Thorough refurbishment with sustainability makes homes more energy efficient and comfortable

The houses in the Bloemenbuurt in Utrecht are undergoing a complete makeover. Commissioned by housing corporation Portaal, VIOS Bouw is responsible for the renovation and preservation of a total of 476 houses and 13 BOG, spread over three phases. Each renovation process is preceded by a support measurement among the residents. Currently, the second phase, accounting for 196 homes and 4 SNB, is underway. By the 2022 construction period, these homes must carry energy label A and comply with current regulations. The renovation work is done in occupied condition.

The houses in the Flower District date from the 1920s and 1930s. Although they are still structurally sound, they show signs of aging and no longer meet today's requirements. A thorough renovation and preservation was imminent. "Housing corporation Portaal decided in 2018 to future-proof all its homes in the neighborhood and selected VIOS Bouw as the main contractor based on the presentation and Plan of Action. The entire project totaling 476 homes and 13 SNB was divided into 3 phases. Each sub-stage is preceded by a support measurement, in which at least 70% of the households must agree to the upgrading. In a first phase, which we have now completed, 104 homes and 8 SNB were thoroughly tackled," says Roy Diks, project manager at VIOS Bouw. "Today, we are fully engaged in renovating and making the second phase more sustainable, which includes another 196 homes and 4 SNB. All homes are expected to be finished by the 2022 construction period. For a third and final phase with 176 homes and 1 SNB, the support assessment is currently underway. In case of a positive signal from the residents, the work will be started after next year's construction period to complete the entire project by spring 2024."

Energy label A and more comfort

This is a renovation project that includes maintenance work with the goal of achieving energy label A and increasing comfort. The homes will be thoroughly renovated both inside and outside. "We are insulating the cavity of end walls and installing on the front and rear facade, on the inside, a prefabricated pre-wall with insulation. Furthermore, roof tiles will be replaced and roofs insulated, chimneys repaired, zinc gutters provided with an insert and roofs of annexes provided with new roofing. The dormers receive a new and better insulated finish. We repair masonry, repair joints and paint front doors, back doors and wooden frames that are not being replaced. At the front and rear, the plastic window frames will be replaced with wooden window frames with high-efficiency glazing, and the aluminum sliding doors will also be renewed," explains work planner Ed Peeters. "The outdated boilers will be replaced with new high-efficiency boilers, broken radiators, pipes or radiator knobs will be taken out and open combustion appliances will be removed. We install a complete installation with radiators and hot water supply. If desired, we install four solar panels per dwelling. Furthermore, we install new mechanical ventilation, where there is none, and clean existing installations. Where necessary, interior doors, ceilings and wooden floors as well as kitchens, bathrooms and toilets are replaced."

In inhabited state

Each home is customized and, moreover, the residents remain in their homes during the renovation. Resident supervisors from VIOS Construction assist them during the process. "Residents who prefer not to stay on site can stay in a rest home during the day. In a few cases, for example out of medical necessity, a guest house is offered," Diks and Peeters conclude. "As a Utrecht-based company, we are proud to collaborate on this project. Since the homes are located on narrow, one-way streets, logistics also present an additional challenge."  

Regular partner for dismantling also contributes now

Afbouw Coördinatie Nederland (ACN) is synonymous with cooperation between the renowned finishing companies HWD Duurzaam, Böhnke van de Broek, Verhaag Afbouwprojecten, Bosma plafonds en wanden and Vithebo. The firms have combined their knowledge, experience and strengths so that they can use the best specialists for each specific project in the Netherlands. They are contacted by various contractors to work together on a wide variety of projects. VIOS Bouw, for example, is the regular relationship, for which ACN is now collaborating on the 2nd phase of the renovation and preservation project for homes in the Bloemenbuurt neighborhood in Utrecht.

"From June 2019, we were already involved in the 1st phase of this large-scale project. We are obviously pleased that since October 2020 we have also been allowed to participate in this 2nd phase. We always have a permanent group of employees on the construction site. They know the project through and through. In addition, this ensures smooth coordination and communication with the other construction partners," says Thomas Jacobsen, Managing Director of ACN Totale Afbouw. "Our contribution to this project is multifaceted. For example, we re-insulated the front and rear facades from the inside. In the homes, the existing ceilings are checked and, where necessary, replaced with new drywall ceilings. Furthermore, we integrate completely new interior walls, which we also paint. The job may not be that exceptional, but it is still a great reference."

Construction Info

Client
Housing corporation Portaal, Utrecht

Main contractor
VIOS Construction, Utrecht