Sustainable facade material is 'perfect match for modular construction'

The precast façade elements in the first two phases of renovation project Overvecht (ACA and CJ drives) are finished with through-and-through colored fiber cement sheet material from EQUITONE; a versatile façade material available in different sizes, textures and colors. "The architect played an important role in the development of the modular construction method, with special attention to sustainability and fire safety," says Gaston Zuidberg of EQUITONE.

Throughout the project, EQUITONE and façade panels play a prominent role. The ACA and CJ drives in Overvecht both have about 360 homes and were renovated in the same way. The new facade received a grid with aluminum framework, plastic window frames and facade material from EQUITONE. "DOOR Architects thought thoroughly about the application and use of all materials," says account manager Zuidberg. "For example, we managed to limit sawing losses and thus reduce waste to the minimum."

Playful effect

The panels have a rough, unpolished texture of fiber cement. By using the white EQUITONE LT90 and light brown EQUITONE TE60 color variants side by side, a playful effect is created on the facades at the CJ drives, for example, depending on the effect of sunlight. The facades have thus been given a soft look, with a beautiful finish. "Both in terms of color and feel," says brand manager Vandeputte. Says Zuidberg, "The architect explored the aesthetic possibilities down to the details." 

Ready-made element

The old facade was removed in its entirety for the installation of the precast elements. Says Zuidberg, "The panels measure either 2.5 or 3.05 meters by about 1.22 meters." The EQUITONE panels were attached to the precast elements on site at timber frame builder Prefab Building Systems in Schagen. Frames and windows were also installed directly in the timber frame construction. "It is a completely ready-made element that could be placed in one go. This makes for a fast and efficient construction method." Says Vandeputte, "Moreover, this renovation in Overvecht is a great example of how material loss can be kept to a minimum." 

Cradle to Cradle

The modular construction method based on prefabricated elements also provides the desired facade appearance while maintaining the architectural values of the existing facade system of the 10-story apartments. With 15 kilograms of weight per square meter, EQUITONE end cladding is considered a light material. The EQUITONE products have a Cradle to Cradle Certified Bronze certification: lightweight construction, recyclable, easy to disassemble and low maintenance, with a lifespan of 50 years. They also undergo continuous development to ultimately achieve circular construction.

Natural raw materials

Fiber cement is made from natural raw materials. Says Vandeputte, "Our materials consist of water, sand, Portland cement and cellulose fibers. The raw materials are mined close to home and brought in by water as much as possible." Zuidberg: "EQUITONE facade material is very suitable for renovation projects like this one in Overvecht. There is a lot of talk about new construction in the Netherlands, but there is a huge market waiting for facade renovations. Also in terms of production volume, we can easily handle such a size. EQUITONE facade panels lend themselves perfectly to modular construction."