Curved window frames for monumental transformation

Bending and renovation profiles give cigar factory new facade appearance

The former cigar factory on Amperestraat in Hilversum is getting a new future as a residential care complex. The industrial building, which originally dates from 1883 and has monumental status, is being redeveloped into a location with 76 care apartments and communal areas. For the facade and frame infill, the project team chose aluminum systems from Aliplast, including slim renovation profiles and curved elements.

The project includes both the renovation of the existing factory and new construction between the monument and the so-called ‘White Villa. The character of the original industrial complex will remain visible, including the use of shed roofs and a sober facade appearance. There will also be a green pavilion in the courtyard. Parking will be solved in an underground parking basement.

The window frames for the project are being manufactured by Vierboer. Van Baaren Aannemers is responsible for execution. Mulder Blauw Architects drew the design, while Scala Projects is involved as project developer.

Slim appearance with steel-look

Aliplast's Maxlight Steel series, finished in RAL 9005 color, was chosen for the aluminum facade solution. This profile is intended for renovation and transformation projects in which a narrow sight width is desired and the appearance of steel window frames is approached as closely as possible. According to Marc Mulders, sales manager for the Netherlands at Aliplast, the profiles are now also increasingly being used in new construction, for example to give buildings a slimmer facade appearance or a distinct character.

In Hilversum, he says, that choice fits the task well. “With monumental buildings like this, you want to preserve the character of the building. Slender profiles help keep the facade calm and ensure that the industrial image remains intact.”

Bending in house

An important part of the project is the use of bent profiles. Aliplast belongs to the limited group of system houses with its own bending department. As a result, the company can bend aluminum profiles in-house and, if desired, also weld corners directly. Mulders: “The big advantage is that we control the process completely. We can bend standard straight profiles, but also bend and then weld corners. This produces the best result technically, but also aesthetically, because the frame is powder coated only after welding. This creates a sleek and uniform whole.”

In Hilversum, the customer buys the bent profiles and assembles the frames himself. Here, bending profiles is not only an aesthetic choice, but also practically relevant. When outsourcing to external parties, there is a greater chance of coating damage, according to Aliplast. “When profiles are bent externally, you can get small cracks or stresses in the powder coating,” Mulders said. “We powder coat only after bending. This prevents lacquer cracking and also minimizes the risk of damage or scratching.”

Confidence from previous project

The fact that Van Baaren Aannemers turned to Aliplast again also has to do with previous experience. In an older project, problems arose due to leaking window frames, while the facade builder involved went bankrupt. Another facade builder then solved the work out of goodwill, with Aliplast supplying the necessary materials. Mulders: “Situations like that are annoying, but as a supplier you show how you deal with them. Van Baaren already knew our approach and therefore immediately thought of us again for this project.”

The redevelopment on Amperestraat demonstrates how renovation and transformation projects increasingly call for slim facade solutions and customization, especially when curved elements are part of the facade image.