After a market survey among 5 developers, FULLHOUSE has been selected by the municipality of Schiedam for the redevelopment of the Gravin Aleida School. At an inner-city location a 10-minute walk from Schiedam Centrum station, we create a sustainable living environment in which transformation and new-build homes seamlessly connect to the green outdoor space where meeting is central.

Transformation of homes into a stately school building

The classrooms and playrooms in the historic school building will be transformed into 9 sustainable apartments, distinguished by 3 noble titles: De Gravin, De Ridder and De Baron, while retaining the characteristic appearance. The apartments vary in living area from approximately 58 m² to 137 m² and have 2 bedrooms. In addition, each apartment has its own outdoor space in the form of a beautiful garden or spacious roof terrace from approximately 17 m² to no less than 160 m². The apartments are being renovated to a high standard into a brand new home while retaining the authentic large windows with lots of light, high ceilings of approximately 3.5 meters and an energy label A or A+.

FULLHOUSE is both developer, contractor and architect in this project. A major advantage of this is that with an integrated approach we can work very closely within our internal teams and realize optimal transformation homes without the traditional interests of the developer and contractor leading to concessions and a loss of living quality.

New construction that fits in with the transformation

Eight sustainable new-build single-family homes, De Jonkvrouw housing type, will be built on the site of the old gymnasium and outbuildings of the Gravin Aleida School. These energy-efficient homes, with over 92 m² of living space and 3 bedrooms, offer plenty of space, peace and comfort due to the ideal spatial layout. Each house is provided with its own front and back garden of approximately 24 m² to 55 m².

Climate-adaptive and nature-inclusive construction

Hof van Aleida is committed to greening. From a paved schoolyard with concrete tiles to regional flora that strengthens ecological development in this inner area. The gardens and roofs provide space for water collection. The buildings, roofs and facades, provide space for animals and plants to settle.

New planting and other measures provide the collective garden with much more shade during the highest position of the sun. The new planting provides a good basis for insects and birds to forage.

To increase the diversity of flora and fauna, the architecture has included facilities for nesting areas for birds and bats, for example. In addition to the facade, all roof surfaces will be covered with greenery, helping to cool the city by storing heat instead of reflecting it on hot days.

Circularity

The most important aspect of circular design and construction is the ability to reuse buildings and building parts in the future. The biggest circular gain in this project is the reuse of the existing school building.

It has been proven to be adaptive because in the past it could change with the wishes of the school. The building is now being adapted again, but then into homes. However, the adjustment now is being made in such a way that the building can also be easily changed again in the future.

A prefab construction system was chosen for the new-build homes, which consists of a facade, roof and floor system with excellent thermal and acoustic performance. This ensures a pleasant living environment and very energy-efficient homes. In addition, the inconvenience to the immediate environment during the construction phase is limited to a minimum, because the shells of the houses are prefabricated and assembled on location in just a few days. The construction system is detachable, and the materials used can easily be reused in the future.