Even faster, more beautiful and more efficient construction

In the Paddepoel district of Groningen, a stylish apartment complex will be rising in exactly one year, completely in keeping with its surroundings. Nijhuis Noord's working method is remarkable. As early as the shell of the building it opts for innovative solutions, enabling it to build more quickly, attractively and efficiently at a later stage.

The sustainable apartment complex on the Dierenriemstraat in Groningen is being built on behalf of housing corporation Nijestee. The complex has three floors and will be divided into 23 social rental apartments and 6 medium rental apartments, each with its own storage space and solar panels. A parking space can be rented in the courtyard. In terms of construction, height and orientation, the building fits seamlessly with the apartments in the immediate vicinity.

Noisy foundation

The start was difficult for a while. The foundation of the apartment complex required large numbers of deeply driven precast concrete piles. And that in the middle of the built-up area. "Drilled piles were not an option here," explains Marcel Luth, assistant project manager at Nijhuis Bouw. "Due to the undercurrent present, the liquid concrete could flow away. So we were forced to foundation with ready-made piles. But fortunately, the surrounding area took the noise pollution for granted."

The construction method

The houses are built with hollow walls and wide slab floors. As a rule, the exterior facades are then erected with masonry, were it not for the fact that one side of the building lacks the space to erect the scaffolding for this. "For this facade, Constar Prefab completely prefabricated the facade element, including stone strips," says Luth. "Neatly hand-bricked in wild bond, exactly like the other facades. With a crane - set up on the other side of the building - we brought the 14-ton facade element into place."

Recesses for ventilation

For the ventilation system, Nijhuis also takes forward-looking measures as early as the shell construction phase. It has the recesses for these systems made in the formwork of the wide slab floor. "Now this is not very special," Luth knows, "What is special is that the valves are also cast in at the factory. This offers great advantages. No more drilling is required during construction, the recesses can be finished more attractively and a considerable number of hours are saved. The approach does require cooperation between floor supplier, installer and Nijhuis. Everyone must agree and want to work in BIM."

"It suits Nijhuis Bouw to be open to these kinds of innovative ideas. If we see benefit in it, we are happy to go ahead with new ideas. And that is certainly the case here."   

Construction Info

Client
Nijestee, Groningen

Design
ZOFA architects, Groningen

Constructor
Dijkhuis Engineers, Groningen

Contractor
Nijhuis Noord, Assen

Installer
Aalbers Installatietechniek, Stadskanaal

Construction period
December 2020 - December 2021