Rubroek, Rotterdam

The Rubroek service flat is located in the heart of Rotterdam's Crooswijk neighborhood. The complex was built in 1975 and provided 201 two-room apartments and 14 three-room apartments for the elderly. In 2005 the client decided to carry out major maintenance. The houses also had to be adapted to the demands of the times and the layout of the general areas was dated. The unique location next to the Rubroek care apartment made it easy to deliver 'customized care'. The realization of lifecycle-proof homes was obvious here.

At the start of the major maintenance contract, in January 2006, the exact schedule of requirements still had to be worked out. To this end, a planning team has been set up in which the Stichting Ouderenhuisvesting Rotterdam as owner, Stichting de Singels as residential care organization and our architectural office took a seat. After an inventory and discussions with the tenants' committee and employees of the De Singels foundation, it was decided to extend the major maintenance. In addition to technical maintenance, such as renewing the roof, installing insulating glazing and improving ventilation, the bathrooms have been enlarged and the houses have been made wheelchair accessible. A number of two-room apartments have been merged so that 17 additional three-room apartments have been added. In addition, the plan provides for spaces for the healthcare infrastructure, space for scooters and various building facilities. The improved entrance at street level is next to a completely new practice for physio-manual therapy and is connected to a new large lift that is adapted to the intensive use of mobility scooters. Because construction takes place inhabited condition, construction logistics have already been taken into account during the design phase. During the construction preparations, together with the contractor, it was examined which adjustments and facilities could further reduce the nuisance for residents. In the implementation phase, intensive consultations are held daily between the client, care providers, residents on the one hand and the implementing parties on the other. This consultation is crucial for the success of the project. Our office is not only responsible for the design, but also conducts the management during construction work.

Client: Stichting Ouderenhuisvesting Rotterdam

Design: 2006 – 2007

Construction: 2008 - 2010

Contractor: BAM Woningbouw Rotterdam