(Structural) demolition work and asbestos removal Rivierenhuis Amsterdam

'Behind the scenes we've been working on this for months'

Visscher Demolition and Asbestos Removal is responsible for all demolition activities for the Rivierenhuis project in Amsterdam. From dismantling the homes to the shell and structural demolition work on the elevators and boiler house to a small portion of asbestos in support of Hemubo Milieu. In addition, the company is providing all drilling and sawing work for the new cables and pipes.

Visscher Demolition and Asbestos Removal was started eleven years ago 'at the kitchen table' by Nick and Sara Visscher. Visscher now employs fifty to seventy people daily and has all the necessary certificates, both for asbestos removal and as a recognized demolition company. Project leader Richard Quist: "We have all machines and resources in-house, which means we have everything we need for large and small jobs. That kitchen table has become a large office in Wormerveer, but the family atmosphere has remained."

Visscher Demolition and Asbestos Removal worked for Hemubo Bouw on a project in Alkmaar several years ago. This collaboration pleased both sides, Quist says. "During that cooperation it turned out that we could support and strengthen each other well. During the execution of this project, we were approached by Hemubo Betontechniek for a project in Zandvoort. This was satisfactorily executed and delivered and this strengthened our cooperation with Hemubo Betontechniek. For the Rivierenhuis project in Amsterdam, director Ed van den Bosch introduced us to Hemubo Bouw. They approached us and after calculation we came to an agreement."

'Quite a preparation'

The Rivierenhuis in Amsterdam consists of 320 homes and is divided into two phases: 104 homes in the first phase and 216 in the second phase. Visscher is hard at work there. Quist: "It is a project with a very short lead time. We have about five weeks for phase one and we are running there with an average of 25 people every day. It requires quite an organization, both in preparation and operationally. Behind the scenes we have been working on this for months."

In this case, the complex will be demolished all the way back to the shell, after which rebuilding can begin. Quite a project for the demolition company, and in a short time. "We also do small jobs, but we are really good at the more complex demolitions and asbestos remediation. We can do a lot of work in a short time. We've proven that by now. For example, we work a lot in hospitals, such as VU and UMC Utrecht. There, we demolish entire departments for renovation projects while the rest of the hospital is still in operation. We also do projects for government agencies, such as police stations, courts and buildings of Defense."

Quist is pleased with the collaboration with Hemubo. "It's a special project because of the location, the history of the building and the challenge in terms of time. But we thought carefully beforehand together with Hemubo about what was needed and what was available. So far, therefore, the execution is running fine."