Transformation of listed buildings into care apartments

Unique collaboration of three operating companies

Transforming three monumental buildings into one complex with 25 care apartments. Three operating companies within Van der Sluis Technische Bedrijven worked together on this special project on the Koestraat in Zwolle. "The monumental character of the properties and the different building styles did produce some surprises," says Van der Sluis.

Boer en Van Veen, Van der Sluis Utiliteit and Van der Sluis Constructie joined forces for this unique transformation project. The three buildings all had different functions in the past, but are now connected on each floor to form a single unit. An elevator was also installed. 

From steelwork to complete installation

Van der Sluis Utiliteit was the first to be involved in the project. "When it turned out that another steel supplier was needed, we got involved," says Arend van der Kamp, business manager of Van der Sluis Constructie. The construction company supplied the necessary steelwork, including a support structure for a glass canopy from which the walkways also hang, the steelwork for the elevator structure, the steelwork to raise the floor and the steelwork to reinforce the roof canopy. "Our biggest challenge was in roofing the central area with the stairways. This was a technically difficult story, and in addition, the architect had a strong opinion on how this roofing should look. He designed certain patterns for the roof view with a specific glass division. Because the buildings all date from different periods, it listened very closely to realize the glass canopy within them."

The contractor had to deal with long lead times on the glass panels, so decisions had to be made about dimensions and sizing at the beginning of construction. "In an ideal situation, you would rather postpone purchasing until everything was clear down to the last millimeter. Now a supplier had to be chosen from global drawings," Van der Kamp said.

'Nice to reach a good result together'

Together with sister company Boer en Van Veen, Van der Sluis Utiliteit was responsible for performing the installation work. Ferdi Korterink is project manager at Installatiebedrijf Boer en Van Veen. "We worked closely with Van der Sluis Utiliteit for this project. We installed the sewers and power supply in the apartments and Van der Sluis Utiliteit took care of the central heating systems and water. We do often work together, but this was the first time that Van der Sluis Construction was also involved." The collaboration went very well; meanwhile, the companies are already working together again on another building in Kampen for the same contractor, Salverda Bouw. Korterink: "For Boer and Van Veen and for me personally, this was a great job to use all our qualities and to achieve a great result together. The challenge for us was in the difference in level of the floors, in which we had to make our installations. It was fitting and measuring to make it work well, but we succeeded completely."

Pascal Kemerink is project manager on behalf of Van der Sluis Utiliteit on the project in Zwolle. "We provided all the E and W installations here," he says. "The monumental character of the buildings and the different building styles did provide some surprises. For example, we came across some monumental ornaments and paintings that had to be preserved. The best drawings on this project were the revision drawings," he laughs. "A lot of credit to this team, we are happy that there was such an experienced and well-cooperating team on this particular project."

Because the project was given a healthcare function, there were some areas of concern. Says Kemerink, "For example, a certain type of plumbing was installed according to the user's wishes, there were additional requirements for the fire alarm system and a call system came into the building."

Very detailed planning

Last spring, the project was completed and the three companies look back on it with a good feeling. The client is also satisfied: they are currently considering whether Van der Sluis will also take on the maintenance of the installations. Van der Kamp: "It is quite unique if three operating companies within a company can work together like this. We often work on the same site, but space was very limited here. That required very detailed planning." Kemerink adds, "With the cooperation between all the bv's, we provide added value for our client and also in the future we can distinguish ourselves by using our different areas of expertise."