Renovation with attention to detail and residents

Verweij Houttechniek designs, manufactures and assembles sustainable windows, doors, frames and prefabricated products, such as dormers, storerooms and timber frame walls. "We specialize in renovation projects and work mostly for property maintenance companies and renovating contractors, whom we relieve from A to Z," explains account manager Martin Kamphuis. "Moreover, we are strong in renovation in occupied condition. The renovation of Kop van Noord in Rotterdam is an excellent calling card for our services."

Kop van Noord is part of Rotterdam's Oude Noorden neighborhood, which emerged at the beginning of the last century. The houses were originally porch apartments, with great attention to facade decoration and a lavish use of bay windows and balconies. By the late 1970s, many of these homes had fallen into such disrepair that major maintenance was necessary. Although the houses practically gained in quality, the characteristic appearance of the buildings was violated. Now that the technical lifespan of the materials used has been reached, the building envelope will be renovated again, restoring the original character.

Home comfort increased

"We are realizing the fourth contract in Kop van Noord for contractor Jurriëns," says Kamphuis. "The collaboration came about in 2018 following a tender by housing corporation Woonstad Rotterdam. Jurriëns emerged as the contractor in this and since then we have been pulling together to make the works." In collaboration with Jurriëns, Verweij Houttechniek is currently replacing the frames, windows and doors of 40 homes on the Soetendaalseweg, with the frames forming by far the largest part of the job. "In all homes, the existing plastic window frames are being carefully removed. Where necessary, we adjust the set frames, after which we install a new wooden entry frame. The whole is finished with Woodstone cover profiles, restoring a high-quality facade appearance. The living enjoyment and comfort of the residents are also greatly enhanced. Wood looks friendly and warm, the façade elements are fitted with HR++ glazing, and with the perfectly fitting turning parts, draughts and leaks are no longer an issue."      

Because Verweij Houttechniek reuses the existing frame frames, inconvenience to residents is also kept to a minimum, stresses project leader Michiel Vis. "In most homes we can replace the frames, windows and doors in one day. Chopping, breaking, sawing and milling work is hardly an issue, if at all." 

Attention to detail

"In the preparatory phase, we measured all the frames, windows and doors to be replaced by us," says Vis. After this warm survey, Verweij Houttechniek started drawing. "Using our detailed drawings and sketches, we discussed all the details together with Jurriëns. We also looked together at how we could deliver and assemble all the wooden facade elements with the highest efficiency; from using the mobile tower crane to tightening the last screw."

A model home was created prior to the start of work. Vis: "This allowed us to optimize the (technical) details and residents of the neighborhood can see and feel the frames, windows and doors. We also provide a listening ear for the residents. They have questions like, 'How long will the work take? Is there much inconvenience? Will the workplace be left tidy? And can the curtains be hung back?' By talking to these residents, we take away a lot of anxiety."

Fully glazed and painted

For the assembly, Verweij Houttechniek works closely with project manager Robin van Leeuwen and contractor Emiel Lems of Jurriëns. "A challenge on the Soetendaalseweg are especially the crane moments," explains Vis. "We have to deal with narrow streets and facades that are difficult to reach. Moreover, we want to minimize the number of crane moments and the inconvenience. Therefore, the frames, windows and doors come from the factory completely glazed and painted and are delivered to the project at the right time. Here, the products are scaffolded and assembled for the appropriate façade section within the foreseeable future."

In an earlier phase of the project, Verweij Houttechniek fitted wooden window frames in the porch apartments on Hoeksestraat and in the store fronts on Benthuizerstraat, among other things. Here, too, much attention was paid to restoring the appearance of yesteryear, and the result is worth seeing. In the second quarter of 2022, the final work in the neighborhood will be completed.