From traditional office to modern workplace

In the heart of Utrecht, on the Graadt van Roggenweg, a lot of hard work has recently gone into a transformation that is more than a simple renovation. PHB Elst, a renowned construction company specializing in renovation and maintenance, has transformed an outdated office building here into a modern and sustainable workplace. With an eye for detail, smart solutions and good cooperation, the project was successfully completed in July 2024. Project Manager Jeroen Kleijer and General Superintendent Ferron Maassen look back on this challenging and successful adventure.

PHB Elst is part of a larger organization with offices in Elst, Deventer, Nieuwegein and Heemskerk. The company focuses primarily on renovations and maintenance projects, often in cooperation with commercial parties and government agencies. "One of our long-term clients is the National Property Company, with whom we work on beautiful and extensive projects," Kleijer explains. At PHB Elst, sustainability plays a central role. "We make every effort to reuse materials and reduce our ecological footprint," Maassen says. "In every project we look at where we can contribute to a circular building economy."

A complex renovation  

The outdated building no longer met the needs of the National Property Administration and its users: the staff of the Public Prosecutor's Office. PHB Elst stripped the entire building and rebuilt it according to the design of architectural firm De Twee Snoeken. Working in a building that remained partially occupied brought logistical challenges. "The OM's business operations continued as usual," Kleijer says. "We therefore tackled the floor in two parts so that work could always continue." Maassen adds: "Logistically it was also puzzling. There is little space on the site, so we had to make sure that everything that was delivered went immediately to the right place."

Smart and sustainable building 

PHB Elst applied innovative techniques to reuse materials in this project. "We reused the old drywall as an underlayment for the new system walls," Maassen says. "The insulation materials were also reused. This fits within our broader vision of sustainability. We even have colleagues working on this full-time." Custom interior work was also provided. "We made cabinets, glass walls and panels - all to the architect's design," Kleijer said. "Some panels are almost works of art, with engraved images. The whole interior forms one cohesive whole."

Proud of a successful project 

The result is a modern, durable and user-friendly building. "I am especially proud of the collaboration," says Kleijer. "With the client, architect and users. Everyone is satisfied and that is the most important thing." Maassen also looks back with satisfaction. "The atmosphere during the project was top-notch. That really contributed to a smooth construction process." 

PHB Elst's customer-oriented approach is striking: "We are already being approached by parties who know us from this project," Kleijer says. "That's what we do it for: building long-term relationships." 

A solid foundation for the future 

With the Graadt van Roggenweg in its pocket, PHB Elst is looking ahead to new challenges. "Projects like this show what we can do, and that ensures that clients know how to find us for new challenges," Kleijer concludes. "We want clients to know they are in good hands with us." 

With sustainable innovations and an unmistakable focus on cooperation, PHB Elst has once again shown why it is a reliable partner in the construction industry. One thing is certain: the Graadt van Roggenweg is a calling card for what is possible when craftsmanship and vision come together.