De Peperklip Rotterdam | Restoring old glory in 'De Peperklip'

It is one of the most striking buildings on Rotterdam-South. De Peperklip, designed by Carel Weeber as a counter-reaction to the "bitchy" 1970s architecture, is a colossal building with a distinct shape and striking color palette. Now, almost forty years after its construction, 'De Peperklip' is undergoing a large-scale renovation.

De Peperklip is owned by housing corporation Vestia. The complex, which looks like a paperclip from above, consists of 605 homes and 8 commercial spaces. To main contractor Maasmond the honor of restoring this high-profile residential complex to its former glory. "We have been working for Vestia for fifteen years," says Maasmond's Head of Production Richard Dubbelman. "We were awarded this contract through a tender in November 2016. We started work in August 2017."

More durable, safer, more aesthetically pleasing

The work will ensure that when completed, the Peperklip will meet current insulation and environmental standards. The building will also improve in terms of safety and experience. For example, designer and color consultant Clara Froger is involved in the project to give the building an aesthetic upgrade while respecting its cultural-historical value. Dubbelman: "We divided the work into a number of construction phases. First, we refurbished the general areas, stairwells and entrances. Since the beginning of 2018, we have been tackling the homes. We are remediating asbestos, replacing the facade frames and improving the insulation. We also include painting and tiling. In addition, each home receives a videophone system and CO₂-controlled ventilation."

On schedule

"We are tackling the homes strangely," Dubbelman continued. "We started with the low-rise houses. First the straights, then the curves. We did this at a rate of eight homes in three days. In the high-rise section, where we are now working, we need two days per strang." The schedule came about through lesson sessions. It will not be deviated from. Maasmond therefore expects all parties involved to go along with the planning. For the time being, that is working out fine. The work is right on schedule to the day.

Good communication

Residents will remain in their homes during the work. This requires practical solutions, such as a small portable toilet during the toilet renovation, but also good communication. Vestia and Maasmond pay a lot of attention to this. "Before the work starts, we have five contact moments with the residents," says Dubbelman. "Two months in advance we let them know when we expect to start. In the following weeks, we visit the residents three more times to inform them about the work and the schedule. One day in advance we come and tape the floors and help with the final preparations." Maasmond itself rented a home in the Peperklip. Residents can go there with questions or problems. Consultation hours are held in the model home, which is specially furnished for the residents.

Satisfied residents

With over five hundred homes behind us, the completion of the Peperklip is approaching. What remains to be done is the upgrading of six entrance doors and the realization of a green roof. Dubbelman looks back with satisfaction: "The Peperklip has a bad reputation, but we don't notice that. For now, the work is progressing without any problems. The cooperation with Vestia is, as usual, excellent and the contact with the residents is very pleasant. In the first satisfaction survey, held among about 475 residents, we scored and 8.4. That token of appreciation is most important to us."