- Interior
Elbeko from Zele is a 360° construction company – from engineering to finishing – with 50 years of experience. After a busy period for them with Batibouw as the apogee of season, we were able to talk about their activities with Tim Schauwvlieghe.
What is last year's project you are most proud of, and why?
“Various private houses and villas. We are proud of every project we deliver. In proportion, the construction of a house or villa is equally important for everyone and a major financial effort. Serving people well and providing quality of life through building their new home always gives great satisfaction.”
What are you particularly looking forward to this year in terms of professionalism? What are the developments towards the future?
“In our sector, increasing complexity plays a crucial role throughout the construction process. It’s becoming increasingly important to coordinate all components in advance, from structural work to techniques and final finishing. It’s our task to bring these various studies and components together so the client finally achieves the desired end result in a professional, smooth and high-quality manner. The pressure of declining purchasing power on the one hand, and rising construction costs on the other, in many cases, is also causing the building to become more compact. We see an opportunity in this through our integrated approach, in which interior architecture has an important place, to give the builders a better living experience in a more compact whole.”
What would you like to realize within your sector that you have not yet been able to do?
“A reconversion of an authentic building into trendy, current and high quality housing seems to be a nice challenge to me. We have always focused on new-build projects. Land is becoming scarce and there are also many buildings with a rich history. Turning such a site into a great residential complex with contemporary living comfort on all levels in order to give added value appeals to me.”
Who is/are your most important business partner/s?
“We work together with numerous partners/subcontractors for the realization of our projects; each partner, large and small, is an important link in this. We take over the development of projects ourselves so that we’re independent of external business partners.”
Who is your customer base usually?
“Very diverse, ranging from ages 35 to 70, both employees and self-employed in all sectors. We focus on a clientele that likes to have everything properly prepared coupled with a sustainable execution with high-quality materials. At first glance, therefore, we are not the cheapest player on the market. However, those building owners who go deeper into the content of their tenders will notice the differences and will have to conclude that the cheapest price also delivers a significantly lower quality.”
What do you wish for yourself and your (potential) clients, apart from a classic such as 'good health'?
“General zest for life and success in both privately and professionally. These are also classics but this also has its reason. You can have a positive or a negative view of everything. If you take a positive approach to things, everything is more pleasant and constructive.”
More constructive... that’s really hitting the nail on the head there. Thanks!
All Images Courtesy of Elbeko