The innovative heroes of Beverburgh's renovation

In the construction industry, unexpected challenges often produce the most innovative solutions. Such was the case with the renovation of the Beverburgh apartment complex in Rotterdam. Vogel B.V., specialists in concrete maintenance, designed a unique structural solution for the building's consoles there. Project engineer Jacco Verhage tells all about this special renovation project.

Vogel B.V. began in 1897 as a plastering company, but has since grown into the all-round expert in concrete maintenance. "We can be called in for everything that involves concrete: from minor repairs to structural reinforcements," says Verhage. The company mainly carries out projects within residential construction and industry, and excels with innovative techniques that are often designed and patented in-house.

Hidden challenges

What began as a simple renovation job in Rotterdam grew into a major project full of innovative solutions. Vogel B.V. was involved in the renovation of apartment complex Beverburgh by client Smits Vastgoedzorg. The initial demand was quickly addressed, but during the project Vogel B.V. discovered a hidden problem: damage to the building's consoles. "It seemed that the consoles were not properly connected to the facade," explains Verhage. "After investigation, we indeed found that they were in poor condition due to incomplete replacement in the past. We came up with several solutions and recently set to work repairing the damage after agreement from the client and the manager."

Innovative and social

The answer to the console challenge is a unique, innovative approach: a combination of carbon fiber anchors and steel shoes. "Using a long drill, we place 2-meter rods at the top of the consoles. We do that in combination with a steel shoe at the bottom for reinforcement," Verhage explains. This solution provides not only stability, but also minimal disruption to residents. "We do drilling with whisper-quiet diamond drills and we work from suspended boxes. This keeps noise and physical nuisance to a minimum. The latter in particular is the most important thing for us: of course we are doing it for the residents. We are proud that with a broad thought process and good cooperation with our partners we can strengthen the consoles and at the same time limit the nuisance for residents." The work on the Beverburgh will run until the end of 2024, after which residents can once again enjoy their balconies and galleries to the fullest.