Piekstraat gets strong concrete shell on Feijenoord Island

Working on one of Rotterdam's most iconic buildings on 'the island of Feijenoord': Casco Bouw Nederland gets very happy. Director Jan Hokse tells us all about his company's role in the construction of 'the Piekstraat'.

In Rotterdam-South is hard at work on the realization of the Piekstraat: a residential tower with no less than 142 dwellings. As an all-round concrete builder, Casco Bouw Nederland is responsible here for the complete concrete carcass from the first floor and the supply of the concrete mortar. "Both in form and in execution, this is a unique project for us," says Hokse enthusiastically. "Fortunately, we have been involved at an early stage through our regular relationship Heijmans. Since 2019, we have been thinking along in the design of the execution, the engineering and the (logistical) issues."

Preparation and customization

A lot of time went into the preparation. Consider elements such as the formwork arrangements and pouring seams, but also safety. "During the preparation we consulted intensively with all parties involved, such as formwork supplier Hendriks and the structural engineer, installers and braiders. Finally, we started the concrete shell in June 2023 and hope to be ready in October 2024," Hokse said. The execution of the residential tower is in tunnel casting. And that gives a big advantage: "The next day the floors are cantilevered without supports, so you can continue your process immediately." There are also many unique elements to this project, according to Hokse. "The shape of the tower is very special. It is like three boxes that are not placed directly on top of each other, but rather staggered in relation to each other."

For Casco Bouw Nederland, the Piekstraat is certainly not an everyday tunnel project. "Because the boxes stagger, cantilever situations arise. That's why we opted for half tunnel boxes on the end walls. This in turn requires a lot of scaffolding. This is because the load of the tunnel goes over the scaffolding, so it has really become customized."

Working on a stamp

Another challenge was the lack of space at the site. "The neighbors are only 8 meters away. The site is really a postage stamp. Therefore, the storage of equipment and supplies, for example, is on a pontoon in the Nieuwe Maas. Safety is of course always paramount, but in this case it was an extra challenge because you also have to take into account the buildings next to you."

The Piekstraat is a fantastic location. "And not just because you look out over De Kuip from the construction site," jokes Hokse. "It really has become a beautiful overall picture. For us it is an exemplary project with a super-fine cooperation. We enjoy that and we are proud of it!"