Platform on new construction, renovation, restoration and transformation
In Oegstgeest, Waal is building De Limes, a student housing complex with 285 units. The building consists of a thirteen-story tower and two lower four-story blocks. SIW Steigerwerken is providing the scaffolding around the building shell and the facades. That may sound straightforward, but the rapid pace of the structural work makes the project challenging nonetheless.
During the structural work phase, the scaffolding also serves as fall protection. That means it has to keep pace with the construction process. Han Boender, VMG coordinator at SIW Steigerwerken: “We have to keep up with the structural work as it rises.”
At De Limes, the facade design was relatively simple, which made it quite feasible to keep up with the pace. “Given that this is a new construction project, it’s not complicated work for our specialists. It’s just a matter of reading the drawings carefully and following them closely.” SIW works from scaffolding drawings provided by a structural engineering firm, which is drawing the plans for this project on behalf of contractor Waal. “We often work with this firm. And because they know us well, they understand what we need. That makes for a pleasant working relationship.”
The scaffolding is inspected every two weeks. Boender: “That’s mandatory and necessary. Sometimes sections of the scaffolding are removed for the work. They have to be put back in place, but understandably, that’s sometimes forgotten.” Anchors are also sometimes removed by other parties. “We understand that something might be in the way, but we try to prevent that as much as possible or make adjustments.”
Coordination is essential for the construction site schedule. SIW brings its own trucks and cranes and needs space and time to unload. “If the truck is delayed, everything gets delayed. Good communication is crucial in this regard.” So far, Boender is pleased with the collaboration: “It’s a great project. A fine job has been done at a rapid pace.”
