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On a construction site where every square meter counts, preparation makes all the difference. For Kop Dakpark in Rotterdam, BUILLT supplies not only the scaffolding, but also integrated support structures. According to COO Scaffolding David de Graaf, the strength lies in the preliminary process: “If you work it out well there, the execution runs better by itself.”
BUILLT operates as a multidisciplinary service provider in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany in scaffolding, support structures, floor formwork, rope-access and insulation. The company works for projects in the construction, infrastructure, industrial and maritime sectors. For Kop Dakpark, the request came through well-known partner Slokker Bouwgroep. “You go around the table together and soon notice whether you are on the same page in terms of approach,” says De Graaf. “That was the case here. Then you start working out the plan together: how do we make sure that it is safe and that it keeps up the pace?” BUILLT takes care of the entire process. From engineering in BIM, 3D and the preparation of the scaffolding to the assembly on site. The team thinks along with you about planning, logistics and safety.
The construction site for Kop Dakpark is compact. There is hardly any storage space. That requires tight organization. “Everything revolves around timing,” De Graaf explains. “When does the concrete arrive, when does the facade finishing start and when do we need the crane? That all has to fit together exactly.” Logistics also require attention. Material is constantly being delivered and removed, often from top to bottom. At the same time, BUILLT works at great heights, up to more than 40 meters. “Then everything has to be right. The structures must be well calculated and executed exactly as they are.”
For Kop Dakpark, BUILLT realizes a combination of scaffolding and supports of concrete structures. The supports, which are integrated into the facade scaffolding, absorb the loads of the balconies. “That makes it technically challenging,” says De Graaf. “The structure has to be sufficiently strong and stable while remaining practical during construction. Accessibility and ability to walk around the scaffold during the support phase of the balconies is very important. In the preliminary phase we spent a lot of time on this together with the client.” That approach is now more than paying off, resulting in fewer failure costs. This ensures that the execution goes entirely according to schedule.
According to De Graaf, the project is all about collaboration. “You really do this together. With the contractor, but also with other parties on the construction site. You have to keep looking for each other.” Safety plays a big role in this. BUILLT works with certified employees and according to the applicable guidelines for scaffolding and support structures. “Recently, we were recertified for VCA-Petrochemistry and once again passed the audit for step 3 on the Safety Culture Ladder.”
The project has now been underway for more than a year. “When soon the last scaffold is gone and everything is safe and on schedule, I will be proud,” says De Graaf. “Then you'll see that good preparation really makes a difference.”
