Team ERAflats will also make High ERAs more sustainable for Havensteder

Parties sign contract improvement maintenance 525 homes Rotterdam Ommoord

On behalf of housing corporation Havensteder, Team ERAflats, consisting of Smits Vastgoedzorg and TBI company ERA Contour, will make 525 homes in Rotterdam Ommoord more sustainable. On Tuesday, January 14, the two parties signed the contract for this. The improvement maintenance will make three of the four ERA flats, known collectively as the High ERAs, future-proof. The cooperation is a follow-up to the improvement maintenance that Team ERAflats is carrying out in Capelle aan den IJssel on behalf of Havensteder. There, the 504 homes of ERAflat Purmerhoek are currently receiving a sustainable upgrade.

The signing is a fact! From left to right Bianca Seekles (Team ERAflats | ERA Contour), Hedy van den Berk (Havensteder) and Hans van der Krogt (Team ERAflats | Smits Vastgoedzorg) | Image: Paul van der Blom

With the signing of the design-build agreement, a first step has been taken towards increased living comfort and sustainability for the homes at Zernikeplaats, Einsteinplaats and Debeijeweg in Rotterdam Ommoord. The insulation of the buildings will be improved and installations renewed. The buildings will also get an updated appearance with a new entrance, refurbished common areas and new fencing on the galleries. Most homes will have new kitchens and bathrooms, and all homes will have new restrooms. "The specific interventions are not fully defined at this time. In the coming time we will finalize the plans, in consultation with the residents. We find it very important that they also agree with the approach. What is certain is that all homes will be improved to label A and that the apartments will be prepared for a completely natural gas-free environment," says Hedy van den Berk, managing director of Havensteder. The Max Planckplaats, the fourth flat in the High ERAs, is not yet included in the plans because this flat has been maintained more recently.

Renewed confidence in approach Team ERAflats

"Of course we are pleased that Havensteder has also chosen Team ERAflats for the improvement maintenance of these ERAflats. The cooperation at the Purmerhoek apartments is going very well. Yet it remains a special compliment when a client once again expresses its confidence in our approach," said Jurgen Weerdenburg on behalf of Team ERAflats. "And in doing so, we are very much looking forward to also giving these homes of the striking flats we once built ourselves a second life. The work will cause inconvenience to residents, which unfortunately we cannot prevent. Fortunately, they will be able to enjoy their renovated, sustainable homes with greater living comfort afterwards. That's what we do it for!"

ERAflat Zernikeplaats, one of four High ERAs | Image: Angelique van Woerkom

Much attention to residents

The approach, which included a great deal of attention to the residents, was decisive for Havensteder to choose Team ERAflats for this project as well. Van den Berk: "The strength of Team ERAflats' approach is the attention paid to the residents, who are involved in the planning from the very first ideas. With special facilities and a smart logistical approach, they also ensure that work is carried out safely with as little inconvenience as possible." Hans van der Krogt adds on behalf of Team ERAflats: "One example is the Bath House with shower facilities, a washroom and rest room. This is where residents can go while the craftsmen are at work in their homes. At the Purmerhoek, we notice that residents appreciate this."

Start of work in fall 2020

Once the plans are finalized, the participation process with residents can begin. If more than 70% of them agree to the plans, Team ERAflats is expected to be able to start work in the fall of 2020. These will then be completed by mid-2022. A3 Architects is responsible for designing the plans.