The digital construction site

Working with digital techniques and an eye for detail

BAM Wonen made 111 row houses more sustainable in the Diemen district of Spoorzicht for Rochdale housing corporation. Under the banner of the 'better label project', the average energy label of the four housing types was raised from D to A. What is special about this project is the use of digital tools and the fact that authentic details were preserved or restored as much as possible.

The work included insulating the housing envelope and performing maintenance work. The window frames were replaced and fitted with HR++ glass, the cavity walls were insulated, and the roof was replaced and fitted with insulation. The preserved homes also received a new ventilation system. Painting and pointing repairs were also performed. New front doors were installed and optional solar panels were installed.  

Drone, 3D scans and IWB

For the planning phase of the project, the homes were scanned with drones, says project manager Pascal Holleman of BAM Wonen. "This was the first project where we used the drone for up-to-date and accurate images. We now do this in all our projects. Drone technology ensures an optimal preparation process. It makes many house details digitally available to all parties involved. This allows us to accurately map damages and defects, such as cracking and broken roof tiles. We can also measure everything very precisely and even order the window frames based on those scans."

Previously, the construction site hut was full of construction drawings. Now the BAM Wonen construction site huts are equipped with a large digiboard for the supervisors. On this they indicate, for example, what the installer in a house should pay attention to. "The entire project team also has access to a smartphone with a LiDaR scanner. With this, all project team members can scan the inside of a house in 3D and put these images on the IWB with the press of a button. This is useful, for example, to coordinate how the ventilation box ductwork should be."

Authentic architecture and contemporary living comfort

BAM Wonen realized the project together with several chain partners: co-makers. "We've been working with most of them for years, so we know exactly what to expect from them. Even if things sometimes go wrong, together we always manage to solve them neatly."

The houses date partly from the 1930s and partly from the 1950s. During the preservation process, care was taken to preserve authentic details as much as possible or even restore them by bringing back their characteristic appearance. "They are homes with a specific architecture. In the 1980s, the houses were fitted with plastic window frames that were installed in the original wooden frame. We removed both window frames and installed new plastic window frames, with the same detailing as the original wooden window frames. In addition, half of the homes had monument gutters. We put back both the panelled gutters and the zinc gutters
can bring." 

The final homes were completed in November. Most of the work took place on the outside, allowing residents to remain in their homes. To limit the inconvenience in the residential area and prevent misplacing due to delivery problems, a buffer site was set up where all parties involved could store their supplies. "The residents are happy with the result. They have more living comfort and save considerably on their energy consumption and CO2 emissions," Holleman said. "We always measure resident satisfaction and with this project it was a 9.1. We are very happy with that."