Fast and smart height with tunneling

The skyline of the Netherlands is changing rapidly. Due to the enormous housing shortage as well as the scarcity of available building land in our cities, more and more project developers, investors and developing builders are choosing to go sky high. Ambitious plans with residential towers containing hundreds of homes are now no exception. But that does not solve the problems, says Jan Hokse, director of Casco Bouw Nederland B.V. "We not only need to build more, but also faster and smarter. Tunnel construction can make the difference here. The construction method is already interesting from about 40-60 houses."

Optimal process control, minimal construction time

Started in 2003 as a specialized tunnel builder, Casco Bouw Nederland B.V. has developed into an independent and all-round concrete builder for residential and commercial construction. "Nevertheless, we still have a fondness for tunneling," says Hokse. "For we are convinced that tunneling is the construction system that gives the most certainty in planning and progress. Process control in tunneling is maximum, with minimum construction time. Because all concrete is delivered just-in-time to the construction site, we can ensure that the box is 'full' at the end of the working day. Per day, we make a minimum of two walls and a floor. In other words, a complete nave, which can be stripped the very next day. The floors are already cantilevered immediately after stripping. This allows the interval between the structural work and all subsequent activities to be kept to a minimum. HSB elements can be erected as early as one day after pouring, And also the finishing packages can already be included in the structural construction cycle. Because the hardening of the concrete can be optimally controlled and monitored, high quality is guaranteed."

The Pineapple in Leiden: soaring like a spear

From Staphorst in Overijssel, Casco Bouw Nederland B.V. serves clients throughout the Netherlands. "Often these are the large and medium-sized construction companies, which we support with tunneling and wall/width plate", says Hokse. "We do not turn our hand to large-scale and complex projects, in which (lean) planning, logistics, site layout and organization of the construction process must be right down to the last detail. A good example in this context is De Ananas in Leiden, whose tunnel construction of all three phases was completed in a continuous stream of two years and three months. Together with De Raad Bouw BV, we developed the project over several years and made it 'tunnelable', with optimal grid dimensions and layouts of apartments and stairwells, a sophisticated construction sequence and site layout, et cetera. Moreover, we carefully coordinated the work with the structural engineer and installers, as a result of which the tunnel construction went very smoothly. The tower went up like a rocket. And because the HSB facade elements could be placed immediately, the building was also quickly wind and watertight."

Involved from the very beginning

In addition to completely realizing tunneling projects, Casco Bouw Nederland B.V. can also assemble complete precast shells and other modular precast building systems. "We are also happy to provide the foundations, piers, elevator pits, basements and commercial areas," Hokse said. "We like to think along with projects from the earliest stages in order to achieve the most optimal construction process. What is important here is that we can completely relieve customers of their worries. For example, by taking the complete package off their hands, including concrete, reinforcement, formwork, supports, crane and all consumables."

Attention to sustainability and CO₂

Concrete is still one of the most widely used materials in the world in 2022. The material has amply proven its strength; also in tunnel construction. Yet the application is under fire, because it is said to be polluting and not environmentally friendly. "To restore its image, the CO₂-emissions must be reduced," Hokse knows. "For example, by investing in responsible and circular concrete. Casco Bouw Nederland B.V. also goes along with this. We pay plenty of attention to the developments and contribute where possible, so that the power of concrete is preserved for the future as well."