At the Van Heemskerckflat in Groningen, the renovation phase may be complete, but the work of understanding and optimising building performance is ongoing. Through clear on-site communication and continuous monitoring, InCUBE ensures that both residents and project partners remain engaged in the building’s long-term performance.
Following the completion of renovation works, informational posters have been installed throughout the building to introduce residents to the InCUBE project and its outcomes.
These materials explain how the building has been improved, what technologies have been implemented, and how performance is now being monitored. Presented in both Dutch and English, they are designed to be accessible to a diverse resident community.
Importantly, the posters go beyond simple information-sharing. They help make the renovation visible and understandable, ensuring that residents are not left out of the process once construction teams have left. In this way, communication supports a more inclusive approach—where residents can engage with and better understand the changes made to their homes.
With the renovation complete, monitoring systems are now in place to track how the building performs in everyday use. These systems measure key indicators such as temperature, humidity, light levels, occupancy, and overall energy use.
Small, non-intrusive sensors installed within apartments collect this data. The aim is not to monitor individuals, but to understand how the building operates under real conditions and how residents experience the upgraded environment.
This ongoing monitoring allows project partners to:
By linking performance data to the building, insights can be gathered that go beyond design assumptions and reflect actual use.
The combination of clear communication and continuous monitoring is a key part of the InCUBE approach. While renovation delivers immediate improvements, understanding how those improvements perform over time is essential for lasting impact.
At the Van Heemskerckflat, this approach also reinforces the importance of involving residents beyond the construction phase. By keeping them informed and connected to the project, InCUBE supports more inclusive renovation practices—where technical innovation is paired with transparency and engagement.
