In an extensive renovation project, AF Bostäder is replacing all the plumbing systems for 850 corridor rooms at Delphi. Bathrooms, accommodation, ventilation, broadband and corridor fixtures will also get a revamp. The work is following an ingenious system in which all tenants avoid disruption by moving to a newly renovated corridor – with no change in the rent.
Delphi is one of AF Bostäder’s largest housing areas, designed by Hans Westman and built in 1969. There is housing for more than 1 300 students, with accommodation for 1 000 on corridors.
“Much of our student accommodation originates from the Million Programme,” says Rickard Wallin, Technical Manager and Project Manager at AF Bostäder. “To ensure that the housing continues to offer a good standard, good functionality and high comfort, we have a continuous and ambitious programme for property maintenance. The model is based on a long-term approach and a thorough method, always with the customer’s best interests in mind.”
The rule of thumb is that plumbing systems are renovated at 40 to 50-year intervals, but sustainability and wear and tear may differ between different properties. Each case is assessed based on the pipes’ original material and quality, how they are joined together and how they are branched specifically for kitchen and bathroom, or for both. Sometimes, it is sufficient to renovate using relining, and sometimes the pipes have to be replaced.
“At Delphi, all the plumbing has to be replaced, which is extensive work with a lot of practical challenges and also constraints on the tenants, in cases where they must remain in the accommodation,” says Rickard Wallin. “Thanks to the fantastic commitment of a large number of our staff, we have succeeded in creating a project procedure that is both efficient and ingenious – as well as customer-friendly. The key to success has been to bring together colleagues and ideas from all the relevant parts of the organisation – communication, financial administration, rental, property management, property development and IT – and plan and conduct the work together.”
After a review of the conditions in all the buildings at Delphi, the working group arrived at a clever solution in which the buildings are not renovated in the order in which they are located, but in order of size, so that the largest corridors come first and the smallest last.
“The solution means that the tenants can move according to a system in which they transfer from their old corridor to a newly renovated one – with an unchanged rent,” says Therese Månsson, Project Manager at AF Bostäder. “All those who want to can move together and thus keep their friends on the corridor and the sense of community that has great value for the students. The tenants are contacted well in advanced before the move, so everyone has time to prepare without stress. When it’s time, we offer help with the move in the form of carts, barrows, boxes, a subsidy for the cost of changing address and, of course, the traditional moving-in pizza. We also make sure to provide information and answer questions throughout the process.”
In connection with the replumbing work, the bathrooms will not only get new fixtures and fittings, but also a new surface finish and towel driers. In addition, the housing will get a facelift that includes new paintwork, door replacement and new hat racks. The indoor climate is improved due to new ventilation technology and the broadband is upgraded with faster cables. The corridors themselves will get a new and stylish look according to four themes – earth, forest, ocean and wind.
“The timetable is based on highly detailed timing and daily close contact with our contractors in the area. Between 2020 and 2026, we will renovate 850 corridor rooms and in total there are around 20 stages in the work that is conducted on each corridor. Entirely according to plan, we are already just over half way through the work, as the last stage largely consists of guarantee-related inspections,” says Rickard Wallin.
Latest update June 9, 2023