High construction pace in Jacob Geel neighborhood thanks to tunnel construction

The Jacob Geel neighborhood in Amsterdam is undergoing a major renovation. Various parties are working together intensively to achieve this, including the realization of 262 rental homes in the first phase. Construction company De Nijs was looking for an expert in tunneling for this project. Casco Bouw Nederland from Staphorst was the right partner for the job. "In terms of tunneling, the project suits us perfectly," says director Jan Hokse.

With 262 homes, the Jacob Geel neighborhood in Amsterdam is a sizable neighborhood. A perfect project for tunneling, Hokse points out. Construction company De Nijs had no experience with this kind of structural work and was looking for a partner who could provide guidance and had the necessary knowledge. Casco Bouw Nederland turned out to be a good party. Hokse: "It clicked immediately during the first meeting. The sobriety of the people from Noord-Holland matches the sobriety of the people from Staphorst." Eventually Casco Bouw Nederland realized the entire tunnel construction process, including supplying the tunnel formwork, concrete mortar and supplying and processing the reinforcement.

Good to manage

Tunnel construction is a structural method of pouring the shell of a house floor by floor with concrete. This allows you to work very effectively, especially if all the houses are roughly the same size. Casco Bouw Nederland started the tunneling work in July 2022. In April 2023, all 302 beeches were finished and the tunnel boxes were removed. The project went off without a hitch. "Every day we made a fixed production of 2 beeches. That made the process manageable for the client," says Hokse. In addition to the tunnels, Casco Bouw Nederland also took the stairwells and elevator cores.

Some challenges

The design included two challenges for the specialized tunnel builder. These were solved together with formwork supplier Hendriks Stalen Bekistingen. The tunnel boxes were equipped with sluice-guide winches, so that non-standard beam widths could still be tunneled. Furthermore, the first floor had a different floor height. "Using high bilges and support structures, we were able to tunnel everything," says Hokse. "This way we were still able to contribute to the high pace of construction." Last but not least, the atmosphere on the construction site was always good. Hokse: "De Nijs was looking for down-to-earthness and transparency, where people are central. That suits us exactly. We therefore did our work with pleasure!"