Sustainability is a basic requirement for good, happy and safe living

Happy residents and strong neighborhoods. That has been ERA Contour's ambition for more than half a century. To be precise, for 58 years. "Together with our customers, we develop and create neighborhoods and districts where people can live well, happily and safely. We do that for all kinds of target groups and from new construction to renovation and transformation," says board chair Bianca Seekles. "Sustainability plays an essential role in this. We take numerous initiatives to reduce our impact on the environment. For example, we use minimal energy on our construction sites and actively seek ways to reuse residual materials. We also develop and build residential locations that can last for years and in which city and nature come together harmoniously."

"Sustainability is a stretch," Seekles said. "If you look at the home itself, it obviously has to comply with all the laws and regulations, plus a little bit more. Our ambition is that residents can live climate-proof, and in doing so, we want to keep their energy costs to a minimum. In addition, we are actively looking for ways to reduce CO₂-emissions from our buildings. When you look at the neighborhood level, sustainability is mostly about biodiversity and nature inclusiveness. During the corona pandemic we all experienced how nice it is to take a stroll through green space. Not for nothing do we develop neighborhoods with plenty of room for greenery and green experiences. Neighborhoods that invite you to go outside. But also neighborhoods with good transitions from public to private space. Finally, for us sustainability is in the social aspect. How do you encourage local residents to engage in conversation and perhaps even take care of each other? Here, too, we are eager and high on this."

Toolbox for sustainability

Of course, not all aspects can be integrated into every project, Seekles knows. "We don't have to, because different contexts lead to different interventions. In order to select the right interventions for each project, we are developing a 'toolbox' for sustainability. Both on a technical, green and social level, with which we really want to make a difference. Moreover, to unite our sustainable ambitions with healthy business operations, we recently started a B Corp certification process."

The connection central

A fine example of sustainability is project Linck in the Binck. At one of the most beautiful spots in the Binckhorst district of The Hague, ERA Contour will soon start construction of an unusual residential building in which connection is central. Both between residents and visitors, between inside and outside and between nature and architecture. "From the very beginning, attention was paid to biodiversity and nature inclusiveness," said Seekles. "We thought very carefully about the residents. About the people, but also about the birds, butterflies and bees that will have their place in the building. The inner-city location at Fokkerhaven has a lot of water, but very little nature. Linck in the Binck is changing this. The building will be a stepping stone (link) rather than an obstacle between nature and architecture. This is provided, for example, by the large air gardens or green 'pockets' on the facade, as well as various green loggias." A fifteen-story atrium also draws the green quality inside. Public spaces flow harmoniously into each other and, thanks to an open structure, social interaction is maximized.

Revolutionary residential building made of wood

Twenty kilometers away, residential tower SAWA will boost biodiversity and nature inclusiveness on the Lloydpier in Rotterdam. Moreover, developers Nice Developers and ERA Contour want to prove here that circular construction with wood is also possible in high-rise buildings. "Everywhere possible, wood is used. From main load-bearing structure to walls, floors, beams and facade finishes, with which we can achieve an enormous CO₂-reduction," Seekles said. "On SAWA's balconies and terraces, there will be large planters with an interesting mix of flowering and evergreen plants and shrubs. A special feature is that we have excavated the current topsoil from the construction site and stored it in big bags. The soil will soon be given a new use as potting soil, so we will have rich soil immediately." Various seeds from Rotterdam nature will be sown on the low-building roofs. "In addition, native plants from the surrounding area will come and take root here, creating a beautiful and natural environment."

Sustainable second life

Sustainable is also that ERA Contour, in cooperation with housing corporation Havensteder and Smits Vastgoedzorg, is giving large numbers of ERA flats dating from 1964 to 1973 a technical facelift, Seekles said. "As a result, they too will have a bright future again. Is demolition still necessary? Then we look at which parts can get a second life. A great example of this is the apartment building on Ivoordreef in Utrecht, whose fencing and various facade elements are given a nice place in the new building." A final great reference is the sustainable renovation of Aquarius in Amstelveen. Here the existing flat is being thoroughly gutted, after which additional stairwells and an elevation in wood are being added. "The apartment is also being rearranged and given a nice warm coat, so that residents can live there well and comfortably again for many years. Where possible, existing building elements will also be reused here."