Project Elzenheem in Smilde, sustainability in broad sense of the word

In 2023, 14 sustainable homes were completed in Smilde, Drenthe, which rightfully deserve a place in the list of exemplary projects with a very good environmental performance. The new single-family houses of the Elzenheem plan consist of 8 row houses and 6 semi-detached houses. The semi-detached houses achieve an EPB of 0.39 € per m² GFA per year. The materialization of the houses is characterized by prefabricated wood frame elements. But concrete (a pile foundation was required for the homes with gross floor area of 180 m²) and steel are also part of the MPG score. Even the heat pump and six PV panels are included in the calculation.

The buyers of the homes have the freedom to choose more than six PV panels as an option at an additional cost.

Project Elzenheem was built and developed by VDM Woningen from Drogeham, based on the timber frame construction method used by the company. Jan van der Meer, managing director of VDM Woningen, is proud of the result. Not only because of the good MPG score, but also because other indicators indicate a high level of sustainability. The project shows sustainability in a broad sense of the word. Jan van der Meer explains the approach taken at Elzenheem.

What does VDM Woningen' sustainability approach look like?

‘A key feature of our sustainability approach is building with timber frame elements. Wood is by nature a circular and renewable raw material that stores CO₂. It forms the basis for a good environmental performance of our building products. We use only STIP-certified wood (FSC / PEFC). The houses are circular and remountable. Not only the construction method, but also the production process aims for the lowest possible ecological footprint. The HSB components are manufactured in our industrialised and energy-efficient factory (a factory with 3,200 solar panels and heating with residual electricity from timber production) and transported to the building site with minimal transport movements. We use no packaging material to transport the components. 90% of the residual flows (plaster and insulation materials, construction waste) are disposed of for recycling or reuse.

Within VDM, we aim to reuse raw materials, materials, elements and even houses instead of consuming them. We have also relocated homes in the past using our remountable building system. With the high degree of detachability (71%), we believe that our homes have a higher adaptive capacity regardless of building trends or change in, for example, the installation system. But that is not the whole story. We are also working on the energy efficiency of the homes and nature-inclusive construction. These are also aspects of sustainability. We build homes with a low environmental impact and we do so with respect for nature.’

How has this approach worked in Elzenheem?

‘We are proud of Elzenheem's MPG score, but the energy indicators are also excellent. Energetically, the houses have an A+++ label (the BENG indicators are 68 kWh/m², 13 kWh/m² and 86% respectively). The material-related CO₂ storage of the houses weighs 17 tonnes. In ecological terms, the Elzenheem plan was developed from the idea that nature should have enough space to take its free course. The Molenwijk river bank has been provided with some trees and low bushes for the benefit of the kingfishers already present. A ditch and a wadi have been constructed for water storage. In the plan area, bat-friendly lighting has been used and woodland scrub has been installed at the site of the culvert to guide bats to their foraging area.’

How to proceed? What are the areas of improvement for the future?

‘As a developer and construction partner, we work on the sustainable livability of cities and villages. We do this in both small and large-scale new construction projects and area development. Our production and construction method has a minimal ecological footprint and is therefore the way to realise homes in a responsible, sustainable and bio-based way. Together with residents, housing corporations, developers, investors and municipalities, we stand ready to create a healthy living environment for generations to come. This means we have to continuously improve our homes and the production process. In concrete terms, this means that we continue on the path we have taken. With the Elzenheem project in Smilde, we have set a benchmark for our organisation. With the project, we show that we are leading the way in reducing the environmental impact and sustainable use of materials of the homes. At VDM Woningen, we have united all the disciplines under one roof that are needed to develop a sustainable project.’