VDL De Meeuw wins framework contract for the construction of detention houses in Belgium
VDL De Meeuw was selected by the Belgian Buildings Agency as the winner of the framework contract for the construction of small-scale detention houses in Belgium. These innovative facilities are a crucial link in the execution of short-term sentences and focus on reintegration and self-sufficiency. Mainly thanks to its pioneering modular construction method that it developed in house, VDL De Meeuw emerged as the best party in the tendering procedure. In addition to the 600 housing units in detention houses, the federal government can deploy the framework contract for other projects with a total of 500 additional housing and reception units.
The awarded framework contract is worth 200 million euros and initially involves the construction of detention houses all over Belgium. Using its own modular construction systems, VDL De Meeuw, an operating company of VDL Groep, will contribute to the rapid and efficient completion of these institutions. Prefabricated construction methods have several advantages. They enable the rapid completion of fully functional buildings which meet all the modern standards.
Order value
In the framework contract, the federal government can purchase modular housing units for a total of 1,100 housing units over a period of four years. Of these, 600 are intended for various detention houses, while the remaining 500 can be used flexibly at the desired locations to resolve other accommodation shortages. These might include units for Defence and accommodation for asylum seekers.
Tender
During the tendering procedure, the strengths of the proposal prepared by VDL De Meeuw and DETOO Architects were extensively acknowledged. The award report revealed that the proposed solutions offer substantial added value in several areas:
- Efficient and safe layout: the straight, clear structure of corridors in the housing units and room sections optimises surveillance and interventions by detention staff. The central location of staircases and lifts promotes optimal circulation between all the zones in the building.
- Strict completion deadlines: thanks to the high degree of prefabrication, VDL De Meeuw is able to meet the strict completion deadlines imposed by the Belgian Buildings Agency.
- Sustainability as priority: the design integrates passive energy technology, such as sun blinds and demand controlled ventilation to reduce energy consumption. Some of the renewable energy of at least 25 kWh/year per m² floor area can be guaranteed thanks to heat pumps and solar panels.
Social transition
VDL Groep President and CEO Willem van der Leegte: “VDL De Meeuw operates in ‘our world’ of Infratech, an important growth market of VDL Groep. In view of the great social need for different forms of housing, we see huge potential in the market for modular construction. It enables us to achieve the desired acceleration: with shorter lead times, reusable, sustainable and indistinguishable from traditional construction. We are also keen to further commit to this social transition."
Added value
Hans Vonck, director of VDL De Meeuw Belgium: “We are extremely proud to have been awarded this contract. It proves that our innovative system of modular construction is not only high quality but also responds perfectly to the sometimes very stringent requirements imposed on such buildings. This award motivates us to do our very best to complete this challenge successfully. Furthermore, the project guarantees work and jobs in our production facilities.”