The Kastanjeplein project concerns a municipal monument and consists of four buildings. During the renovation, the complex was fitted with a new foundation, and the structural shell and apartments were extensively renewed. The existing apartments were partially combined and are largely accessed via a new central staircase. The attic floor has also been converted into living space. The apartments are being rented out, some in the private sector.
The front facade has been restored to its original state as much as possible. The balconies and the existing masonry and joints in the front facade have been repaired, and the facade has been insulated on the inside. The existing window frames have been retained, repaired, and fitted with new double casement windows and sash windows. The original corbels have been reconstructed where necessary. The rear facade has been provided with new window frames, exterior wall insulation, and balconies. The roof has been re-covered with flat ceramic tiles, and the flat roof with bituminous roofing. The residences are equipped with individual installations and mechanical ventilation.
Two years ago, Kastanjeplein in Amsterdam-Oost was named the most beautiful square in Amsterdam. The square won because on the one hand it feels stately, like an oasis of calm, and on the other hand, beneath the chestnut trees, it also offers an ideal playground for the nearby primary school.
Around Kastanjeplein, quite a bit has already been demolished and replaced by new construction, but the 125-year-old block on the south side is still standing. The foundation urgently needed to be renewed, but the municipal monument had to be preserved.
Construction company Van Lith was allowed to drive a new foundation and construct a concrete basement. At the same time, the original layout of the building was thoroughly changed. A new central stairwell was added and of the 24 apartments, twelve remained, five of which are for social rent. "On the inside, we almost completely stripped the building and rebuilt it, entirely according to today's standards and requirements," says Luuk Verhoef, director of Van Lith.
The builder faced all kinds of unpleasant surprises. “We did swear a few times,” confesses project manager Marc Koerhuis. “For example, we didn't know there was still so much junk in the ground: rubble, bottles, mess.”
The construction of a new basement was fraught with many setbacks. The groundwater seemed to flow precisely to this spot, so an installation was placed in the backyard to pump it away.
Housing association Ymere asked Jeroen Hooyschuur (41) of the architectural firm of the same name to design a completely new layout for the interior of the block. "But just as important was restoring the exterior of the building to its authentic state. It is precisely that beautifully detailed exterior that appeals to the residents."
One such resident is Ferry Wouda (62). "I had been living in the house next door on the corner since 1984; back then it was still privately owned. It was a hovel, a lot of work had to be done to it. The floor joists had sagged."
So we were glad when plans for a complete renovation were announced in 2008. Ymere initially wanted all new residents to move in, but as a resident group, we managed to ensure that social tenants were at least allowed to return.
This is how Wouda got a ninety-square-meter home back for a rent of six hundred euros, including service charges. For that money, he also has a large veranda at the back and a sunken little garden. A 95-square-meter apartment at the top of the complex that is rented out in the private sector costs 1,250 euros a month.
"They handled the renovation very thoroughly," Wouda says. "Now the floors are finally level, and we have a lot more light." Hooyschuur is very enthusiastic about this type of urban construction: "Ensuring that a 125-year-old building will last for a long time again, that is true sustainability. Reusing a building like that instead of demolishing it. While the character of the building has remained intact, behind that facade lies the quality of new construction."
That is also how the residents feel about it. "I think it's really good that they left the outside in its original state," one responded. Another praises "the good new interior, with beautiful high windows, behind the monumental exterior." They gave it a grade of 8.5.
And the jury that selected the ten nominees was just as unanimous in its choice. The jury members were impressed by the finish, such as the beautiful wooden window frames. They were also struck by how bright these homes are.
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