Transformation former Arke office into sustainable residential complex

Meanwhile, the renovation is a fact. Contractor Wijlens BV has shown that it can carry out such assignments perfectly. The old Arke building that had been vacant since 2001 now houses 30 high-quality apartments that are future-proof in terms of sustainability. With the most modern insulation, installations and realized under contemporary architecture, the building contains 7 apartment types, between 115 m² and 250 m². Each apartment has a private outdoor area. Residents further use a shared courtyard with garden. Sustainability is further expressed in the applied natural greenery, the use of solar panels and heat pumps. Naturally, such a project requires window frames that meet the latest requirements in terms of energy-neutral building. With Raamtechniek Zwiers and the Gealan window system, the requirements of this appealing project were met in all areas.

Extra depth

Mint Architects calls the appearance of the facade "a patchwork of masonry structures. The use of different masonry dressings creates a patchwork of masonry structures throughout the building. In addition, the variation in window openings and the various balconies create a layered appearance. Collectively, these provide a refined level of detail at all scales. 

Bas van den Eerenbeemt, system consultant at Gealan says of the window frames, "Window frames have been used here with an extra depth effect that contributes to the liveliness of the facade. A fixed sash made of a 120 mm S9000NL Haax mullion. By installing this special fixed sash and the contrast between the gray and white color, we create extra depth in the facade frames. 

The double center seal on Gealan's deep fixed sashes provides yet another piece of living comfort. The manufacturer of these Gealan window frames is Raamtechniek Zwiers BV of Hoogeveen. "This window frame can only be manufactured by a manufacturer with broad technical production facilities," Van den Eerenbeemt explains. 

"Zwiers is one such manufacturer. The window frames are composed in two colors, namely acrylic color RAL 7016 for the normal frames and RAL 9016 for the deep, fixed sashes. Precisely this combination of colors goes well with the aforementioned 'patchwork' facade appearance."

Active contribution to the sustainability goal

The Gealan window frame in this project actively contributed to achieving the sustainability goal of this prestigious project. "The great thing is that in this project the principle of 'form follows function' applies. The sustainability objectives prevailed. You can architecturally come up with the most beautiful window frame constructions, however, if they do not meet the objectives regarding the energy neutral character of the building, then something else should have been chosen. Fortunately, Gealan leaves nothing to chance in that regard and therefore this beautiful window frame type fits perfectly within the BENG requirements."

The transformation of the building can be considered very successful, the living comfort is at a high level. For Gealan and Zwiers, this special work meant proving again the importance of working in good partnership. "Together you make everything," says Van den Eerenbeemt in conclusion.