Platform on new construction, renovation, restoration and transformation
Berghege Heerkens Bouwgroep is working hard on the renovation of the Tinbergen Building, the iconic educational building on the Woudestein campus of Erasmus University Rotterdam. Senior work planner Rob Kouwenberg calls it ‘a special project.’ “We are making a monumental building in the middle of a lively campus future-proof again.”
Inside, the renovation began with a complete demolition. “Everything has been removed: ceilings, interior walls, and installations. Many parts contained asbestos, so that required tight planning and safe execution.” The concrete structure will be retained and restored to its original condition. A new glass floor with meeting rooms and a restaurant will be added to the top of the building. “Before that floor can be installed, the large installations on the 18th floor must already be in place. That's a logistical puzzle.”
Sustainability is a recurring theme throughout the project. Materials are being reused, ultra-low carbon aluminum has been chosen, and the building will have a fully insulated interior facade. “From the demolition, we made a list of parts that we could give a second life. Even installation pumps and kitchen parts are being reused.” The pumps and kitchen parts will be given a new purpose elsewhere. At the project site itself, air ducts, cable trays, roof tiles, and fire hose reel cabinets from the existing building are being reused, among other things.
The construction site is located in the middle of the campus, surrounded by students and buildings. “We couldn't get there with trucks,” says Kouwenberg. “That's why we built a temporary construction bridge that can carry 100 tons. Instead of a first pile or the highest point, we celebrated the opening of that bridge. That says everything about the special approach here.”
