The Hague, September 2025 – Deerns designed and supervised the replacement of two façade maintenance installations (FMIs) for the Central Government Real Estate Agency (RVB) in The Hague, The Netherlands. A complex operation in the middle of the bustling city, carefully planned to ensure continuity.
In June 2021, Deerns was commissioned by the Central Government Real Estate Agency (RVB) to replace the Facade Maintenance Installations on the roofs of the buildings of the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations and the Ministry of Justice and Security. Deerns was involved in the project from the initial investigation and responsible for the design of the new façade maintenance installations, the specifications, tendering, project management and the supervision of the implementation. Throughout the project, Deerns worked closely with the RVB, Alimak, Mammoet, HTM, Arcadis, BAM, Van Rens and the environmental manager and the environmental manager.
" In addition to designing the installations, we acted as a linking pin. In close consultation with the RVB, we connected the various partners so that the planning, safety measures and logistics fitted together seamlessly,
Complex logistics
The implementation presented unique challenges. Using one of the largest mobile cranes in Europe, heavy components had to be hoisted to a height of 148m, in the middle of the busy centre of The Hague. This undertaking required some significant measures to make it possible. From temporary actions such as removing tram overhead lines to blocking waterways and diverting traffic flows. Deerns coordinated this logistical operation with a focus on safety, progress and minimal impact on the surrounding area.
Deerns’ detailed safety and accessibility plan included all measures designed to minimise disruption to the ministry, residents, the three car parks in the area and local traffic. The construction of a temporary corridor around the building ensured that emergency exits, bicycle parking facilities and surrounding car parks remained accessible.
Efficient façade maintenance through smart technology
In addition to logistical coordination, Deerns also designed the new façade maintenance installations. The design is characterised by a lower parking position making the installations barely visible when not in use. Furthermore, the design includes a hoist for replacing any defective glass panels and a permanent osmotic water supply to the gondola. The use of this osmotic water system saves approximately 30% of the time required for washing the façades. All this has been designed without exceeding the weight of the previous installations.
Safe renovation in the heart of the city
The installation of the new systems and removal of the old systems took place in August 2025. After completion of the work and inspections, both new façade maintenance systems have been operational since the beginning of September 2025 for carrying out maintenance work on the façades of these two buildings.
