Frequently asked questions
Any questions? We (almost always) have the answers. You can find an overview of the most frequently asked questions about our products and services below. If you cannot find the answer here, please contact us. We are here to help!
Yes, absolutely. We are a turnkey service provider and offer a comprehensive approach to provide the maximum level of service from A to Z. Both before (design, permits, etc.) and during (construction, infrastructure, furnishing, etc.) and after completion (insurance, service, maintenance, etc.).
This varies by building system and application. For short (rental) periods, we usually construct buildings with a maximum of two storeys. If the building is intended for long-term use, in other words longer than 15 years, we can go up to 12 storeys.
No, unfortunately this isn’t possible. The standard modules we use to compose the buildings are rectangular. However, a wide variety of cladding finishes are possible to give the building a playful look.
If you are interested in our flexible housing, please contact one of our advisers. The first step is for us to work together to identify the scope of the project, which is often enough information for us to provide a suitable design and quotation. If the project is more complex, a member of our team will quickly schedule an appointment at your location or at one of our branches. We can also combine this with a visit to any relevant reference projects. We will then draw up a concept and price indication.
Yes, in fact we have a circular business model. We have a large rental fleet that we continuously refurbish and redeploy. We also have a database of projects that are available (at short notice). Based on existing drawings and photos, we can quickly provide an overview of the possibilities, including options for updating or upgrading your building.
This varies from project to project. This type of roof is not suitable for short-term rentals, but the option is available for longer-term projects. We do this regularly for the latter category.
This varies from project to project and depends on several factors such as size, location, execution and application. Typically, we assume from around 5 working days delivery time for simple projects to several weeks for larger projects.
Here, we make a distinction between temporary and long-term solutions. For temporary solutions, rainwater is often drained from each module on the outside of the building. This is done through a downpipe or a box gutter with downpipes. For long-term buildings that will remain standing for more than 15 years, water is often drained via one or more centralised systems.
Yes, our modular building system is based on concrete. This applies to every floor of the building, as each module has a concrete floor.
No, each module has its own floor and ceiling. This provides extra insulation and reduces any impact noise to a minimum. It also allows the modules to be used in other locations after the period of use, without the need for any major modifications. This is sustainable and guarantees maximum residual value.
Yes, a foundation is always necessary for installing a building. The shape and size are highly dependent on the number of storeys in the building and the ground surface. In the Netherlands, soil conditions are an important factor in construction work. When there is firm sandy soil, a slab foundation or steel foundation is often possible. When there is clay soil, a foundation with piles is usually necessary.
Yes, you need planning permission for any structure. This includes temporary buildings.
However, building site facilities are exempted from this requirement and informal care homes may be constructed without a permit outside of built-up areas. These must be built in the rear of the property and be subordinate to the main building. But don’t worry, we’ll help you apply for the right permit(s).
Yes, we have modules that we can deliver directly from stock. That applies to short-term rental projects of up to three years. In other words, we can respond extremely quickly to urgent issues. If there are customer-specific requirements, a (short) delivery time applies. We do not supply long-term buildings from stock, as they are custom built and assembled. But even in that case, implementation times are short thanks to the standardised construction system and the industrial production process.
Yes, this often happens. In this case, we create a smooth transition from the existing building to the new one, so that they fit together seamlessly.
We always do this by mutual agreement. We can install pipes in the floor and ceiling cavities at a later date. We can also install electrical and water pipes in the walls in the position required. In the case of a cold water point, we would also need to organise a drainage solution. Connections to the central system are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Some 80% of the building consists of prefabricated, modular building blocks. Using the modules as a basis, both the outer and inner shells can be adapted to (changing) requirements and preferences in terms of appearance and comfort. Because we can move or remove internal walls, you can easily change the layout of the rooms. Various cladding finishes can give the building a distinctive look. And if the building is already in use but you want to modernise it or make a change to the cladding, this is also possible. It is advisable to take into account any possible expansions in the form of an extension or superstructure during the design stage. That will allow us to more easily implement the expansion later down the line, and makes sure your flexible housing always fits!
Yes, you can do that. We work together to come up with the smartest choice. That’s what it’s all about. We also have our own design office with architects, structural engineers, installation specialists and housing consultants, not to mention a large network of specialists and partners that we work with on a regular basis. So you can rely completely on us!
Forever essentially. That’s the kind of quality it’s made of. But one thing we know for sure is that nothing actually lasts forever. That’s why we don’t assume anything is made for eternity, and why it’s so important for the building to be easily adaptable. We extend the life of the building by being able to respond to ever-changing needs. And if it is no longer needed at some point, Then we take it back, refurbish it and give it a second life with the same or a new function.
For us, the ‘construction’ is already done at the factory in Oirschot. We are constantly optimising this industrialised process to produce as quickly and efficiently as possible. This already reduces the total construction time by 50%, which also means half as much inconvenience at the construction site. Another advantage includes the reduced risk of delays due to bad weather, for example. And in the end, a faster delivery also means the building can be used faster. So the earlier a building is ready, the earlier it will start to generate a profit!
The biggest differences are in service delivery and construction methodology. First of all, we are a turnkey service provider and do more than just provide housing. We believe this helps us to better meet expectations and take advantage of opportunities before, during and after delivery. We also use as many industrially manufactured building blocks as possible, based on the best choice of materials available. We can always produce, no matter the weather, and at the end of the day we are on site a lot more quickly.
We are constantly innovating our product range to meet the growing demand for sustainable solutions. With our firm conviction that nothing lasts forever, our homes are designed to be adaptable and future-proof. There are also solutions to optimise energy efficiency at various levels of ambition, such as underfloor heating, air-cooled heat pumps, professional high-efficiency boilers, LED lighting, increased RC values, PV cells and solar shading. Cooling and heating can be controlled in each room and multiple water management systems can also be applied. We are happy to sit down with you and map out your ambitions, budget and returns.
In this respect, we are no different from other housing and property development providers. For instance, you have to take into account municipal fees and utility costs. Furthermore, specific permits sometimes lead to special costs, for example for the prevention or repair of any environmental damage. Otherwise you don’t have to worry about any additional costs. Our agreements are transparent and we see this as a prerequisite for a long-term relationship with our clients.
Our approach is to develop a financially viable plan by reducing costs in a number of ways, such as lower failure costs. The design process and feasibility study are also very efficient thanks to our specialist team, and we also minimise delivery points thanks to the industrial production process and the BIM method we use. Finally, you save money (and time) because of our response and implementation speed, allowing you to get the building up and running sooner.
We apply more highly optimised insulation for the building envelope. This ultimately eliminates the influence of outdoor temperatures and energy loss, while also reducing energy demand. As a result, less expensive installations are generally needed to achieve the desired indoor climate, which in turn requires less maintenance. At the end of the day, our aim is to construct energy-producing buildings.