Looking back at 2018
We have had a really exciting year. The icing on the cake has of course been that we became the main contractor on Bjarke Ingels’ private houseboat. We basically finished the project here before Christmas and Bjarke moved in for Christmas vacation. However, we will continue the project here in the new year, as there is a desire for extra work on the lower deck. The project has gone well and we are proud that we were chosen as the main contractor. Some describe Bjarke’s houseboat as a future “design icon” and it’s pretty cool to have been a part of it.
The Bjarke Ingels project – from ferry to houseboat
Our approach to the houseboat project has been the same as on any other project, but the truth is that this project is by no means standard. First of all, we had very little experience in converting a ferry into a modern home. And you can’t run away from the fact that Bjarke is not just anyone and in no way can be categorized as a “standard customer”. As we have previously written, architects are always different to work with, as they have a different approach to construction than the general client.
From the beginning, Bjarke has been very aware of his wishes, but at the same time also came up with new things along the way. New things can be good, but wearing the entrepreneur’s hat often means that things need to be changed or adapted, schedules pushed and new challenges emerge. But it is part of every project and we are very much appreciated to have had the opportunity to work with fun and different designs and new material choices. We take our hats off to Bjarke and his sometimes bold choice of colours and materials. For example, not everyone paints their staircase neon orange (see image below).
It has also been a fun mix of people who have had their daily walk on the boat. Some had no idea who Bjarke even was, but were called in as specialists in their field, while others – like us – were quite enthusiastic about this opportunity. Most importantly, it has been a really nice mix of talented people and we are proud of our partners who have solved the task to UG. Hereby a big thank you to: Aage Petersen El, Buur VVS, Nem malerservice and MAROKK.dk.
You can read more about Bjarke Ingels’ houseboat project in part 1 and part 2.
New year – new partner – new employees
We have chosen to expand the business and we are getting a new partner in Focus Plus. His name is David Bøtcher and he has worked as an independent master mason for a number of years with his own employees. David is a hard-working skilled man who is great at tile work and much more. In addition, he is an operator to his fingertips and will, among other things, be in charge of our bricklaying department. Welcome to David – we are delighted to have him on board.
Other new initiatives in 2019
In the future, we also have our own plumbing department with full authorization and we havealso got a carpentry department. If you are on the verge of having to renovate your home, we can help with the entire process. Whether you are renovating for your own sake, or because you want to sell your home, we are always ready with a helping hand. If you belong to the latter category, we are happy to put you in touch with knowledgeable professionals who can help you with an assessment of a house or apartment.
Vu is now well covered with new forces and ready for the new working year.
Happy New Year and thank you for reading.
Bjørke, Peter & David