Heineken building
Rotterdam
Urban renewal cherishes local heritage of beer brewers
Urban Restoration Historic Rotterdam brings the history of Heineken in the Maasstad to life. After a major restoration and renovation, the striking brewery office combines modern facilities with an authentic atmosphere. Installations are often invisible
When beer production moved to Zoeterwoude in 1975, the Rotterdam branch was largely demolished, but the office was preserved. “Fortunately,” says Niels van der Vlist, director of Stadsherstel Historisch Rotterdam. “When Heineken also left this office at the end of the 1990s, we were able to purchase it. After extensive restoration, various tenants found a place there, including Stadsherstel itself.
Unique location
“Gradually, the desire arose to do more with the building. We were eager to unlock all its history for the public.”
To this end, the former Heineken office was extensively renovated into the Heineken Building Rotterdam. Several historic spaces are now available for meetings, gatherings, and events.
Invisible installations
To create such a place in a national monument, attention to detail is crucial. “Installations must be as invisible as possible, and this also applies to the fire alarm system—known as BMI for short—for which Van den Pol Elektrotechniek is a permanent partner. They have improved, renovated, or expanded the BMI in several buildings in our portfolio. Van den Pol combines in-depth expertise with the ability to apply this knowledge in a historic setting.”
Control via APP
This skill also proved its added value during the renovation of the Heineken office. The wired fire alarm systems have been updated, while most of the expansion is wireless. These systems are also certified; operational reliability is guaranteed. In a number of rooms, wireless sound detectors have been placed out of sight, for example by placing them on a cupboard. “It’s as simple as it sounds; a smart solution without sacrificing functionality.
The fire alarm system in the Heineken building is remotely monitored and controlled via an app. “A user-friendly feature that makes the work of facility staff easier,” says André de Kruijf, fire safety project manager at Van den Pol Elektrotechniek. “Tenants are also happy with the app.”
