Strength in cooperation

Allure for Kop van Noord

Contractor Jurriens is working with housing corporation Woonstad Rotterdam on a major project in Rotterdam. In the Oude Noorden neighborhood, the renovation of stores and homes is taking place. The renovation of the building envelope is combined with foundation repair and maintenance.

The neighborhood, like so many neighborhoods of this era, suffers from foundation problems. Project manager Deniz Boran of Woonstad: "We are repairing the foundation by installing a new foundation and combining this with carrying out overdue maintenance. Beforehand, we carried out MOTs and looked at the condition of the kitchens, bathrooms and toilets. Based on that, a list of things that need to be replaced was made. Residents who received a new kitchen or bathroom made a big improvement. In addition, the (sound) insulation has improved for everyone."

Jurriens is now on its 3rd foundation project in the Old North. In Benthuizerstraat, Lauwerslootstraat and Zoomstraat, 16 residential units and 9 commercial spaces are being tackled. The dwellings were originally porch-storey houses with an attention to facade decoration characteristic of the time and a lavish use of bay windows and balconies.

Former style brought back

Business manager Henny van Snek of Jurriens says, "At the start of every project, we begin with an investigation process, based on the foundation study provided by Woonstad. Foundation repair where residents remain in the apartments above is always a challenge. In this case, the first floor on Benthuizerstraat was a storefront. The walls were broken away and the layouts changed. On the front facade, all the window frames were replaced and more embellishment was devised by the architect. The natural stone cladding has brought the street back more to the old style. There is now a robust building again." Boran: "Despite the fact that it was not a protected cityscape, we want to bring back the old style as much as possible. We made a quality change in the plinth. It has become quieter with more character and is beautifully lit in the evening. It really is a jewel of the street." Because of its location near a streetcar line, Jurriens had to deal with a number of challenges, such as building the scaffolding. Sound insulation was also adapted to this, including the use of a sus box at the ventilation grilles.

Living comfort and nuisance

"I think living comfort has improved tremendously," says Social Project Manager Debby Smit of Woonstad. "To renovate on the first floor while people continue to live upstairs is a challenge. Keeping residents well informed and in a timely manner is an important aspect of approaching inhabited conditions. Residents want to know where they stand: what is the work, when will it take place, what is the impact and how long will it take?" Boran: "We always look for a balance between the intensity of construction and the residents. Collaboration is a customized product, it doesn't always go well right away. We have been working together for three years now and have learned many lessons in this, it is going very well. We therefore want to maintain the core team as much as possible and keep the lines of communication short. Van Snek: "Because we now know each other well, there is a growing basis of trust. That works well together. You are two parties, but you do the work together. Where you can support each other, you support each other. That is an optimal way of working."