Vlietland College opts for smart investments in housing

Building without risk

Building a new school building without financial risks and with full control over quality and content? The Vlietland College in Leiden is doing it - with the help of HEVO. As a partner in risk-bearing project management, HEVO supervises the entire process: from the initial ideas to realization and commissioning.

"We always build for a user," says Linda Kröse, partner and project manager at HEVO. "In this case, an independent school that knows exactly what it wants: a building that suits its educational vision as well as the city of Leiden." That user was therefore central from the beginning. Together with the Vlietland College, HEVO drew up a Program of Requirements and translated this into a design. It also supervised the team that brought the plans to life.

The new school, designed by architecture firm BDP, will be on the edge of town. Not a massive volume with fences around it, but an open, pavilion-like building that shows itself to the neighborhood. With sight lines to the canal, an inviting central plaza and wings that each house an educational domain.

Building without worries

The secret behind this integrated approach is Risk-Based Project Management (RPM), a form of construction management in which HEVO is responsible for budget, planning and quality. "We take over the arrangement work from A to Z, so that the client can focus entirely on education," Kröse explains. "That requires intensive involvement, but also provides peace of mind for the school."

Integral collaboration with architects, installers and consultants from the outset minimizes failure costs. Moreover, HEVO remains involved for up to two years after completion to guarantee that the building meets all requirements even when in use.

Flexible, durable and comfortable

The design is fully committed to sustainability and future-proofing. "We use no load-bearing interior walls, so that spaces are easily adaptable," Kröse explains. "We also chose robust materials that last a long time and a hybrid installation system that is both energy-efficient and flexible." Because of grid congestion, the school could not yet become completely energy-neutral. "But as soon as the grid allows it, we will be ready."

Care for environment and safety

A new building always evokes reactions in the neighborhood. That is why there was a lot of consultation with local residents as well as with the fire department. "The fire department has less and less capacity to turn out," says project manager Henrie van den Berg. "That's why we looked for smart solutions together, such as additional attack routes and compartmentalization. This way the building remains open and transparent, but still meets the safety requirements."

Other measures, such as vibration-free foundation piles and a sunken bicycle parking area, also show that care for the environment is an important consideration. "You build not only for the school, but also for the local residents," says Kröse. "And then you have to take all parties involved into account. We're happy to do that."

Collaboration as a success factor

Before the 2025 construction season, shell construction will start. Van den Berg looks ahead with confidence: "Everyone feels responsible: the school, the architect and the contractor. There were bumps, but so far we have always faced them together." Kröse adds: "The client received maximum quality within the predetermined budget, thanks to Risk-Based Project Management. So the school will soon get exactly what it needs - and more. We find that very important, because good education starts with good housing."