At Heijmans, we always think from the user's point of view. That is why we do what we do. Through our efforts, we create environments that are healthy, safe and attractive. We are not satisfied until users actually notice an improvement. We want our work to contribute to people's well-being.
To increase our impact on people's well-being, we focus on three spearheads: physical design, environmentally friendly techniques and involving the local community. We apply these spearheads in three phases of a project: before, during and after implementation. This 3x3 method helps us integrate well-being into our projects from a variety of angles.
Physical design
In all our projects, one of our main priorities is the well-being of residents, users and other parties in the area. Whether a project involves widening a road, the construction of new homes, reinforcing a dyke or renovating an office building, our work contributes to pleasant living, working and connecting. The well-being of end users is not just a key part of what we make, but also to how we make it.
During our work, we use physical elements, such as the construction of temporary facilities and access roads, to keep the living environment safe and functioning. In addition, we work closely with area developers and climate and ecological experts to ensure that our work not only benefits people, but also enhances the natural environment. We strive to leave every area better than we found it. Our approach and our concepts improve the quality of life in entire areas.
Area development
Creating healthy and attractive living environments that demonstrably make residents and users happier is an important part of our vision. We believe that a pleasant living environment is synonymous with safe, accessible neighbourhoods with plenty of space for nature, greenery and water.
The choices we make in our area developments have an impact on people's well-being. We use seven core themes to give direction to our approach. These include boosting social cohesion, facilitating a healthy lifestyle, ensuring a safe and accessible environment and promoting diversity and inclusion.
This approach can be seen in the Nieuw Boekhorst area development in Voorhout. This project involves the construction of approximately 1,300 homes, with attention devoted to biodiversity, climate adaptation and space for social interaction. Our ambition for the Nieuw Boekhorst development is to achieve the highest green label for an area development: the NL Greenlabel A. The Boekenburgerbos (woods) to be created plays an important role in this. In the future Nieuw Boekhorst project, we worked with the Elsgeesterhof Foundation to create the pick-your-own garden of the same name. The Elsgeesterhof garden offers educational workshops and tours giving visitors the chance to learn about organic farming, biodiversity and ecological gardening. This promotes social cohesion, environmental awareness and healthy choices for current and new residents.
Urban neighbourhoods
We implement our vision of area development in urban neighbourhoods through our Heijmans & CO approach. The focus of this approach is on connecting opportunities, knowledge and people to develop resilient, inclusive neighbourhoods in collaboration with residents, local organisations and specialists. We use the Heijmans & CO approach to provide customised solutions based on the unique needs of a particular neighbourhood. We make use of our local and national network of partners to ensure social impact, enabling current and future residents to move forward together.
Healthy indoor climate
We look at things from the perspective of users; we want to create homes for them that enhance their well-being. We do this with innovative housing concepts that guarantee a healthy indoor climate, such as fresh air and optimal comfort thanks to smart ventilation systems. In the design phase, we always factor in accessibility, lots of daylight, sensory well-being and ease of use.
The use of healthy and sustainable building materials is essential for a healthy living environment. That is why we constantly evaluate our choice of materials. We test techniques such as biobased construction for their impact on indoor climate and well-being. Materials such as timber and hemp fibre combine functional benefits with a positive sensory experience. Timber creates a warm, natural look, while hemp fibre used as an insulating material helps create a comfortable indoor climate. Thanks to their sustainable and attractive properties, these materials promote both the well-being of residents and the sustainability of our projects.
In the autumn of 2024, the first residents of Antony Moddermanstraat in Eindhoven were handed the keys to their sustainable and comfortable Horizon homes. Heijmans used natural raw materials in the construction of these timber-framed houses. The 88 Horizon houses, owned by the local 'Thuis' housing corporation, offer a healthy living environment thanks to optimal ventilation, heating and cooling. The street is being completely redesigned, adding extra green spaces and wadis for water storage. These applications also help to improve the quality of life in the neighbourhood.
As creators of the healthy living environment, we also act as a motivator. We do this through the ‘Gezond Binnen’ (Healthy Indoors) platform, where we work with partners to draw attention to the importance of a healthy indoor climate.
Healthy indoor climate label
The Healthy Indoor Climate theme is part of the Well-being Monitor we are currently developing. In 2024, we worked hard on the development of measurable factors such as air exchange, daylight entry, temperature comfort and sound insulation. We will assess these parameters during the design, delivery and use phase, defined according to an objective standard. We take measurements for each of these factors to gain insight into the impact of our building projects on the well-being of residents and users. The ultimate goal is to be able to deliver all our homes with an A-label for well-being, including a healthy indoor climate.
Environmentally friendly techniques
At Heijmans, we start thinking about solutions and facilities that limit inconvenience during construction right at the start of a project, in the design phase. For example, our environmental managers talk to clients when a cycle route is going to be temporarily disrupted. In such cases, we can often offer a suitable solution. During construction, we use environmentally friendly techniques to limit the impact on the environment, such as the use of electric equipment, SoSEAL for dyke reinforcements and mobile noise barriers during pile driving. In close consultation with local residents and other stakeholders, we organise our construction process in such a way as to minimise disruption to the surrounding area. We know from experience that this not only contributes to people's well-being during our work, but also improves the quality of the solutions we realise.
