Balance in building

Building is more than just craftsmanship. It requires a sophisticated balance between craftsmanship and market knowledge on the one hand and economic awareness and a sense of responsibility on the other. But it also requires balance in projects, from small to large, from new construction to renovation and from private to corporate. De Vree and Sliepen provides this. "We are not a specialist, but a generalist," stresses Deputy Director Wim van Vreeswijk. "As an all-round construction company, we are not only at home in utilitarian works and corporation housing, but also in the realization of free-sector owner-occupied homes. We are proving that, for example, in new construction district De Plantage in Meteren, which has some 1,500 homes. The architecture of the homes explicitly seeks a relationship with the special cultural history of the Betuwe. Richly detailed facades and playfully designed homes will soon define the neighborhood image."

Living in the Plantation is living in the atmosphere of an old fortified town in Betuwe. Each neighborhood in the new development will have its own character and each home will have its own style. Moreover, the housing offer is very diverse, with detached houses, semi-detached houses, starter homes and everything in between. Part of the 1,500 homes will be realized by BPD bouwfonds gebiedsontwikkeling. To build these homes, the largest area developer in the Netherlands sought cooperation with De Vree and Sliepen back in 2017. "In a construction team with BPD and the various architects, we invariably look for the most optimal house plans," Van Vreeswijk explains. "Moreover, we actively think along about the constructional and financial feasibility and feasibility, without losing sight of aesthetics. This keeps the project realizable for BPD ánd it can count on great interest from potential buyers."

Phased implementation

The ground-level homes in the Plantation will be built in phases and in clusters. "After completion of each phase, BPD will conduct customer satisfaction surveys among the buyers. Good results here obviously work towards providing possible follow-up orders," Van Vreeswijk said. "In addition, the cooperation between both parties in the development plays a major role. Both on the development side and during execution, this cooperation is very pleasant. Aesthetic and technical quality after completion is also excellently met."

Lots of differentiation

As a first phase, De Vree and Sliepen built sixteen homes. Four years later, the tally already stands at over one hundred, Van Vreeswijk said. "And dozens more homes are planned for the next few years as well." While the homes are fairly similar behind the front door, each facade is unique. "There is an awful lot of differentiation in this project. Among other things, we are creating stepped gables, spout gables and bell gables, with special brickwork that refers to the historic downtown. In addition, elements are used that give the facades a special quality appearance."

Intensive buyer assistance 

To bring the various project phases to a successful conclusion, De Vree and Sliepen works with a permanent team of project manager, foreman, work planner, carpenters and subcontractors. "In addition, we take care of buyer supervision," Van Vreeswijk said. "At De Vree and Sliepen, the customer is literally king. In addition to shell construction options such as extensions, dormers, additional skylights and additional solar panels, we offer an extensive list of finishing and installation options in the Plantation. From alternative interior doors, window frames and hardware to additional floor heating, electrical outlets and lighting points. Buyers also have complete freedom in their choice of plumbing fixtures and tiles. Most distinctive, however, is our flexibility. Even at a very late stage buyers can still make changes, so that they really get the home that meets their wishes in every detail."