Unique perspective on building healthcare

Good customer knowledge is differentiating factor

For 57 years SMT Construction & Real Estate has contributed to the construction and development of social real estate. For the first half century, the focus was primarily on education, but with the arrival of director Geron Verdellen, now seven years ago, another pillar was added: building for healthcare.

By now we can say that SMT Construction & Real Estate offers a distinct specialty in that area. It is clear that it is not just about the knowledge of building, but precisely the additional customer knowledge is an important factor. By delving into the challenges of healthcare and the processes of the users, a better healthcare environment can be created, where people can live, live and work pleasantly, is the thought. Verdellen explains: "We really immersed ourselves in healthcare. Not just as a builder, but as an expert. This allows us to think along and we are better able to translate the need into real estate."

More than just building

So it's about more than just stacking bricks, engineering, concrete, steel and wood. Logistics also play a role, as do the costs of cleaning and the right workflow for care staff. And budget is also an important aspect. SMT's unique approach begins even before there is a client. Verdellen continues: "We often start looking for locations ourselves and then bring parties together for real estate development. This way we are involved in the entire design and build process and can add and create value." This way of working also fits well with ASVB (Aan de Stegge Verenigde Bedrijven), of which SMT is part. ASVB is a network of more than 20 construction companies that use each other's resources, people and expertise.  

In the end, of course, SMT completes the circle and realizes the property. In doing so, she guarantees both money and content. This is pleasant for the client and often more efficient. "If the plans have been made and you still have to find a contractor to realize them, there is always the question of whether this can be done within time and budget. Certainly given the current market, this is not always easy," Verdellen says.

Committed partner

SMT not only develops and builds for elderly care, but is also a committed partner in projects for Youth Care or for housing for people with autism. "We want to create a living environment for everyone from which basically all care can be provided. So we take into account things like the width of the doors and the size of the bathroom. There are also specific wishes per care group," Verdellen tells us. "For example, in homes for people with NAH. There we focus on a low-stimulation environment and, for example, we don't place front doors opposite each other."

One of SMT's projects is the recently completed Heilaarstaete in Breda, an expertise center for the elderly where care organizations are collaborating in an innovative way within the mental health system. "We were able to demonstrate our specialism there very well. The result is a building with smart accommodations for different target groups, offering what each one needs," Verdellen says. SMT is also working on the transformation of, for example, offices into clinics or apartments. Or even a presbytery in Rosmalen, which turned out to be an ideal location for housing for people with autism. "With our 25 permanent employees, we know how to distinguish ourselves excellently with our unique approach," Verdellen concludes. "Our absolute strength is that we empathize well with the level of expertise of the client and user."