The soul of IJmuiden is outspoken, close-knit and rough. The residents stand up for protecting the characteristics of their community. Because of this a mix of architectural styles has been well preserved through the years. It also means that even the aesthetic choice for a door window is up for discussion. This showed in Velison's sustainability project that Intures supervised.
Sustainability starts at the door
Velison has been working hard on their sustainable goals for several years. To this end, they take care of buildings district by district, to ultimately provide residents with more comfortable living and lower monthly energy costs.
Making a building more sustainable includes insulation. This is done by tackling the current ‘shell’ of a building: something that must be treated as a specific case per complex. Depending on the situation, matters are to be alternated, such as: roof insulation, floor and/or ground insulation, filling cavity walls, replacing suitable glazing and window frames if necessary, and … a suitable door!
Authenticity is made of details
The doors needed some maintenance done, at the Planetenweg in IJmuiden. That is why the replacement of front doors and entrance doors was included in the sustainability project plan, with aesthetically carefully selected square windows.
However, consultation with residents revealed that the originally round window to them is an essential part of the authentic appearance. And who better than the original residents can judge which original details make the building into the very thing it stands for!
Get straight to the point
The contractors involved (HEMUBO and Coen Hagedoorn Bouw), if necessary a specialist consultancy firm (such as with Atriensis sustainability), but also architects and the housing association itself are at the table of these projects. Intures is also involved to ensurequality and safety, from start to finish. The choice to involve Intures before construction starts is based on experience: the sooner things are looked at closely, the smoother the project will develop. This was proven again, already in an early stage with this door window issue!
During the discussion of the project proposal and this resident input, our supervisor pointed out the technical details to the group. This substantiated that in this case, thoroughly painting the doors would produce the desired result. Therefore, retaining detail would not be a problem. This prevented project work, a lot of communication between parties and of course costs. We like to stay practical.
The infamous little mirror
For the same reason, Intures also tries to point out quality and safety issues on the construction site before activities start. It is ‘easy’ to wave your finger afterwards, but it is better for everyone to do this before ‘the damage is done’.
Therefore, we are involved throughout the project to carry out checks. For example, something that people will timely be reminded of on location is ‘the little mirror’. Familiar with that one? When the painted doors are ready we will check the quality under the door, with a mirror on a stick. One of the reasons for checking this is that moisture from there could otherwise move up into the door.
This is important, because the lifespan of materials is important for Velison’s objectives. Are you also Inturested in our practical guidance for renovation and sustainability projects? Please do get in touch.
