A healthy indoor environment starts with proper coordination

The linchpin between the architect, the factory, and the construction site

A skylight may seem like a minor part of a construction plan, but the Seasons de Trappenberg project in Huizen involved a bit more than that. For example, the skylights were already installed in the prefabricated roof elements at the factory, so they could be delivered to the construction site fully assembled. This required close coordination between the architect, the roofing supplier, and the contractor, well before the first roof was installed.

On the site of the former rehabilitation center, a residential care complex has been built with approximately 270 lifetime-ready apartments spread across seven buildings. The sanatorium, built in 1912, will be repurposed as a health center. The project is a development by Amvest and Waterland Real Estate, with Koopmans Bouwgroep serving as the general contractor and SVP as the architect. VELUX provided consulting services throughout the project regarding daylighting and a healthy indoor climate and supplied the skylights.

Spider in the Web

That coordination began early on. “We’re the central hub. We ensure that the architect, developer, prefab roof supplier, and contractor understand how to incorporate daylight and fresh air to promote a healthy and comfortable indoor climate,” says Mark Baars, senior project account manager at VELUX. The architect designs in the daylight, and VELUX handles the implementation. “To do that, we engage in a dialogue, because it’s the nuances that make the difference: Is the daylight solution feasible, and are there technical considerations that need to be taken into account?”

Skylights in the prefab roof

The goal was to use prefabricated components as much as possible. “This meant the skylights had to be installed in the roof panels at the factory. That’s why we worked closely with the roofing supplier to determine the technical details, the correct spacing between the components, and how to ensure the skylights function properly,” explains Baars. With proper preparation, production can run smoothly.

PHB Technical Account Manager Sven Feer was in frequent contact with the architect regarding topics such as the dimensions of the daylighting solutions and what was possible and feasible in terms of detailing. “That sometimes means we recommend something that goes against the original plan. For example, they had envisioned a bronze RAL color for the exterior finish of the facades and skylights, which the architect wanted to combine with exterior sunshades,” says Feer. However, there is a color difference between these products, which would disrupt the aesthetic appearance. The architect took the advice into account and ultimately implemented a matching standard color.

No goat trails

The gentlemen look back on the project with satisfaction. “Together, we created a bright home with a pleasant indoor climate, without making any compromises. No cheaper alternatives, no shortcuts—just doing what was necessary,” says Baars. For Feer, the impact lies in the end use. “You’re selling daylight and comfort—aspects whose added value you only truly experience as a user,” he says. “The collaboration between the parties also went smoothly. Everyone was committed to working together to do a good job and create something beautiful. You can see that in the final result.”