Once upon a time..

Jacco van Dijk of the Veldhoven-based company Byldis knew that he had his hands on a good concept for prefabrication when talks with the client of London City Island got underway. Rapid construction time, completely finished panels delivered to the construction site: the whole concept was right for this location. “But it was only when I explained that we use full bricks instead of stone strips that the client was really ‘on board’.” explains Van Dijk. That these bricks also had to be glazed was the next step in the development process.

“It is like a story in a children’s book”

“It is like a story in a children’s book”, says Van Dijk, laughing. Once upon a time there was a manufacturer of precast constructive facade panels in Veldhoven that wanted to conquer the English market. With a modest portfolio of projects, Van Dijk hit the road and within two years the first towers of the LCI project were realised. “Developers in London are short of time. The traditional builders have too little capacity”, explains the CEO of Byldis. He was in the right pace at the right time. “Our construction methods mean that these buildings can be completed in just over half the time needed for a traditional construction process. We supply the complete constructive elements: so, including frames, windows and outer facade.” Everything is produced in Veldhoven and then shipped to the British capital. This was the final procedure for ten of the LCI buildings. Byldis is also building in other locations in London, such as Royal Wharf. “Yes, it’s really impressive”, says van Dijk. “We have learned so much from this project: we have delivered on all our promises and didn’t miss even one deadline.”

Streamlined process

A lot of research and development was carried out before the construction process, in order to make sure the panels met the English laws and regulations. “Almost the entire company followed a course in technical English”, explains Van Dijk. “The professional terminology is somewhat different to the English you use on holiday.” Byldis took care of the engineering, production and assembly of the towers, from the very first floor or podium that were built in-situ. “An English size was used for the bricks. We worked intensively together with Wienerberger and construction material supplier Bouwcenter Van Hoppe right from the start, so that the supply of bricks ran perfectly. They understand our system and we have insight into their production methods.’

When the client and architect came up with the idea of glazed bricks, the development team got together with Bouwcenter Van Hoppe and Wienerberger once again. Van Dijk: “Glazed bricks can’t be sawn or glued, so they need a different approach. First you start by drawing out the bricks, before construction begins. Measures are taken during the production process so that the bricks do not get damaged.” But he does not want to disclose exactly what those measures are. He smiles: “That’s a secret and we want to keep it that way.”

Henderson: “If you want bright red, a glazed brick is the only option. The client understood that. And so they were glazed red, but also blue and blue-purple. No matter what the colour of the London sky, the buildings always shine.”

More about London City Island:

• Watch the videos about London City Island testimonial and time-lapse here.
• Read more about showcase London City Island.
• Read more (in Dutch) about the development of London City Island from the perspective of David Henderson, studio director of the London branch of Glenn Howells Architects (GHA)

Photo: Jacco van Dijk, CEO Byldis