From demolition with policy to milling and drilling

The Kampen demolition company Kwakkel often acts as a subcontractor for construction and contractor companies. The company is primarily engaged in demolition (renovation demolition) and drilling, sawing and milling work. During the transformation of Plein 54, Kwakkel was even called in twice.

"Mateboer Bouw asked us to join the Plein 54 construction team," explains business manager Gerard Koobs. "We first went to look at the property at the estimation stage in 2020 and submitted our bid in early 2021. In July 2021, we started stripping the property and made it completely 'bare'. Only the structural walls and floors, the stairs, the atrium with walkways and exterior facades were still standing. Here we worked from top to bottom: top-down. After stripping, construction could begin with the new layout and all the associated installation work."

With a side party, Kwakkel ensured that many materials were removed with care so that they could be reused. These include, for example, the system ceilings, doors, walls and carpet tiles. "That again contributes to circular demolition and sustainability. Where it fits, we try to give more and more attention to circularity and expand this new outlet."

drilling and sawing

Kwakkel was then called in for the second time, this time by subcontractor Hulstflier. Koobs: "They asked us to drill the holes and cut and carve trenches in the ground and first-floor floors. These were prestressed floors, so we had to look carefully where exactly to drill. We were allowed a maximum of two touches per floor, to prevent structural deterioration of the building. There was a lot of measuring involved in the preliminary process, but it all went well." The challenge with this kind of project, according to Koobs, is that you have to stay ahead with your work, so that everyone who has to work afterwards can also work on schedule.

Kwakkel, with a total of about 50 employees (including flexible shell) is a regular chain partner of Mateboer Bouw. "We always have a pleasant cooperation," he says. Koobs considers it a good initiative that in this project an empty office building was converted into housing. "Especially given the housing shortage, this is a good thing. The property's surroundings also lent themselves perfectly to this. This will certainly not be the last time."