Rivierenhuis: sustainability with an eye for residents' needs

High-quality renovation with circular products

In Amsterdam, the large-scale renovation of the Rivierenhuis is currently taking place: a striking 1964 building with 320 homes. Hemubo Bouw is the main contractor on the project, in which the homes are being sustainably improved and energy-efficient. The layout of the building is also being changed.

The process began some five years ago at the initiative and on the instructions of Eigen Haard housing foundation. A construction team consisting of Eigen Haard, DOOR architects and Hemubo jointly drew up a Plan of Action. Project leader David Rinaldi of Hemubo Bouw: "We researched the housing needs and carried out technical inspections. We then set up various working groups for design, installation, circularity and residents' wishes, among other things. Over time, we turned a preliminary design into a final design. Because we wanted to create a sustainable project, we needed different areas of expertise. We like to work with fixed parties, our chain partners. This is the only way we can continuously improve the process."

The renovation plan is good for both the environment and the residents and client. It provides them with a manageable and energy-efficient building. Given the nature and scope of the work, support among the residents was needed. To this end, the plans were tested during several information fairs. Two model homes were also built and residents were informed and asked for feedback in personal conversations. Rinaldi: "From this we got a lot of information, which we also incorporated into the plan. Such as solutions for pigeon nuisance and questions about shading. We also adjusted the model homes based on this feedback. At a subsequent meeting, we were then able to show what we had done with all the input. This way, people feel heard and that gives us the basis for support."

'Resident communication is important'

To complete the renovation, residents will move into temporary alternate housing for approximately six months. The project is being done in phases, allowing residents to be housed in the same building during the work. Resident communication is very important in this type of project, Rinaldi believes. Therefore, in addition to a residents' team from Eigen Haard, a residents' team from Hemubo is also present at the construction site. "Residents can go there with questions during consultation hours. We also take the time for customized talks, for example for people with care needs. That's how we try to get everyone on board." 

High-quality reuse and circular products

In a very short time, the building will be dismantled wing by wing. The goal is to give as many elements as possible a new life through high-quality reuse, both inside and outside the project. For example, boilers and electric water heaters will go to other projects, toilets and sinks that are still good will be cleaned and put back in the Riverside House. When the building is fully shell-ready again, it will be fitted with roof, wall and floor insulation. There will be a new layout with circular, bio-based system walls. The homes will have underfloor heating, which is quite unique for social housing. The window frames will also be fitted with circular HR++ glass and and the homes will again receive a new bathroom, kitchen and toilet. The entire building will soon be electrically heated. Some 345 solar panels on the roof will provide the power supply; also for the general lighting, the elevators and the air water heat pumps which provide central heating and hot tap water. There will also be a ventilation system based on heat recovery.

Compared to a traditional renovation, Hemubo and Eigen Haard are reducing 538 tons of material-related CO2 emissions and also storing 832 tons of CO2 by actively steering for a low CO2 footprint in the renovation of the Rivierenhuis. This total is equivalent to the emissions of nine years of electricity consumption of one hundred Dutch households. Rinaldi: "The Rivierenhuis is a unique project because of the circular approach on this scale. As an all-round company, we can use all our specialties here."

Construction Info

Client

Eigen Haard

Architect

DOOR architects

Main contractor

Hemubo