Excursion to an innovative timber construction project
High-rise construction in wood? It's possible! Last week, we joined a delegation from the Metropolitan Region of Amsterdam and Building Balance Utrecht on a site visit to Switi.
Switi is an example of this; a unique timber construction project, consisting of 24 row houses and an eight-story residential tower (45 apartments), almost entirely made of wood and bamboo and utilizing biobased insulation.
The wooden houses are part of Gooise Kant, a newly developed residential area in Amsterdam-Zuidoost featuring 304 single-family homes. The project was recently completed, and the first residents have already moved in.
Developers Edward Zevenbergen (BPD) and Maurits van der Woude (Ekowood) shared insights about this innovative biobased building and the lessons learned:
-Switi features a high-rise wooden structure with a fully wooden support framework and biobased insulation and facade.
-By standardizing and focusing on industrial construction, work can be done more cost-effectively, benefiting the business case.
-Standardization does not have to lead to uniform designs. It is primarily applied in the support structure, allowing flexibility in modifying floor plans and facades.
-Biobased materials are exceptionally suitable for creating permeable structures used as insulation, facilitating natural ventilation.
💚 Thanks to Maurits van der Woude (Ekowood Houses) en Edward Zevenbergen (BPD | Bouwfonds Gebiedsontwikkeling)!