Transformation into a resilient neighbourhood
Projectcase Renewal of the Van Deyssel neighbourhood
In mid-2024, the Rochdale housing corporation and Heijmans signed a cooperation agreement for the transformation of the Lodewijk van Deyssel neighbourhood in Amsterdam Nieuw-West. This neighbourhood, built in the 1950s, is largely made up of social housing and has one of the lowest liveability scores in the city. This is why, in addition to the construction of around 590 new homes by Heijmans, this renewal project is firmly focused on improving the well-being of local residents. The project has a specific focus on social interaction, accessibility and creating a healthy living environment. Because many local residents could use a helping hand, the Van Deyssel neighbourhood will also offer facilities for various welfare organisations and opportunities for entrepreneurs. This will help create a stronger and more close-knit community, fully in line with our mission to create resilient urban neighbourhoods.
Creative solution around a unique building site
Project case Renovation Scheveningen boulevard
In 2024, Heijmans, in close cooperation with The Hague city council, began the renovation of the boulevard in the seaside resort of Scheveningen. During the intensive construction work at this major tourist attraction, we devoted a great deal of care and attention to the surrounding area. We used simulations of visitor flows, based on data from the council, to determine the best walking routes and locations for footbridges to and from the beach. We livened up the streetscape by adding colourful fences, clear signage and extra viewing windows in the construction fences, so visitors can admire not only the sea view from the terraces, but also the progress of the work in this unique location.
To ensure safety and accessibility for visitors to the area, we built a construction bridge to separate construction traffic from tourist traffic. We moved beach pavilions temporarily closer to the sea, creating space for the building site and supply routes. By using environmentally friendly construction techniques, such as electric equipment and low-vibration compaction techniques, we are also keeping noise and vibration nuisance to a minimum. Real-time vibration meters monitor the impact on cafés, restaurants and shops, as well as at the SeaLife aquariun in Scheveningen. The project also includes investments in green zones, water storage and infiltration systems to improve rainwater collection and reduce the chances of flooding.
As part of the renovation of the historic Dutch parliament building the Binnenhof in The Hague, an iconic place that brings together residents, visitors and historical heritage, in 2024 we built a 28-metre-high observation tower. From this vantage point, visitors can watch the renovation of the Binnenhof in a unique way, and also enjoy an amazing view of The Hague's city centre. We also placed a special construction fence in the street called Lange Poten, displaying images of the residential and shopping façades. This preserves the street's characteristic appearance even during the work. In 2024, Heijmans also worked on a major renovation of the three towers of the Amsterdam UMC hospital, while the hospital remained operational 24/7. To limit the inconvenience for patients and staff, we transported materials via the roof – yet another one of Heijmans' innovative solutions. In addition, we used prefab installation modules (skids) and a drilling robot, reducing the amount of on-site work and ensuring the entire renovation was completed as efficiently as possible.
Involving the local area
Heijmans feels it is very important that local parties and current and future residents and users feel heard and seen. After all, engaged citizens play a significant role in determining the right course and ensure that plans and strategies have public support. For that reason, we encourage and facilitate active involvement in our projects, whether they involve infrastructure, construction projects or complete area developments. We are convinced that increasing their involvement and control contributes to the well-being of residents, users and other stakeholders.
Environmental management 2.0
In 2024, we took a number of additional steps with Environmental Management 2.0, our approach that focuses on the active involvement of residents and users. We use three levels of participation for this: informing, involving and giving co-determination. For each project, we develop a customised approach that is tailored to the specific situation and requirements before, during and after construction. We have made it a habit to communicate with local residents and other stakeholders in understandable language and to ensure that they get to know each other and us better. We use ‘user journeys’ to map out the concerns and wishes of all those involved. We then use these insights to take actions that contribute to their well-being. In line with the Environment Act, we are also investigating how we can increase participation and ownership among a broader target group and monitor this in a structural way.
The Heijmans BouwApp construction app
In 2024, we once again successfully used the Heijmans BouwApp (construction app) for various projects as part of our environmental management. This tool enables us to provide local residents and other stakeholders with up-to-date information about our construction activities and the measures we are taking to limit disruption. The BouwApp allows us to communicate proactively and transparently, distribute important information in a timely manner and receive direct feedback.
Renovation projects
Renovation projects always require a careful approach. We prefer to give residents the opportunity to continue living in their homes, as we did recently in the Wold neighbourhood in Lelystad. We involve the residents extensively in the preparation, execution and completion of the work, and strive to minimise inconvenience. The resident coach plays an important role in this process. This person offers individual guidance throughout the entire process. One tool we use in this process is the system of green and red ‘emoticon’ stickers that residents can put on their windows to express their satisfaction or concerns about the work. The resident coach will then call to talk to them and look for solutions. We also ensure that everything runs smoothly and comfortably, for example by using a special app, offering practical support and providing a relaxation room. Ultimately, we provide a sustainable makeover of the homes and the residential environment. This leads to a significant improvement in the comfort and quality of life of the local residents.
Well-being monitor
Our ambition is to make a measurably positive contribution to the well-being of people in the communities in which we are active. To this end, we take measures that have both a direct and indirect impact on the well-being of those involved. There are already various standards available to validate our impact on specific issues. However, we would like to develop a way to objectively measure the impact of all our activities. For this reason, in 2024 we took steps to develop a monitoring method - the Well-being Monitor - that charts the total impact of our efforts. We see opportunities to bring together existing standards, such as the WELL Building Standard, and combine them in a single tool.
