Platform on new construction, renovation, restoration and transformation
De Roon Architects, which itself is based in Barendrecht, took inspiration for project "Singelstaete" from the New Hague School of the 1920s. In itself, this seems like a very normal building project, yet it is an exception to the rule. After all, it does not involve a traditional general contractor. U-build brings together the clients and providers in the construction industry. The client thus takes ownership of his project, but can count on advice and support from the developer throughout the process.
'Singelstaete, may this pile give you a solid foundation, may your residents be given many happy and healthy years, and may your beauty enrich the center of Barendrecht forever.' These words were on the first pile struck for U-build Bouw en Ontwikkeling's project in Barendrecht on Sept. 17 of last year. The company from Ridderkerk uses a very exceptional concept. After all, it does not work with a traditional general contractor, but brings together clients and suppliers in the market. The client becomes the owner of his project, but is supported by the U-build team throughout the entire process.
A long period of preparations preceded that first pile. For example, U-build negotiated with the management of Rabobank to buy their property, but when the deal was almost closed, it turned out that the property had already been sold to another party. "We sought cooperation with that other party and started the development together, but soon the other party withdrew. That did not eliminate all the problems. Municipal officials argued that on our plan, the building was in the wrong place and it needed to move 5.7 meters to the right. We entered into discussions with the municipality and also organized a meeting with local residents, to present our project and hear their opinions," says Remon Vermaire, project developer and, together with Bert van der Leun, owner of U-build. "This showed that the local residents were to be found for our new construction project, óon our original site. The council meeting followed the opinion of the residents and approved a plan, even moving the building 1.34 meters more to the left. After a year and a half, we were finally able to file the zoning change from a two-story bank building to a five-story apartment complex. Fortunately, the granting of the permits did go smoothly."
The apartment complex immediately stands out for its richly colored brickwork and the combination of the horizontal lines of the balconies, among others, with vertical building elements, such as the chimney that runs from the basement to the roof. "Singelstaete" includes 26 luxury apartments with a living area between 100 and 207 m², a generous terrace between 19 and 98 m² and a private parking space in the underground garage. The apartments will be luxuriously finished with large aluminum facades, generous balconies and basic home automation, are completely gas-free and connected to an air/water heat pump and solar panels. We also provide the complete finishing, except for the kitchen, where we can put buyers in touch with kitchen builders, but also allow them to choose their own supplier," concludes Vermaire. "The construction is in full swing and in the first quarter of 2022 we aim to deliver. I myself am quite impressed with the entrance in natural stone with a central atrium with an immense daylight canopy, where you get an open view of the apartments above and the sky."
