A solid foundation for Meranti

Versatile wide slab floors

"We are always proud of what we do! Whether it's a small or large project," says Carlo Molenaar, Rayon Manager North-West Region at De Hoop Pekso. In the construction of the Meranti apartment complex on Karlskrona Island in Amsterdam's Houthaven, the company played an indispensable role. A conversation with Molenaar reveals how important partnership, a strong foundation and forward thinking are in such an extensive project.

De Hoop Pekso, part of Group De Hoop, is a leading producer and supplier of a wide range of structural products, ranging from foundation elements to storey floors. But also EPS products and reinforcement steel. Molenaar says, "The most important thing during the process is that the right data reaches the right person completely and at the right time." That requires tight planning, communication and, above all, partnership. Meranti will have 80 spacious apartments, for which De Hoop Pekso took care of the walls of the basement and the storey floors, working closely with contractor Hillen & Roosen.

The power of wide slab floors

De Hoop Pekso produces the wide slab floors for Meranti. These are reinforced precast floors poured with traditional concrete. The floors are constructed from a concrete shell of 50, 60 or 70 millimeters, which is provided with constructively required plate reinforcement and lattice girders. After laying the wide slab floors, pipes for installations are installed, after which the floors are given a pour of concrete until the desired thickness is achieved. The end result is structurally sound floors with perfect sound insulation, which increases living comfort.

"Each panel is unique," Molenaar emphasizes. "These are specifically engineered, so each floor section is customized to perfectly fit the project's requirements. A wide slab floor is not a stock item. After drawing up a laying plan, installers can determine where the piping will be placed. With the production of 7,300 meters of wide plate and 775 square meters of hollow wall for the partially submerged basement, we contribute significantly to the structural cohesion of the building. Our own engineers perform all calculations internally, which means that in close cooperation with Hillen & Roosen's work planners we are laying a solid foundation for strong structural integration."

A beautiful contribution

Forward thinking and a strong partnership with contractor Hillen & Roosen were the foundation of success for Meranti. Challenges, such as limited space on the construction site and avoiding logistical congestion in busy Amsterdam, were immediately addressed with a proactive approach and careful planning. "With large projects, we always end with an evaluation. What went well and what can be improved? That way we keep developing all the time." 

What De Hoop Pekso is most proud of in this project? "It is special to know that soon 80 apartments with happy residents will open their doors, walking on our wide slab floors," Molenaar concludes.