Making buildings even more sustainable with smart installation techniques

Not least thanks to the technical installations of Bosman Companies. Jaco Duijst, Director of Projects at this company, tells project bureau Velox, "We are super proud to be able to contribute to such incredibly beautiful buildings in close cooperation with EDGE."

In 1999, when the parking garage for the Mahler 4 project was built on Amsterdam's Zuidas, that area was little more than an empty, vacant lot. Jaco Duijst remembers it like it was yesterday: "Now, twenty-one years later, we are still building in full swing on the Zuidas, the last ten years of which mainly for EDGE, formerly OVG Real Estate."

Belimo six-way valve in combination with flow sensors

One of the most eye-catching projects is The Edge, Deloitte's headquarters completed in 2014. "That building was equipped with the latest technology at the time, including Philips' Light-over-Ethernet lighting system, LoE for short," Duijst says. "This system ensures that the energy consumption of all lighting is significantly reduced.

The specialists at Bosman Companies succeeded in making that system even smarter, so much less data cabling was needed. In addition, in this project we used the so-called Belimo six-way valve in combination with Flow sensors for the first time, making it possible to extract much more information from the building management system. Not for nothing was The Edge awarded the very highest BREEAM rating in 2014."

The complex Valley

A current EDGE project that requires Bosman Companies to pull out all the stops in terms of expertise is Valley, also on the Zuidas. This imposing mixed-use building, due for completion in the fall of 2021, is notable for its unusual shape and green terraces. "Partly because the exterior is so diverse and whimsical in shape, this is one of the most complex buildings we have ever made," Duijst says.

Highest BREEAM certification

"In this project, in cooperation with Philips Signify and EDGE, we realized, among other things, a wireless lighting system. Where with Light-over-Ethernet we still had to use data cabling, this system is completely wireless. Incidentally, at Valley we are once again aiming for the very highest BREEAM certification. That will only succeed if the building meets the highest sustainability requirements.

Also thought of animal welfare: bat boxes on facade

Including solar panels on the roofs, we aim to create a virtually energy-neutral building. But it goes much further. Since Valley's spearhead is to make the Zuidas business district livelier and greener, even animal welfare must be taken into account. For example, bat boxes will be installed so that these critters can find suitable habitat in the immediate vicinity of the building."

Staff shortage

Like many other construction and installation companies, Bosman Bedrijven regularly faces a shortage of skilled personnel. "To strengthen our project teams, we therefore regularly make use of Velox professionals, including superintendents and engineers," says Duijst, who is very pleased with the quality of these external employees. "At Valley, for example, we used a Velox contractor who was responsible for the electrical installations of the apartments for a year to our complete satisfaction."

Smart buildings

Jaco Duijst could name numerous other EDGE projects in which Bosman Companies has cooperated or will cooperate. What all these projects have in common is the philosophy of owner Coen van Oostrom clearly in it. Read more >