Care complex Eisenhowerstraat 10

Project information

Project Name:  Care complex Eisenhowerstraat 10

Date: 2020

Client: Domesta

Location: Eisenhowerstraat 10 in Hoogeveen

Scope : 102 units with general functions (approximately 12,000m²)

Project Summary

The characteristic buildings on Eisenhowerstraat in Hoogeveen served as care facilities for over 40 years and were vacated in 2016. Initially, there were plans to demolish the buildings for new construction, but due to sustainability, circularity, and a bat colony, it was decided to repurpose the buildings while preserving them.

The adjoining houses on the site have already been renovated into social rental housing, but the main building, the nurses' flat, and the auditorium were still awaiting a new purpose. In 2022, the idea emerged to collaborate with Treant to create a home for Treant's residents, presenting a unique opportunity for renewal and expansion.

In 2020, former Invent, now SOCOTEC, was asked by Domesta to contribute to the repurposing of the buildings. After detailed surveys and collaboration with architect DAAD, it was determined what was needed to bring the building up to current care standards. This included physical building insulation and suitable installations, aiming to create a healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient building.

On February 7th, a construction team agreement was signed with Aannemingsmaatschappij Friso, part of Friso Bouwgroep, and Niemeijer Installatietechniek from Emmen, marking an important step towards the renovation of the care building. The construction team is currently working on developing the advice into a technical design. The first apartment has already been built to evaluate whether the design meets expectations and to identify any shortcomings.

SOCOTEC will continue to play an active advisory role in the next phase to ensure that everything proceeds according to plan. The quotation phase is expected to be completed by the end of this year, after which the complex will be fully gas-free upon completion.

Project description

The project includes 102 care apartments, spread across different building sections. In these apartments, residents can live both independently and with support. The various residential wings have shared living rooms where residents can live and eat together, while also having their own apartment with all necessary amenities.

In addition to renovating the existing building, an expansion with new construction is also being realized. The principles from the building physics report and installation advice prepared by SOCOTEC have been included as the basis for further development into implementation.

The entire building will be insulated according to new construction standards. Since the existing façade has a characteristic appearance and bats live in the cavity, the existing building will be insulated from the inside with natural insulation materials. This is done due to the moisture management and thermal storage capacity of the material.

Additionally, the building will be ventilated with centrally placed air handling units with heat recovery. The ventilation capacity per apartment is determined based on CO2 and relative humidity (RH) levels, ensuring that there is never too much or too little ventilation.

To heat and cool the apartments, Jaga Hybrid low-temperature convectors will be used. These convectors can quickly respond to changing conditions, which is pleasant for the residents. Heat pumps will also be used to provide the building with heating and cooling, making the building gas-free. Finally, PV panels will be installed to partially meet the building’s own energy needs.