research

Design Monument: The Cavity Filled

Design: The Cavity Filled

In 2012, a national monument in Amsterdam will be restored and made more sustainable. As usual, the building stands on its own land and foundation and there are small cavities between this building and the neighboring buildings. These spaces are very narrow, irregularly shaped and are in direct contact with the outside air. Isolating is not easy, but very rewarding. An insulated cavity allows the buildings to benefit on both sides without losing space inside. A reversible solution has been designed with a material that is highly resistant to moisture and also ventilates a little. Expanded polystyrene has been used, without glue. The cavity can therefore be drained again.

This experiment is being monitored by us.

Façade cladding Amsterdam-Centre

Architectural design façade cladding. In 1998 we worked on the renovation of a façade. An efficient and beautiful solution was found in an open façade cladding made of Western Red Cedar. However, the films that were on the market at that time did not meet the requirements in terms of appearance and resistance to UV exposure.
The solution: a PVC roofing membrane.

How would the façade hold up over time? Two samples were produced. One for the client and prosperity and one to test outside.
15 years later, PVC and wood are holding up well. There is no serious ageing of the film. Pollution occurs, but is also washed away by the rain.