De Meester Residential Building in Haarlem

For years, the former De Meester vocational school in Haarlem stood vacant. The impressive building, dating from 1922, was therefore renovated and converted into a residential building. Modern elements were beautifully integrated with the original architecture.

Client: Scholtens-Toekomst
Period: 2020–2021
Location: Haarlem
Solution: Foundations
Technology: Helix piles – CSM wall – anchor piles – shoring frames

Behind the Scenes

The building was in very poor condition at the start of the project. Smet Group provided the new foundations: CSM walls, shoring structures, anchor piles, and helical piles. To that end, Smet Group Netherlands handled all the engineering work in advance and offered a comprehensive construction site solution.

A Sustainable Approach to the Project

The building was built a century ago. Smet Group made it possible to preserve this heritage site.

SDG 11 – Preservation of cultural heritage. The new development preserves the historic school building. Furthermore, the connection with the neighborhood—the residents of Haarlem—was strengthened by revitalizing the surrounding area. Up to 178 families can live there.