Last week, together with the programme team of the Covenant for Timber Construction MRA, we organised a successful excursion for a diverse group of participants from the construction sector and municipalities. The goal was to learn more about hybrid timber-concrete structures and the sustainable production processes at the Ursem factory, which are being applied in the Timbr
project.
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Modular construction systems
Ursem Modulaire Bouwsystemen are currently used in the construction of apartments, student and migrant housing, as well as hotel and recreational facilities.
It was fascinating to witness the production process in the factory: during our visit, around 20 modules were being produced, each at a different stage in the process.
Timbr: hybrid timber-concrete buildings
The Timbr timber construction project is part of the transformation of the Kogerveldwijk neighbourhood in Zaandam, where efforts are being made to add 2,000 to 2,500 new homes. Timbr will consist of 158 affordable rental homes and is a hybrid timber-concrete building with a bamboo façade.
In the Timbr project, Ursem’s modules are placed on top of a double-height concrete base. This industrialised form of construction significantly shortens the on-site building time and minimises the spatial footprint of the construction site. It also reduces the number of transport movements required, helping to limit overall disruption.
Many thanks to all the speakers:
Bob van der Zande, Covenant for Timber Construction MRA
René Tuijn, Municipality of Zaanstad
Maaike van Hinte, Environmental Manager Kogerveldwijk
Richard Ooms, Ursem Modulaire Bouwsystemen
Frits de Koning, Blauwhoed
Goal of the excursions
This was the first excursion of 2025. In previous years, the Covenant for Timber Construction MRA has organised several excursions to (timber) projects including Switi, Sawa, and De Houten Leeuw. The goal of these excursions is to inform and inspire stakeholders about the possibilities of timber construction.
