News
Hospitality
Jan 7, 2025
Renovation Golden Tulip Leiden
The renovation of Golden Tulip Leiden Centre, part of the Golden Green Hotels, is set to begin soon. Owners Lione and Robert van Duyn are enthusiastic about the architect's design. However, it quickly becomes evident that executing the design exactly as planned would make the renovation highly invasive and costly. General Contractor Bulsink provides an alternative design. The result: a realizable and affordable plan, thanks to practical construction solutions and thoughtful material choices, all without compromising on quality or aesthetics.
realizable and affordable while Retaining the desired Look
renovating Golden Tulip Leiden
Lione and Robert sit around the table with Project Developer Ingrid Reacq from Bulsink, surrounded by samples—carpet, wallpaper, tiles, glass, curtain fabrics, and paint swatches. Ingrid has also brought two chairs. It’s decision time, as work is set to start in a month.
All Executive and Comfort rooms will undergo a complete transformation—43 of the 103 rooms, covering two of the four floors. The initial plan was financially unfeasible, explains Robert: "Such an investment has to be recouped."
Family businesses among themselves
Ultimately, Lione and Robert chose Bulsink for the project. "We did go through a tender process, but it quickly became clear that we wanted to work with Bulsink," said Lione.
“They also built Hotel VIC, which is part of the Golden Green Hotels. That was a positive experience. They have short lines of communication, are quick to respond, think along with you, and are open and transparent. And they’re a family business, just like us. It feels right, although it's still a business partnership."
“They assigned a dedicated team right away. And with Ingrid, we clicked from day one. She instinctively understands what we want and has delivered accordingly, within budget.”
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As a construction partner, we take a very practical approach to achieving the desired look through smart material choices.
Smart Material Choices and Construction Solutions
“Bulsink isn’t a design firm,” emphasizes Ingrid, who plays a key role as Project Developer in the early stages of construction projects. “As a construction partner, we look at how we can achieve the desired look through smart material choices.”
“We also consider how to streamline the construction process by taking the existing structure into account. For example, by retaining existing walls or doors, you free up the budget to fulfill other wishes.”
Lione provides a concrete example: “In the architect’s initial proposal, bathtubs were to be relocated, which would require moving all the plumbing. In the new plan, the bathroom fixtures will be updated, but the plumbing stays in place.”
The same goes for the bathroom wall tiles. New panels will be installed over them, avoiding time-consuming demolition work.
VRF climate system
What will be demolished? In the rooms, all the floors will be removed and the wallpaper will come off; only the ceilings will remain. In the corridors, in addition to the wallpaper and carpet, the ceilings will also be removed, as a new VRF climate system for heating and cooling will be installed. Robert: "On those two floors, we’ll be able to go off gas. And we’re taking the opportunity to install new lighting in the suspended ceilings."
Additionally, all the furniture in the Executive and Comfort rooms will be replaced.
3D scans
After the summer holidays, Ingrid presented the first version of her ideas, which have since been translated into a detailed design for two rooms. This sets the standard for both room types.
Bulsink then develops the design into tailored execution drawings. "We’ve made 3D scans, so we know exactly where all the niches and columns are in each room."
Working through the Christmas Holidays
Demolition work begins in the first half of December. Robert explains, “For the business market we serve at Golden Tulip, this is a quieter time, making it ideal for large renovations.”
“And the business market picks up again in early March,” adds Lione. “Next March, there are several major conferences in Leiden, so we have to be ready. Otherwise, it will cost us money.”
After demolition, Bulsink will first complete one floor before moving on to the next. Work will continue through the Christmas holidays. Ingrid states, "By investing time and energy in the preparation now, we can complete all the work within twelve weeks."
