Platform on new construction, renovation, restoration and transformation
For more than 130 years, Bouwgroep Horsman & Co has been a trusted development and construction partner in the Duin & Bollenstreek and Haarlemmermeer regions. Following projects such as the Heeren van Noortwyck in Noordwijk, the Vossepolder in Hillegom, and Haarlem Buiten in Haarlem, Horsman & Co served as the contractor for the construction of the Loetje branch in Oegstgeest. During the construction of this challenging project, the roof played a central role. The architectural appearance is defined by imposing decorative wooden trusses of exceptional lengths, which required a non-standard construction sequence.
Horsman & Co was awarded the contract to build the new Loetje branch following a competitive bidding process. “We received the first design documents in the summer of 2023,” says project coordinator Michael Draijer. “A great project right in our backyard. But also a very challenging one. For example, because of its location on and partly along the Klinkenbergerplas. Architectural firm SeARCH had designed a highly transparent facade, featuring continuous window sections of impressive dimensions and weight, which follow the building’s distinctive contours.”
Another striking feature was the thatched roof, within which the systems had to be concealed from view. “A fantastic job for our carpenters, but also a very challenging task for our engineers and work planners,” said Draijer. “That’s why, immediately after the project was awarded, we sat down with the architect and the client, Cervix b.v., to work together in a collaborative and pleasant manner to harmonize the building’s excellent aesthetic appeal with sound technical and economic feasibility and constructability. The installers were also involved in this process. In addition, our work planners coordinated the detailing of the steel structure, facade elements, prefabricated roof sections, and thatched roofing at an early stage.”
After the summer of 2024, Horsman & Co. began the earthwork. This, too, was challenging, as the new building had to be constructed in the middle of a recreational area, Draijer emphasizes. “That’s why we paid special attention to providing access to the construction site and ensuring the safety of recreational visitors. We had to install a section of sheet piling to keep the water from the Klinkenbergerplas out. We also prepared the ground for construction, after which the first piles were driven into the ground. Next, a waterproof concrete slab was poured on site, upon which the steel structure for the new building was erected. The steel structure features wide-slab intermediate floors and prefabricated roof panels, as well as all the utilities that needed to be concealed within the false ceiling of the roof structure.”
Due to the impressive dimensions of the roof, a non-standard construction sequence was chosen. “We first completed the construction of the false ceiling so that all the systems could be neatly hoisted into place and secured,” explains Draijer. “This approach required precise planning and close collaboration among all parties involved. We were truly able to showcase our expertise and craftsmanship. For example, all the carpentry is visible. From the facades all the way to the roof overhangs. To make an overhang of no less than 1.5 meters possible, we also developed a specialized roof-foot structure that ensures both the stability and aesthetic quality of the thatched roof. In short: nothing about this project is standard. Every discipline within our company was pushed to its limits—and we succeeded. We’re incredibly proud of the final result.”
