Platform on new construction, renovation, restoration and transformation
At Elzendreef in Voorburg, Willems Vastgoedonderhoud is preserving 161 homes for housing corporation Wooninvest. The necessary maintenance work will also take place. The project is part of the preservation contract in which Willems is responsible for the preservation of part of the housing stock of the corporation.
"We organize such projects from A to Z," explains director Tim Willems of Willems Property Maintenance. "From plan development, design and engineering, estimates and budgets to execution and management. We work on this with fixed teams in a kind of train. When one project is in progress, we are already preparing the next. This allows us to integrate the lessons learned back into the next project and we are always improving turnaround time and results."
The work on the homes on Elzendreef consists of two parts: preservation by implementing energy measures and performing planned maintenance on the exterior facades.
The existing glazing was replaced, the cavity re-insulated, and ceiling insulation was installed in the storage rooms below. Then the flat roof was insulated. Willems: "We have now also installed a demand-driven, mechanical ventilation system. CO2 detectors continuously measure the air quality and, if necessary, the ventilation is turned on. By using a smart system, we prevent the ventilation from being on all day." Extra attention was also paid to gap sealing to achieve the desired airtightness. The building is sixteen stories high, so it faces quite a bit of wind pressure.
Another important issue was the re-lining of the down pipes. Because of wear and tear, these would have to be replaced, which is a major operation. "But if you get there early enough, you can still re-line them. That means cleaning the inside and installing a new, plastic pipe on the inside. That way the down pipe can last for years again."
Planned maintenance is also included in the project, such as painting and repairing grouting, concrete, wood damage and sealant on the exterior facade. "To fit energy-efficient glazing, we are also replacing the balcony doors. If the residents want it, they will also get a new kitchen. In this complex live mostly older residents, who are thrifty with their belongings and for whom being dated is not necessarily a reason to replace. We are installing a total of 115 new kitchens. The cooking gas will be removed from all residents. They will get a perilex switch and the fuse box will be expanded for induction cooking. Finally, the intercom system will be replaced and many fireproofing measures will be implemented. We are installing smoke detectors and the stairwells and front doors are fireproofed and fitted with fire-resistant glazing."
What makes this project special is the amount of safety measures taken. The complex is located on a busy road and next to a tramway. Therefore, crash decks were installed and crane work was restricted, among other things. Traffic controllers were also used during the supply and removal of materials. Willems is so far very satisfied with this project and with the cooperation with Wooninvest. "We try to advise the housing corporation as well as possible about the ever-increasing requirements they have to meet. That is considered very pleasant." The project is expected to be completed just before summer.
