Building for People

European Business: Mr. Veldhoen, throughout its long history, Dura Vermeer has realized many landmark projects – from the reconstruction of Rotterdam and the development of the Lijnbaan to modern infrastructure and urban development projects. Looking at this broad range of projects, is there a guiding principle?

Rutger Veldhoen: At their core, these projects are about people. Buildings, roads and neighbourhoods are not created for their own sake, but for the people who will ultimately use them. This philosophy has guided Dura Vermeer for more than 170 years. Whether we are developing a residential neighbourhood, constructing infrastructure or delivering a complex building project, we always ask ourselves how it will improve people’s lives. Ultimately, success is measured by the value a project brings to the community. 

European Business: Dura Vermeer looks back on more than 170 years of company history and remains owned by the Dura family to this day.

Rutger Veldhoen: Our history actually dates back to 1855. One of the most defining periods was the reconstruction of Rotterdam after World War II. Projects such as the Lijnbaan and later the development of the Cruise Terminal helped shape our company. The long-term perspective that grew out of this history continues to define us today. We do not have to think in terms of quarters; we can make decisions that will still make sense 10 or 20 years from now. This mindset influences not only our strategy but also our corporate culture. Our hierarchies are relatively flat, responsibility is delegated at an early stage, and people remain at the center – both within the company and in the projects we deliver.

European Business: Mr. van den Thillart, your focus is on the development of new residential and urban districts. Have expectations for such projects changed in recent years?

Arno van den Thillart: The challenges have become significantly more complex. In the past, the focus was often on the individual building. Today, we develop complete living environments. People expect much more than housing alone. They expect attractive public spaces, good mobility concepts, access to green areas and a sense of community. Urban development requires us to balance social, environmental and economic considerations from the earliest planning stages. Topics such as sustainability, climate adaptation, biodiversity and social inclusion are integrated into the planning process from the very beginning. While the Netherlands is facing major challenges in the housing market, the goal is no longer simply to maximize the number of homes being built, but to create attractive and liveable neighbourhoods. Achieving this requires close cooperation with municipalities, investors and many other partners. 

European Business: Dura Vermeer often refers to “doing the right thing”. What does that mean in practice?

Rutger Veldhoen: For us, it means taking responsibility. We want to realize projects that have a positive impact on their surroundings. That is why we ask ourselves what contribution each project makes to society. This may be new housing, improved infrastructure or a development that enhances the quality of life in a region. Commercial success is important, but it should never be viewed separately from the impact it creates.

Arno van den Thillart: This philosophy also shapes our approach to urban development. Great neighbourhoods are not created through architecture alone. They need places where people can meet, feel safe and enjoy a high quality of life. That is why we take a holistic view of sustainability. It is about reducing CO2 emissions, but also about health, social quality and long-term usability. Ultimately, people should enjoy living and working in the environments we create.

European Business: Sustainability is one of the defining topics in the construction industry.

Rutger Veldhoen: We have been investing consistently in sustainable solutions for many years. One example is our Urban Miner facility in Rotterdam. This technology enables us to process concrete in a way that allows valuable components to be reused. It was a multi-million-euro investment, but it demonstrates that sustainability is not just something we talk about – it is something we actively implement. The same applies to the development of more sustainable building materials and the reduction of CO2 emissions across our projects.

Arno van den Thillart: Timber construction is also becoming increasingly important. In addition, we pay close attention to how buildings and neighbourhoods perform throughout their entire life cycle. Sustainability extends far beyond project completion. The key question is what long-term value it creates for both people and the environment. 

European Business: Digitalization and artificial intelligence are transforming many industries. What role do these technologies play at Dura Vermeer?

Rutger Veldhoen: A very significant one. BIM processes have become an integral part of our daily work. They enable far more efficient planning and execution of projects while improving collaboration between all stakeholders. In addition, we use digital tools for quality assurance, documentation and process optimization. This helps us manage increasingly complex projects more effectively. 

Arno van den Thillart: At the same time, digitalization and AI are helping us address the shortage of skilled labour. The industry must deliver increasingly complex projects with limited human resources. Intelligent technologies simplify processes and reduce workloads, allowing our people to focus on areas where experience, creativity and personal collaboration remain essential.

European Business: Where do you see Dura Vermeer in the years ahead?

Rutger Veldhoen: We want to remain one of the leading construction and infrastructure companies in the Netherlands. Growth remains important, but not at any price. What matters most is preserving our values while ensuring long-term success. At the same time, we see tremendous opportunities. Demand for housing, sustainable infrastructure and future-proof urban districts will continue to grow. That is why we are investing in innovation, long-term partnerships and strategic investments – even in more challenging economic times. Our goal remains to realize projects that create tangible value for people, regions and society as a whole.