A stepping stone to new building

Circular walls and ceilings

Now that the shell construction of REC P is complete, Donec Afbouw is installing interior walls and ceilings throughout the university building. This, too, is done according to the rules of circular construction. Some of the materials will be reused.

Circular construction is a phenomenon on the rise, and Donec Afbouw is no different. "It has come our way before," says Stef Broeks, director of Donec Afbouw, "but not yet on this scale. It differs from building with new materials, but it's going fine."

Circular construction

From the plating material for reuse, Donec Afbouw first selects the boards that are suitable for this purpose. It then deploys them as the first layer of double cladding. This way the reused panels are hidden from view and the end result is like new. The used panels also perform excellent service as insulation. Broeks realizes that circular projects are the future and will become increasingly common. "From this perspective, this is an interesting project. It is a welcome stepping stone to new building."

Just-in-time deliveries

A challenge of a different order is its location, in the heart of Amsterdam. There is a lack of storage space here, so the supply of materials requires extra attention. "With every delivery, our people have to be ready at the construction site to pick them up and put them inside. These just-in-time deliveries demand a tight schedule. Fortunately, the lines of communication are short. That facilitates consultation on this."

Meanwhile, half of the work is done for Donec Afbouw. In order to deliver the building in September, it will still have to work hard. "Time is tight. On the other hand, it is a beautiful project with a high level of finishing. The university can move forward with this again for a long time."