Slim, fast and sustainable construction with precast concrete elements

Along the A10 in Amsterdam Nieuw-West, on the edge of the Rembrandtpark and on the corner of Postjesweg and Derkinderenstraat, two beautiful residential towers have recently started to shine: Caritas and Fortitudo, with a total of 221 apartments and commercial facilities on the first floor. The residential towers with respectively 20 and 9 floors are both equipped with a precast concrete shell with massive pre-stressed floors, walls, stairs and landings. Under the engineering and production of these precast concrete elements is the signature of MBS Cascobouw and precast concrete factory MBS Alphen aan den Rijn.

MBS Cascobouw provides total concepts in concrete. From engineering and production of pre-stressed and traditionally reinforced precast concrete elements to just-in-time delivery and assembly. Production largely takes place at our own production site in Alphen aan den Rijn.

Actionable elements

For the project on Postjesweg, MBS Cascobouw and MBS Alphen aan den Rijn were commissioned by Van Wijnen to engineer and produce the complete concrete shell. "We were involved in this project at an early stage," says Michel Munneke, Project Manager at MBS Cascobouw. "In close cooperation with Van Wijnen, the main structural engineer and our partner Snijders Ingenieursgroep, we translated the main structural calculations into prefabricated structural components that could be produced, transported, hoisted and assembled properly, (cost) efficiently and safely. We also took on the role of prefab advisor. For example with regard to construction safety, the placement of fencing and the addition of anchors, which was energetically incorporated into the design." 

Slim, light and durable

Production of some 13,500 m2 of solid prestressed floors and 7,000 m2 of walls began in November 2021. "High-strength concrete was chosen for the floors," Munneke explains. "A constructively conscious choice because it allows for leaner, lighter and therefore more sustainable construction. Particularly special about the walls is that installation technical facilities such as electricity, water pipes and standpipes have already been cast in our factory." The elements were transported to the construction site at exactly the right time, where Van Wijnen was ready for assembly. "Thanks to our elements, it was possible to deliver one complete building layer each week. The assembly schedule was met exactly to the day."