15 biobased flex homes in Hellendoorn take step toward circular living

Minimal impact on the environment

In the spring of 2025, 15 bio-based flex homes were completed in Nijverdal. This innovative housing project is the result of close cooperation between the municipality of Hellendoorn and housing corporation Reggewoon and Bouw-Novum. The homes represent an important step towards circular, low-energy and future-proof living.

Sustainable and affordable living with an eye for the resident

According to Marcel van den Noort of Bouw-Novum, this project is not only about sustainable housing, but also about affordability. 

"With this project we are creating sustainable and affordable housing, with minimal environmental impact. By using reused materials from dismantled buildings on the construction site, the principle of circular construction is put into practice. In building these homes, the residents are the focus. The goal is to make the home life-cycle-proof. The wooden houses are built completely remountable and can be adapted to the different life stages of the residents."

This approach aligns with Bouw-Novum's broader vision: to develop homes that can be built quickly, have a long lifespan and put as little pressure on the environment as possible. 

Sustainable indoor climate with Duco Natural Cooling 

To ensure the comfort and energy performance of the homes, the building owner chose the ventilation and passive cooling systems. Both systems provide solutions that fit perfectly within the biobased project. Moreover, they create a comfortable, healthy indoor climate and limit overheating. The 15 homes are equipped with a combination of mechanical ventilation and ventilative cooling. 

Smart ventilation with mechanical ventilation 

Mechanical ventilation was chosen for the ventilation, whereby polluted indoor air is removed in a demand-driven manner with the DucoBox Focus. This ventilation box ensures that ventilation takes place only where necessary (based on CO₂ and moisture), which leads to energy savings and increased living comfort. 

The natural supply of fresh air takes place via the Tronic version of the TopVent CK, which automatically regulates how much air is needed per room based on CO₂ control. This continuous control not only contributes to a healthy indoor climate, but also prevents unnecessary heat loss which is crucial in well-insulated low-energy houses. 

Ventilative cooling with high-quality facade components 

The DucoGrille Solid G30Z++P1 was chosen for the supply grilles: a high-quality grille that meets the standards for burglar resistance (NEN 5096, RC2), rain protection and insect protection. Especially for the houses on the first floor, DucoGrille Close 105 elements have been placed in the façade. These shutters provide ventilatory cooling and are automatically controlled by the smart Duco control system that opens and closes the shutter based on temperature, CO₂ level or time. This, combined with fabric shading, ensures a pleasant indoor climate and maximum thermal comfort. 

Successful cooperation

Construction of the 15 biobased flex homes began in early October 2024 and was meanwhile delivered in spring 2025. Throughout this process, all parties involved worked intensively together to realize the high ambitions in terms of sustainability and housing quality. Together with DUCO, Bouw-Novum and its partners used their expertise to realize innovative solutions. Solutions that not only meet today's housing needs, but are also prepared for tomorrow's challenges.  

Natural comfort for the home of tomorrow

With Duco Natural Cooling, Zero Energy is actively working to prevent overheating in homes. This system uses natural airflow combined with smart outdoor shading to control the temperature, without additional energy consumption. A sustainable solution that provides comfort and saves energy - a true win-win.