More than just brick: Major renovation puts residents first

On the Goeman Borgesiuslaan in Harderwijk, three 1970s apartment buildings are being completely rebuilt. It involves 189 social rental apartments in the Tweelingstad district - and at least as many residents. Client Uwoon tackled the technically and socially complex task together with construction company Trebbe. The homes will receive a substantial quality boost, but the well-being of residents is central. The motto: more than just stone.

The renovation is in the hands of Trebbe, a construction company with experience with existing property as well as with people-oriented work. "Technically, major maintenance was badly needed," says Marije Mook, project manager at Uwoon. "But this is not just about technique. It requires attention to who lives behind the front door." Different people live in the rental apartments, each with their own story. For years there was little investment. "Residents felt forgotten. We want to help them move forward, too."

Big task, big collaboration

The technical challenges were not mild. Consider a leaking sewer system, outdated heating and ventilation systems and facades that needed urgent maintenance. The project focuses on insulating and renewing roofs, modernizing entrances, new storage corridors and fencing on galleries and balconies. A lot is also happening in the homes: from toilets and bathrooms to plumbing and front doors. All residents will also receive new PVC flooring. Ellis Aardenburg, project manager Customer & Living at Trebbe: "Then you really can't let residents live at home." Guest houses have therefore been arranged for all residents. An enormous puzzle. Both financially and practically, but it works: "Once they are in the guest houses, residents experience peace of mind and sometimes even discover new sides of themselves."

Uwoon chose to work with people-oriented construction company Trebbe. Mook: "Residents feel seen and heard again." Aardenburg: "You really start 'rebuilding together'. We work in homes where people live." That requires good preparation and strong communication with resident supervisors from Uwoon, Trebbe and welfare organization Zorgdat. But also one large app group for the entire flat. "By including residents in the process step by step, we want to prevent concerns and answer questions early."

More than just the stone

The human touch is paramount. "We literally come to people's homes," Aardenburg said. "That requires that our professionals treat their homes with care. That's why they all receive a 'Heart for Residents' toolbox." The result? Hardly any complaints about the work, even though the entire building is in scaffolding.

The renovation creates new connections. "Before, no one knew each other," says Mook. "Now people clean the kitchen together." Small steps, with big impact. In the long run, too. "This is how we see people making a house a home again," Aardenburg says. "After completing our work, we see people working on wallpaper and paint. This is how they continue to build a nice home themselves. But it goes beyond that. Different volunteer organizations get involved with the residents, and with that comes a very positive movement."

Also outside the front door

Mook: "The plinth will have a meeting space and a lot more glass. That contributes to social safety." Meanwhile, the municipality of Harderwijk is tackling the public space. This will be redesigned for more safety and meeting. In this way, trust is also built outside the front door.

The renovation of the Goemanflats is a technical and social project. No standard major maintenance, but a collective restart. With attention for both the bricks and the people who live there.