this conversion did present an additional challenge. 

Window vents
For the continuous supply of fresh air for the ventilation system for each residential unit, the specification stipulated that window vents had to be included in the design. Reverting to glass grilles was not an option for the client, so Renson's Invisivent NL came into the picture. It could be mounted on top of the window frames, as inconspicuously as possible while optimally preserving the incidence of daylight. The PWS blocks became a pilot project of stature, as the approximately 360 Invisivent window vents were custom-designed so that they could be mounted - in unison with the window frames - against the structural frame. With the advent of Renson's Invisivent NL, this is now also possible as standard, but this is indeed a project solution in combination with plastic window frames. Specifically, this 'Invisivent NL avant la lettre' was fitted with a stop profile both on the sides and at the top so that it could be mounted - in one piece with the window frame - wind and watertight against the frame. 

Acoustics
The choice for this project additionally fell on the acoustic variant of the Invisivent window grilles, specifically designed to best meet the requirements in terms of acoustics in combination with the right ventilation flow rate in noise-affected facades. "In this pilot project, as far as we are concerned, the cooperation with Renson delivered a great end result and a satisfied client."

Renson Invisivent NL
This pilot project helped lead to the development of the Invisivent NL window vents at Renson. This Dutch spin-off of the existing Invisivent window grilles is now available on the market as standard and ...

• stands for a comprehensive range of window vents compatible with the most common window profiles, based on years of development of the Renson Invisivent for the Belgian market. Invisivent NL is available as standard in a 'High Flow' version and also in an Acoustic (AK Basic, High and Ultra) and High Rise version for high-rise buildings;
• ensures a perfectly airtight finish when installing the entire window from the outside because the window's rubber seal continues into the window vent;
• offers an aesthetically pleasing solution that far surpasses the appearance of suspenders and glass diffusers, especially in renovations, this is a huge added value;
• can be screwed directly into the wooden frame.