Platform on new construction, renovation, restoration and transformation
Woonstad Rotterdam recently had a porch apartment building with 30 homes demolished. The homes on the Persoonshaven in Rotterdam were built around 1910 and renovated in 1987. De Groot Vroomshoop storage sheds were installed near the houses at the beginning of this century to provide residents with additional storage space. Although the storerooms were still standing like a house, the homes in the porch flats were now in real need of replacement.
More sustainable alternative
Sheds at De Groot Vroomshoop are founded with recycled plastic foundation blocks. Persoonshaven was one of the first projects to use this innovative method of foundation. Recycled plastic is more environmentally friendly than concrete foundation. It is UV-resistant and maintains bearing capacity in more extreme high and low temperatures. The blocks are lighter and therefore easier to lift and move. And more durable than concrete, it turns out.
Circular construction in practice
The plastic foundation blocks released during demolition are as good as new. The logo of De Groot Vroomshoop has been incorporated into the mold and is still clearly visible. A. van Liempd Demolition Companies got in touch and gauged whether there was a need to give the blocks a second life in a subsequent construction project. De Groot Vroomshoop bought them back and, after 15 years, will reuse them in a high-quality manner. A nice practical example of circular construction.
Not demolishing, but mining
The demolition company makes it clear that this is the new way of working. "We don't demolish, we mine new raw materials. Through smart cooperation between Woonstad Rotterdam, A. van Liempd and De Groot Vroomshoop, we preserve value and close the circle." The circular economy offers financial opportunities. The plastic foundation blocks can be repurchased favorably, but retain their material value. Moreover, housing corporations are increasingly consciously choosing sustainable partners. To add to this, "The plastic foundation blocks are produced in an environmentally friendly way from recycled plastic that therefore has eternal life," says De Groot Vroomshoop.
