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Clients in the construction industry have a growing need for flexible real estate, notes Jan Snel. The modular builder is betting on circularity. At the same time, the opportunities in the market segment regarding stacked construction are growing. "Traditionally, we reuse existing units and investigate the possibilities regarding optimization of use. In our view, circular construction cannot be separated from the growing demand for flexible real estate," says project leader for circularity Daan Kosterman.
Independent, modular builder Jan Snel recently had its total annual production of units vetted for CO2-emissions, using the software program EcoChain. "A number of interesting things emerged from that," says Kosterman. "First and foremost, concrete and steel account for the heaviest amount of CO2-emissions. These construction components already have an important role in the reuse of our units." More gains can be made in the production chain, with sustainably produced raw materials and reduction of use. "Building materials such as EPS insulation are now taken back by the manufacturer. Eighty cubic meters of Styrofoam go back to the factory every month. That is a significant development in making the chain more sustainable."
Jan Snel does not yet see the demand for circular construction from clients exploding immediately; the demand for flexible real estate does, and both developments complement each other, Kosterman says. "We see a growing demand for real estate that in time can be used for other target groups. For example, student housing that is needed now but may eventually become redundant." In this way, Jan Snel can respond to short-term demand, but also redeploy the units over time. Several projects in which Jan Snel serves as contractor are now moving in that direction, such as Startblok Elzenhagen in Amsterdam-Noord, a project for 540 students and status holders. "Many clients need flexible forms of housing, both in high-rise and low-rise buildings. In Groningen, for example, we are building exchange homes for people who are looking for temporary housing due to the renovation of their damaged homes."
"As mentioned, the search for totally circular construction is our starting point, and the conventional approach with reuse of existing systems is already a good step," Kosterman continued. "Of course we are optimizing the production chain in the context of raw material use; in addition, we are looking for new forms of circular design. For example, we are investigating the possibility of an all-wood unit." The stacking of units is also in a process of optimization. Jan Snel is going to build student housing up to twelve stories high in Bochum, Germany. High-rise buildings involve significantly higher fire safety requirements. Therefore, the piping is optimized for stacked construction. In this way, Jan Snel is constantly trying to come up with new concepts for the optimal composition. "Modular construction will eventually become more and more circular, but above all more flexible in use and more sustainable in the production chain."
