Stichting Bouwresearch: Pioneering Construction Research and Building Innovation
Introduction
The stichting bouwresearch has long stood as a beacon of Construction Research in the Netherlands. Founded in 1959, this knowledge institute drove Building Innovation, supported Sustainable Construction, and contributed to Dutch Building Standards and Architectural Design Guidelines. In this article, we explore its history, impact, and legacy.
1. History of Stichting Bouwresearch
Stichting Bouwresearch (later known simply as SBR) was established in 1959 to promote and coordinate research into new building methods. Its founding came at a time of post-war reconstruction, when the Netherlands urgently needed guidance on reinforced and pre-stressed concrete.
The first chairperson was former minister Herman Witte. Initially based in the Groothandelsgebouw in Rotterdam, the institute played a pivotal role in supplying practical knowledge to small construction firms.
2. Evolution: From SBR to SBRCURnet
In 2003, the Stichting Bouwresearch was officially renamed SBR, with around 50 staff under engineer Jack de Leeuw. It produced important publications on topics such as equipment management, cost control, financing, and policy planning.
In 2013, SBR merged with CUR (Civil Engineering Centre for Execution, Research and Regulations) to form SBRCURnet, headquartered at De Bouwcampus at TU Delft. The merged organization continued to deliver both research and practical guidance in the field.
3. Contributions to Construction Research and Building Innovation
1. Publications and Standards
SBR and SBRCURnet published a range of practical tools: SBR‑Referentiedetails, Infobladen, and CUR‑aanbevelingen. These became key resources in Construction Research, offering clear Architectural Design Guidelines and practical tips for professionals.
2. Trillingsrichtlijnen (Vibration Guidelines)
One of SBR’s best-known contributions was its Meet‑ en Beoordelingsrichtlijnen voor trillingen—a set of standards to measure and assess building vibrations. The guidelines, organized into three parts, address:
- A: Damage to buildings
- B: Discomfort to people in buildings
- C: Interference with equipment
They provided objective, science-based criteria to assess vibration levels, helping local authorities, builders, and planners apply Sustainable Construction practices in line with environmental laws like the Besluit kwaliteit leefomgeving (Bkl) and Besluit bouwwerken leefomgeving (Bbl).
4. Role in Dutch Building Standards and Sustainable Construction
SBR’s work shaped Dutch Building Standards through:
- Supplying Construction Research that informed regulations
- Establishing guidelines used in the Omgevingswet (Environmental Law)
- Setting measurable norms that helped regulate building safety and quality
Its vibration standards were referenced in national regulatory processes and design documents, reflecting its influence on Sustainable Construction and minimizing environmental and human impact.
5. Legacy: Dissolution and Knowledge Transfer
SBRCURnet ceased to exist as an independent entity on 31 December 2017. Its knowledge and activities were transferred:
- CROW, for infrastructure and civil engineering
- ISSO, for the built environment and building installations
This ensured that its valuable Construction Research and Building Innovation resources continued to inform Architectural Design Guidelines and Dutch Building Standards.
6. Why Stichting Bouwresearch Still Matters
- Rich heritage: Fostered knowledge since 1959
- Practical impact: Vibration guidelines shaped real-world planning and construction
- Enduring influence: Key resources were absorbed by institutions that remain active today
- Sustainability focus: Emphasized safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible building methods
In short, the stichting bouwresearch remains a cornerstone of Construction Research, Building Innovation, and the development of high-quality Dutch Building Standards.
7. Structured Summary Table
| Topic | Insight |
|---|---|
| Foundation and mission | Founded 1959 to guide construction practices |
| Evolution | Renamed SBR (2003), merged into SBRCURnet (2013) |
| Key outputs | Publications, vibration guidelines |
| Field influence | Informed Dutch building law, environmental standards |
| Dissolution and legacy | Ended 2017; work passed to CROW & ISSO |
Conclusion
The stichting bouwresearch has left an enduring imprint on the Dutch construction world. From its founding in the late 1950s through its evolution into SBR and SBRCURnet, the organization pioneered Construction Research, shaped Building Innovation, and helped establish Dutch Building Standards and Architectural Design Guidelines. Its legacy lives on through its guidelines, absorbed by institutions like CROW and ISSO. Even after its dissolution in 2017, its contributions in Sustainable Construction and vibration standards continue to influence policy and practice. The institute remains a benchmark in knowledge-based, practical, and innovative building methods.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
1. What was Stichting Bouwresearch?
Dutch experts established the research foundation in 1959 to coordinate Construction Research and guide building innovation in the Netherlands.
2. What are SBR vibration guidelines?
A three-part standard for measuring and assessing vibration impact on buildings (A), people (B), and equipment (C).
3. What happened to SBRCURnet?
SBRCURnet (formed by merging SBR and CUR in 2013) closed at end of 2017; its work continues under CROW (infrastructure) and ISSO (built environment).
4. How did Stichting Bouwresearch impact Dutch construction law?
Its guidelines were incorporated into regulations under the Omgevingswet, including the Bkl and Bbl, influencing standards for vibration and environmental safety.
5. Where can I find SBR reference details and publications?
They can be found via SBRCURnet’s legacy publications such as SBR‑Referentiedetails, Infobladen, and CUR‑aanbevelingen, which are available through CROW or ISSO archives.
