Project Overview: 75 Homes at Gooimeerlaan
HDO’s latest project involves constructing 75 relocatable homes at Gooimeerlaan 25, the site of a former fire station in Leiden. The homes will be built using PMC 11-, 12-, and 13-modules, in line with De Woonstandaard. Completion is expected by mid-2025, with the homes initially providing shelter for at least 150 displaced Ukrainians for three years before being integrated into the social rental sector under a local housing association.
This project is key in addressing Leiden’s housing shortage while providing much-needed accommodation for vulnerable groups.
Sustainability Focus: A Procurement Process with a Green Agenda
Guided by Building Balance, the municipality of Leiden placed a strong emphasis on sustainability in its procurement process. Beyond the legally required MPG score, bidders were evaluated based on disassembly potential, circularity, long-term adaptability, and the use of reused or biobased materials. HDO Groep was one of eight modular construction companies that submitted proposals.
Winning the Tender: A Focus on Circularity
Jasper Driesen, Technical Director at HDO Groep, highlighted that the municipality’s strong sustainability focus was a key motivator for participating in the tender:
“The leading role that the municipality of Leiden took in this process inspired us and aligns perfectly with our vision for sustainable construction.”
HDO distinguished itself through its commitment to future-proof construction, ensuring that materials could be easily reused or recycled. The use of biobased materials and an efficient prefabrication process further strengthened its proposal.
Collaboration with Madaster also played a crucial role in securing the contract. Madaster’s expertise in material passports and circular construction helped HDO interpret and apply sustainability requirements, making their bid more compelling.
Madaster’s Role in Circular Construction
Madaster’s tools and expertise were instrumental in helping HDO optimize its design to meet sustainability targets. Bram Orsel, Sustainability Consultant at Madaster, worked closely with HDO to interpret key sustainability indicators, including the Disassembly Index (LI), Global Warming Potential (GWP), and MPG score.
“We analyzed the tender guidelines and clarified sustainability criteria, allowing HDO to optimize their design and achieve a higher score,” says Bram Orsel.
Results: A Model for Sustainable Housing
The collaboration proved successful: on December 17, the municipality of Leiden signed an agreement with HDO Groep and Compeer Huybens for the construction of 75 homes at Gooimeerlaan. This project serves as a benchmark for sustainable modular housing, demonstrating how circular construction can meet both urgent housing needs and long-term environmental goals.
“Madaster provides us with the tools and knowledge to meet complex sustainability requirements and put them into practice,” adds Driesen. “By working together, we can substantiate and enhance the sustainability of our projects—an essential factor in today’s evolving market.”
This project illustrates how a well-planned approach to modular and timber-frame construction can address both immediate housing needs and long-term sustainability goals. HDO Groep’s partnership with Madaster showcases the potential of circular construction as a viable, future-proof solution for urban housing challenges.
Want to Learn More?
For more details on this project or Madaster’s role, feel free to get in touch with our team!
