Safe, accessible galleries and balconies

For this reason, the galleries and some balconies on the first and fourth floors are being raised. PAM Gallery and Balcony Raising B.V. is performing this work.

"We are applying our proven PAM System Construction on this project," says director Jan Luttikhuis. "We developed this system some thirty years ago, initially to remedy water puddles on the galleries. We further developed this system into what it is today: a lightweight, extremely strong, flexible and stable elevation system to remove the step from the gallery or balcony to the apartment." The PAM System Construction is composed of plastic supports, topped with plastic tiles and a cover layer of durable material in a variety of color options. The cover layer acts as an anti-slip mat and is also water permeable and fireproof.

Site visit

PAM agreed the design with the architect and looked at the implementation of the elevation system at an early stage with the contractor. Luttikhuis: "As usual, we visited the site to see the situation on site. We measured the galleries and balconies. We also determined that the railings of the galleries would no longer meet the requirements for climbability and prescribed height after raising. We also provide the panel adjustment and railing raising required for this."

As little inconvenience as possible

PAM's installation team will start at the end of March. First the railings will be raised, followed by the gallery and balcony floors. "Our method is aimed at minimizing inconvenience to residents," says Luttikhuis. "Because our system has no drying time, the gallery is walkable at all times. Moreover, all our stuff is neatly contained in roll containers, so there is nothing in the way of residents on the galleries. For the balconies, we work with artificial leather bags. With these, we can walk through the house without dirtying the floor or damaging furniture. Moreover, we don't bother the residents for long. An average balcony is raised and finished in three hours. For the entire project, we need about five weeks."  

'Our approach is to minimize inconvenience to residents'