Comfortable and safe living in senior complex 't Heycop in Breukelen:

Senior citizens' complex 't Heycop in Breukelen was rocked by a major fire in one of its 114 apartments in 2018. In order to evacuate residents in a hurry, the fire department had to force all the apartment front doors. Replacement was necessary as a result. Commissioned by Van Wijnen Utrecht, Verweij Houttechniek recently renewed all the front doors, including corresponding front door frames and with maximum attention to fire safety, burglar resistance and ease of operation.

Verweij Houttechniek manufactures, supplies and assembles durable windows, doors, frames and prefabricated products, such as dormers, sheds 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," says Account Manager Martin Kamphuis. "Moreover, we are strong in renovation in inhabited state, where we can also take care of the resident communication if required. Our technicians have extensive experience in communicating with and relieving residents. They keep a neat distance, have an eye and attention for safety and leave the environment in which they work tidy. The renovation of senior complex 't Heycop is an excellent calling card for this."

Plan of Action

The cooperation with Van Wijnen Utrecht is the result of successful past experiences, he emphasizes. "I still know Deputy Director Renovation & Transformation Martijn Leijdekker from his time with his previous employer, for whom we regularly carried out replacement projects. As a result, Martijn was already very familiar with our services. When the replacement request in 't Heycop presented itself, he contacted us again. Together we visited the project and mapped out the wishes, requirements and logistical processes. Based on this information, we created a customized Plan of Action, which is part of the large-scale and sustainable improvement. Prior to the work, our surveyors also mapped out all dimensions. In order to disturb residents as little as possible, most of the facades were measured from the gallery side. In addition, the interior side was mapped in two homes."

30 minutes fire resistant

As the first phase of the improvement project, Verweij Houttechniek replaced all of the homes' front door frames. "Windows with a high volumetric mass were chosen," says Kamphuis. "In addition, all ceiling and façade connections were accurately sealed, in accordance with fire resistance requirements, so that fire spread from corridors to homes and between homes is no longer possible." Flat panel doors with a high-quality EI 30 fire-resistant filling were installed in the frames, he says. "In addition, a laminated pane and door spigot are integrated into the front doors, which also meet a fire resistance requirement of 30 minutes."

Hardware for the senior target group

All front doors are produced, sanded, primed and finished in the factory of Verweij Houttechniek in Woerden and under the best (climate) conditions. A neutral color was chosen for the interior and exterior (RAL 9001). "Also, in Woerden, the glazing and hardware were pre-assembled," said Kamphuis. "Because of the target group, a multi-point locking system was chosen in combination with core pull security and senior citizen hardware. Here the cylinder is located above the door handle, making it easier for residents to insert their key into the lock. This takes ease of use, fire safety and burglar resistance to the highest level." All doors were transported to the construction site ready-made and just-in-time, minimizing inconvenience to residents. 

Following the home front doors and front door frames, Verweij Houttechniek also replaced the facades of the stairwells. "This also ensures the fire safety of the stairwells at all times."