Platform on new construction, renovation, restoration and transformation
On Westblaak, a former office building is undergoing an impressive transformation into 98 contemporary apartments. With expertise in plumbing, sewer systems, and sustainable mechanical and electrical systems, the team at ICD Techniek is ensuring that every home will be both comfortable and future-proof.
Following a preparatory phase, ICD Techniek has now begun its work. “We’re handling all the systems related to water, drainage, hot water, heating, cooling, and air handling,” says Paul Vugts of ICD Techniek. “We’ve started installing the water and drainage systems. Drainage pipes and water lines are being installed in the apartments, and we’ll install the plumbing fixtures later, once the walls are in place.”
A key component of the project is the sustainable energy supply. “We’ll soon begin installing the thermal energy storage system,” says Vugts. “It consists of a large 200-kW heat pump and is partially supported by district heating. The outdoor unit will be installed in a recessed tray on the roof, keeping it out of sight from street level, in full compliance with municipal requirements. The system provides underfloor heating, underfloor cooling, and hot water through indirect distribution systems in the apartments.”.
”This makes it possible to heat or cool each home individually, providing maximum flexibility and comfort for the residents."
According to Vugts, the transformation also presents challenges. “Beneath the apartments is a commercial base level with stores that will remain open during construction. When you consider that all the drains and pipes from the apartments will eventually run through these spaces, this requires tight scheduling during installation to minimize disruption.” What further sets this project apart is that all systems are being installed ‘in plain view,’ for example, on ceilings and in walls. “This is in contrast to new construction, where our systems are typically concealed in concrete,” says Vugts, adding that installing water and sewer systems is second nature to ICD Techniek. “We do virtually nothing else. Here in Rotterdam, with a team of skilled professionals, we’re making our way through the building in a highly structured manner and following the schedule set by our client, BIK Bouw. All in all, it’s a great project for us.”
