Finding convenient solutions to the challenges of transformations

"We give real estate a new future, by transforming and renovating it. We give buildings a different function or, on the contrary, extend the life of the property," you can read on the site of The New Standard. That was also the assignment for current project leader Arnoud Padmos, who was already involved in the transformation of the Prins Hendrik building in The Hague as a work planner. 

Client Focus Real Estate engaged De Nieuwe Norm because of its experience in transforming iconic buildings. A good example was an earlier project on the Paviljoensgracht and now the Prins Hendrik building in The Hague. The former downtown office building is being transformed into a multifunctional residential complex. The building of some 2,600 square meters with underground parking will have a commercial infill on the first floor. On the floors will be 35 turnkey city apartments for private rental with upscale finishes. "This neighborhood is rapidly developing. Such a transformation gives an immediate boost to the area. It's a beautiful neighborhood to live in," Padmos says. The building will have a gas-free installation concept: heat supply with heat pumps and residual heat from mechanical ventilation, combined with PCM in the underfloor heating. "Here heat is stored and released again gradually, so you have a very good efficiency."

Transformations: a surprise package

"With transformations, no project is the same," Padmos explains. "You're dealing with buildings with a history. For example, this Prins Hendrik building was built in 1967. But when I went looking in the Hague city archives, we found out that another piece was built on in 1968. That has a very different construction than the original building." 

Often such hidden construction surprises only emerge during demolition. By grabbing the archival drawings, The New Standard knew earlier that the beams in the original building ran from front to back facade, while in the later attached piece they run in a different direction. "It's important to do thorough research, because you just have to take that into account. It impacts the design."

'On the drawing, everything looks tight'

Transformations often involve various challenges, Padmos and his colleagues know from experience. "After all, you start working with an existing situation, which is of course not the case with new construction. Think of misalignment or sagging concrete floors. In this case, for example, we had to make balcony edges level again for the balustrades. On a drawing, everything looks sleek and straight, but especially with this type of building it is not. The trick is to find handy solutions to accommodate tolerances."  

According to Padmos, it is one of the strengths of The New Standard; responding to this type of challenge. "We map the surroundings accurately, very important in inner-city developments. For example, you have a tramway in front of your door here, then you can't put a crane down. We solve that with transport elevators and a passage at the back."

To meet all the challenges, good contacts with your partners are indispensable. For this project, The New Standard worked with, among others, architectural firm Studioschaeffer, structural engineer SWINN BV, Synorga elektrotechniek bv, Spie Building Solutions Nederland, FRC ventilatie techniek bv and OC Autarkis B.V. in combination with Easywarm.

Transformations and new developments

The building uses different facade finishes. The New Standard chose to work with GDS Keramiek B.V. and Drystack: dry stacking of bricks, without masonry mortar. "We work with plastic layers, which are clicked together. The end result is traditionally grouted, for a beautiful look." The plastic layers are a relatively new product, Padmos says. "You also have to try new things. It's just like with this building: if you always stick to old things, you'll never move forward."