Renovation and conversion of a building under historical preservation at HBS Kampen: automatic doors and smart, networked window technology for barrier-free living
The conversion of the former Hogere Burgerschool (HBS) in Kampen has transformed a 19th-century historical preservation school building into a modern residential and care complex. Thanks in no small part to smart, networked window technology and modern door technology from GEZE, a barrier-free, safe and comfortable environment has been created for all building users.
HBS Kampen: from a disused school building to a smart residential and care complex
The disused school building has been converted into a smart residential and care complex. © GEZE Benelux B.V.
After years of standing empty, the distinctive building of the former Hogere Burgerschool (HBS) – a beautiful, historical preservation 19th-century school building with distinctive façades and tall windows – was to be given a new lease of life. The main objective of the care organisation IJsselheem was to integrate modern living comfort and care technology into the historical preservation building. The aim is for the environment to enable older people to live comfortably and independently, whilst integrating care services where necessary, yet without the renovation work compromising the cultural and historical character of the existing building.
Customised building solutions thanks to professional planning
The construction company in charge, Salverda, brought GEZE on board as early as the design phase, recognising its expertise in the health care sector, to assess the possibilities offered by door automation – a key element in ensuring accessibility, safety and comfort in a historical preservation building. However, it soon became apparent on site that the characteristic semicircular arched windows of the historical preservation building also posed particular challenges during the renovation: the height of the windows made it impossible for the residents to use them independently. Consequently, window automation also came to be seen as a key component of building renovation.
Following a comprehensive evaluation, the following objectives were identified:
- Accessibility, thanks to threshold-free passageways and automatic doors
- Automated window solutions, despite large, high-set existing windows
- Secure locking systems
- Centralised control of the windows, via a building management system
- Preservation of the historic façades, window styles and interior panelling
Smart solution: Intelligent networking of window drives via KNX
The decision to opt for building automation with networked, automated windows was an obvious one: residents needed to be able to operate them intuitively themselves, whilst the solution had to integrate seamlessly into IJsselheem’s existing building management system.
In close technical consultation with the construction company, installers and specialist partner Deurplus, the KNX bus system was defined as the standard for the integration and control of the window drives within the building management system.
Renovation before new build: historical preservation meets modern technology and barrier-free accessibility
The conversion work was subject to strict historical preservation regulations. Existing windows could not be made any smaller, and many sliding panels were situated at a height of over four metres.
A particular challenge was to integrate the entire technical infrastructure – including insulation, electrical systems and cabling. Standard solutions were not suitable. All components had to be adapted, both structurally and visually, to the existing structure, without making any major alterations to the historic fabric.
Smoke and heat extraction, ventilation and energy efficiency, thanks to GEZE’s networked window technology
GEZE Slimchain window drives can be automated or manually controlled, thereby contributing to the building’s comfort, security and energy efficiency. © GEZE Benelux B.V.
Slimchain electric chain drives were used for the window automation system. For use in historical preservation buildings, they are the ideal solution for operators, staff and residents, offering both safety and comfort.
- The window drives are tested as natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilators (NRWG) in accordance with EN 12101-2 and thus serve as smoke and heat extraction exhaust air openings in the event of a fire – essential for smoke-free escape and rescue routes, which facilitate (self-)rescue for vulnerable groups and contribute to the security of staff, residents and the building.
- The IQ windowdrive product range enables intelligent drive control unit via the IQ box KNX.
- The opening and closing of the tall semicircular arched windows – as well as the lighting and sun protection – is automated and can be controlled via a tablet in the building management system.
- Thanks to building automation, the window drives respond to thermal and air quality readings to optimise energy consumption in the gas-free, heat pump-controlled air conditioning system.
- Its slim and understated appearance blends in perfectly with the façade design.
- The GEZE Slimchain is available in special versions: the stroke, cable length, colour and orientation can be configured to suit left- or right-hand operation in accordance with DIN standards.
The use of the latest technological innovations in a 140-year-old building is what makes this project in the Netherlands unique.
Wim van Ommen, Project Manager at SalverdaThanks to modern door technology, residents can move around their living spaces barrier-free and safely, even if they require care. © GEZE Benelux B.V.
Modern door technology for safety and convenience
The swing doors in the apartments and communal areas have been fitted with GEZE Slimdrive EMD-F drives. These offer impressive comfort and safety in a number of ways:
- Thanks to the low-energy function, the door opens and closes at a reduced speed, thereby meeting the highest safety standards.
- The servo function provides motorised assistance when opening the door manually.
- The obstacle detection system detects an obstacle on contact and stops the opening or closing process.
- The automatic reversing function detects an obstacle and returns to the opening position.
- After applying light manual pressure to the door leaf, the Push & Go function triggers the automatic drive
In addition, motorised multi-point locking systems have been integrated to combine accessibility, ease of use and safety. This allows residents and care staff to move around the building comfortably and barrier-free – a particular advantage when mobility is limited in old age.
Historical preservation and building automation in harmony
The conversion of the former HBS in Kampen demonstrates how historical preservation buildings can be technically upgraded to meet future requirements. Thanks to customised automation solutions for windows and doors, natural ventilation and accessibility were successfully reconciled with the requirements of historical preservation.
Deurplus is also proud of the outcome:
It is rare for technology, historical preservation and maintenance to come together so effectively. This project required more effort than a traditional new build, but it was absolutely worth it.
Hendri van den Hoorn, owner and director of DeurPlusThanks to the KNX connection, residents can conveniently control windows, doors, lighting and sun blinds, simply by using a tablet. © GEZE Benelux B.V.
Integrating the window drives into the KNX-based building management system enables centralised control and user-friendly operation for residents and operators. At the same time, automated ventilation and operational functions support the energy efficiency of the building and provide greater security in the event of a fire.
The project demonstrates that early-stage technical planning, close coordination between the design, construction and system integration phases, and bespoke automation solutions are crucial for successfully integrating historic buildings with modern requirements for comfort, safety and operational efficiency through refurbishment. The result is a unique residential and care complex that combines historic charm with state-of-the-art technology and forward-thinking comfort. Thanks to its automation, the building is ideally suited to lifelong, independent living.
