Technical and social: the renovation of De Werf in Zwijndrecht

Along the banks of the Oude Maas in Zwijndrecht stands De Werf. The two residential towers were built in the late 1980s and could use a facelift. The experienced builders at Willems Vastgoedonderhoud had the clean task of breathing new life into De Werf.

The professionals from Rotterdam pulled out all the stops in 2023 to make the two towers with a total of 45 homes future-proof again. "Housing corporation Woonkracht10 had a clear request for the renovation work," says Jacco Fioole, work planner at Willems Vastgoedonderhoud. "From renovating bathrooms, kitchens and toilets to finishing the entrance: we took care of the entire complex."

Renovate, repair and replace

In several homes, bathrooms, toilets and kitchens were renovated. In one, all three areas were in need of replacement and in another, only a new kitchen was sufficient. In addition, Willems Vastgoedonderhoud installed a ClimaRad system in all homes. This mechanical ventilation system works fully automatically. This saves the, mostly older, residents a lot of trouble. "The facade frames of the residential towers have been replaced with plastic variants," says Fioole. "The facade brickwork was also repaired and a new curtain wall was installed at the stairwell, making the exterior of the buildings as good as new again." The showpiece of this project is the new main entrance. "This space has been tackled from head to toe. From new tiling to new window frames, you almost don't recognize the brand new entrance."

Special residents

The balcony railings were not on the housing association's maintenance list. Yet the residents' association managed to get these replaced as well. "Previously, the balcony railings were made of Plexiglas," Fioole explains. "That material weathers after a long time in the sun. That's a shame, because from the balconies the residents have a beautiful view of the Old Meuse River. Many residents have a connection to shipping, so you can imagine they enjoy that picture a little extra."

The residents not only enjoy the final result, but were also satisfied during the renovation. "We do almost all of our work in lived-in conditions," says Fioole. "People continue to live in their homes while we are working there. Fortunately, the residents didn't mind when we came over and we regularly had a chat together. So in addition to being a technical profession, it really is also a social profession. An ideal combination as far as I'm concerned."

Hang out the flag

Just before Christmas 2023, the project was completed. Of course, that had to be celebrated! "Woonkracht10 and Willems Vastgoedonderhoud organized a completion party," Fioole says. "Then we really noticed how happy the residents were with our work. Every home received a flagpole holder with the new balcony railings during the renovation and a flag upon completion. Especially for the party, most residents had hung out the flag."

"One of the residents had prepared a speech for us. It was a beautiful story with the message that they were sorry we were leaving again. The residents of the complex next to De Werf had also sent us a letter as a thank you for our hard work." So who knows, Willems Vastgoedonderhoud may soon return to Zwijndrecht. In any case, in seven years De Werf itself will be back for planned maintenance.