Zwanenveld, Nijmegen

Red-brown masonry gives way to modern, light facade panels

In Nijmegen, the Bloemberg and Zwaan flats are being completely renovated. The dark, red-brown brickwork is giving way to sand-colored facade panels of finely ground natural stone. The galleries will receive transparent fences and the entrances will be freshened up. This will significantly lighten and brighten the appearance of the flats. 

On the outside, the flats at Zwanenveld in Nijmegen will be additionally insulated, the facade cladding and window frames will be replaced and the fencing of the balconies will be renewed. On the inside, mechanical ventilation and, where necessary, bathrooms, kitchens and toilets will be tackled. In total, this is a major renovation project for the residents of 54th and 56th streets in Zwanenveld. They have an average age of 71 and will remain in their homes during the work. The high average age is also a reason to make the apartments life-proof. Sills and thresholds will be made as low as possible. 

Not yet off gas
Client Portaal Nijmegen wanted to prepare the apartments for the future. Yet the homes will not yet be "all electric. "The roof does not provide enough space for the storage of solar panels," explains Eva Cafuli, project manager New Construction and Renovation for housing corporation Portaal. "That's why there will only be solar panels for the communal facilities. In addition, the neighborhood is one of the national testing grounds for making neighborhoods natural gas-free. The municipality of Nijmegen is planning to extend the heat network to Zwanenveld. Once this route is in place, the homes can be taken off the gas with minimal modifications."  

Intensive communication
In order to keep residents as informed as possible about the work, intensive communication is taking place. Two resident supervisors from Veluwezoom Verkerk and one from housing corporation Portaal are present at the project every week and hold home visits and consultation hours. In addition, three living quarters have been set up where residents can escape the nuisance for a while. For those for whom the nuisance becomes too bad, there is a guest house. "Here the resident in question can stay for two weeks. After that, the work is also almost complete."

Modern look
The emergency stairwells will be completely sealed and architecturally modified. There will be a special area for mobility scooters and the appearance will be modernized. The corridors will be covered with marmoleum in fresh colors chosen by the residents themselves. Jan Kuster, Project Manager Renovation and Major Maintenance of Veluwezoom Verkerk: "It is quite an operation and so is the residents. For that reason, we are offering the residents a break. Between the interior and exterior work, nothing will happen for a few days. The replacement of the window frames goes as quickly as possible. Asbestos removal, installation of the prefabricated partitions, installation of the window frames and finishing is done within three days."

The Swan
At this point, the vast majority of the Bloemberg has been done. On the inside, the homes have been completely renovated. At Bloemberg, only the stairwell and common areas remain to be renovated. Part two of the project - the Swan - is now under construction. Inside, the kitchens and toilets have largely been renovated; the remaining work will follow in the coming months. In spring 2019, the total project will be completed and residents will be able to enjoy a well-insulated home with modern insulation and updated plumbing.