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In Amsterdam’s Spaarndammerbuurt neighborhood, Ballast Nedam West is building Bredius: 105 homes using a hybrid construction method that incorporates CLT wood. For finishing specialist Janse Afbouw, this means working with a construction system that requires different connections and detailing than traditional construction.
Bredius is a residential complex on Zaanstraat with 83 rental units, 22 for-sale apartments, and commercial spaces. The design by Monadnock Architects draws inspiration from the Amsterdam School architecture found in the neighborhood. Starting from the upper floors, the building is constructed using Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT). This construction method has direct implications for the interior finishing.
Patrick Janse, owner of Janse Afbouw, explains how the company became involved in the project. “We regularly collaborate with the contractor. Since CLT construction is still relatively new, we got involved early on to contribute our ideas.”
That early involvement went beyond what is customary. Janse: “Normally, you meet two or three times before construction begins. Here, it was seven or eight sessions. That’s because CLT has different requirements for sound insulation, fire resistance, and impact sound. We provided advice early on and optimized the design wherever possible.” That preliminary work pays off during construction. “Because everything was clear from the start, we know exactly what we need to build. The right quantities, the right dimensions—that makes a huge difference on the construction site.”
In the basement, the company installed wood-cement panels. On the upper floors, it is installing all the metal-stud walls, ceilings, and fire-resistant finishes. In its own mechanized carpentry shop, Janse Afbouw cuts the materials to length and packages them as custom kits. “Everything is ready on-site. We’re waiting for the contractor to set the pace, and then we can scale up quickly.”
Janse is optimistic about the collaboration. “We’ve really come together as a team. You can see that: everything is running smoothly. And I don’t expect any difficulties for the rest of this construction project.”
