Platform on new construction, renovation, restoration and transformation
On Amsterdam's Vlietstraat, a monumental residential block dating from 1912 is being completely renovated. This is a large-scale renovation of 260 social housing units, which will be tackled porch by porch. The intervention is huge: foundation repair, new layouts, return to the original Renaissance style and solving structural surprises along the way. Project leader Maarten Slob of Coen Hagedoorn Bouwgroep explains how the company went about the work.
Coen Hagedoorn was selected for this challenging project based on previous collaborations as well as a distinctive Plan of Action. “In terms of price, all three participating contractors were comparable, but we were able to make the difference through a porch-by-portico approach.” This is because the residential block consists of thirty porches around a courtyard garden, which Coen Hagedoorn is therefore renovating not all at once, but one at a time. That yielded an important advantage: fewer changeovers. “Relocating tenants is very difficult, especially in Amsterdam. If you can reduce the number of exchange homes, you have an edge,” Slob explains.
In this renovation, Coen Hagedoorn is performing a complete transformation. Every detail is being renewed: from demolishing the existing structure to installing new window frames. The entire residential block will be returned to its original Renaissance style, including the original shutters.
Because the complex is over a hundred years old, thorough research proved indispensable. Therefore, a year was first set aside to survey all architectural and structural components. This turned out to be no unnecessary luxury. “We found out many things that had not been seen beforehand. Much more wood rot, modifications to the shell and steel that was largely already at the end of its useful life,” Slob explains. More than a century of interventions, modifications and construction methods were hidden in the landmark building. “During construction, we encountered the full past history of the 110-year-old building. This called for tightening up the plan, which we implemented in close consultation with the client, consultants and executors. We adjusted the schedule and since then the project has been running like clockwork.”
Every three weeks, the team moves up one porch. Once a porch starts, the residents temporarily leave for the change homes and the implementation team receives the key. “26 weeks later, we hand the key back to the residents. In that time, we really did everything: the foundation was repaired and we demolished and rebuilt everything. The residents return to a completely new home.” That only works with a very tight schedule. “If one day something goes against us, such as bad weather or someone being sick, it immediately puts pressure on everything. Thanks to the commitment of the team, however, the work stays neatly on schedule. That challenge ensures that even such a long-term project remains challenging enough.”
Since the schedule was tightened in early 2024, all completion dates have been met. The last porches follow on a predictable schedule. “I already know when the next porch will be delivered and when the last one will be delivered. That's nice for us, but also for the client. After all, who can communicate that very clearly with the residents.”
