With this project, Stam + De Koning Bouw is using Tunnel formwork for the first time in a large-scale housing development. In collaboration with Hendriks Formwork Solutions, a steel tunnel system was chosen. In an interview, site manager Patrick van Aggelen explains how that choice is working out in practice.
In the early stages, it was mainly a matter of getting used to things. “You really have to become a team,” explains Van Aggelen. A new way of working requires coordination and a steady rhythm on the building site. Nevertheless, things soon picked up pace. Structure was introduced into the work and the pace picked up. The project is now running on a cycle of six days per floor. “That’s when you really realise what tunnel construction is all about.”
A steady rhythm and a predictable process
That speed stems from the systematic approach to construction. Entire sections are completed in a single go, without the need for shoring. This makes the process clear and predictable. “You know exactly where you stand every day,” says Van Aggelen. “That brings a sense of calm to the site.”
Reinforcement and installations are largely assembled in advance. Examples include sprinkler systems, electrical installations and plumbing, which are prefabricated on the ground and then hoisted onto the tunnel in one go. This ensures that the various stages of the work are better coordinated and minimises failure costs on site. It also reduces the number of hoisting operations required by the crane, leaving more crane time available for other tasks.
In practice, the team is experiencing clear benefits. The system runs smoothly and fits in well with the team’s working pace. “It’s just a pleasure to use,” says Van Aggelen. “Everything stays in place and folding up the tunnel is easy.” It is precisely these practical features that help maintain the pace and ensure the process runs smoothly. In addition, the standardised construction method contributes to a safe and well-organised site.
Efficient construction at a steady pace
A tightly organised construction process ensures that a faster construction rate is achieved. As work is carried out at a steady pace and the cycle remains short, this creates clarity in both planning and execution. This not only saves time, but also ensures a calm and orderly atmosphere on the construction site. Thanks to this steady pace and the well-defined process structure, downtime is kept to a minimum. Only in extreme circumstances, such as strong winds, or when the concrete has not yet reached sufficient strength to continue building, can the process be temporarily interrupted. In practice, this rarely happens, which means that the continuity of the work is maintained.
Collaboration that makes a difference
As well as the technical aspects, collaboration also plays a key role. Hendriks is actively involved in the planning stage, and is able to adapt quickly during the execution phase. The service and support provided on site also contribute to the project’s fast pace. Hendriks’ fitters react quickly when necessary, thereby minimising delays and ensuring work can continue uninterrupted. This prevents delays on the construction site, where any downtime has immediate financial consequences. “If there’s a problem, it’s simply sorted out quickly,” says Van Aggelen. “That’s essential at this pace.”
The end result reflects this. The concrete work is delivered to a high standard, although the execution remains the deciding factor. “The quality is good, but it also depends on how the team handles it,” he explains. It is the combination of the system, service and craftsmanship that makes all the difference.
With this initial experience, Tunnel formwork has proven itself to be a construction method that not only speeds up the process but also brings structure and predictability. For Stam + De Koning Bouw, this means a more efficient construction process, with the time saved directly translating into significant cost savings.
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