Climate adaptation for Beverwijk apartment complex with Rockflow

Load-bearing capacity

When Rockflow was presented as a solution to the space problem, the construction team had questions about the system’s load-bearing capacity, "says Marco Wessels, work planner at Sturm Zaandam (infra/GWW). “I had gained experience with Rockflow in previous projects and I knew it would be an ideal solution for this project. However, the load-bearing capacity of the system was very important here. The Rockflow system forms the foundation for the parking layer of the project. It must be capable of being filled with cars without the risk of subsidence. Marco: “But load-bearing capacity was also a question because the complex is built above the parking layer. The floor of the first floor had to be supported with props during its construction. These props are therefore placed on the water buffer. So you want to make absolutely sure that the system can handle it.”

The material does the talking

Builders are familiar with the soft stone wool that is widely used as an insulation material in construction. Unlike insulation, permeable stone wool elements are produced for Rockflow. Because of the high groundwater level in this project, the buffer here is 33cm high. Marco: “During the presentation by the Rockflow people, extensive explanations were given, but the most convincing moment is when you actually feel a sample of the material. Then it really starts to do the talking. For that matter, it had also happened to me earlier in my introduction to the system. Since then, we have already installed Rockflow on several projects, so we know how strong it is and how easy it is to fit into all kinds of existing situations. The advantage over plastic crates is not only the flexibility of the system – we look at the overall picture. From price per cubic metre to ease of handling and sustainability aspects. But flexibility is indeed important to us. Sometimes you encounter things in the ground that are in the way. If so, it is an advantage if you can easily work around it.“

Free to determine the shape

The installation plan, which translates the requirements into definite elements and connections for the pipework, is the basis of every Rockflow solution. Daan Los: “In this case, determining the shape on site was the biggest challenge. There are columns that hold the building up and the buffer is placed between them. It is a great advantage then if you are free to determine the shape. In this case, it became a 33 cm high buffer between the columns. Stone wool elements can be set against each other until they form the shape you have designed. There’s no need to wrap fabric around it, and you don't need to glue or clamp anything. Sand around it and over it, and you’re done.”