Press Release
Project Pasteur reaches milestone in Haarlem's largest timber construction project
Last modular homes installed
Haarlem, January 13, 2026 With the installation of the last solid wood module, Project Pasteur has reached its highest point. This is an important milestone for Haarlem's largest timber construction project. The project comprises 179 homes and the new office of housing association Elan Wonen. Of these homes, 155 are timber constructions and 24 are traditional concrete constructions. The project is now entering its next phase.
Build in record time thanks to modular construction
Project Pasteur demonstrates how fast and efficient modular timber construction can be. In February 2025, the piles were driven into the ground, followed by the concrete floor slab. At the end of June, the first prefabricated modules arrived at the construction site in Haarlem from the factory in Sliedrecht. Just six months later, all 322 modules are in place. "With the installation of the last module, we are taking a big step towards completion. The first homes will be delivered in May 2026. The last homes and the Elan Wonen office will follow in July," says Nick Jaring, director of operations at HBB Groep. "This project shows how modular timber construction combines speed, quality, and sustainability."
Building at two locations simultaneously
This high construction speed is possible because work is being carried out at two locations simultaneously. The modules are being produced at the Maat Modulair factory, while the concrete plinth is being constructed at the building site by construction company HBB Groep. Three to four layers of solid wood modules are stacked on top of this. Thanks to this method, the inconvenience to local residents has been kept to a minimum.
Collaboration partners
The project was designed by architectural firm FARO. Finch Buildings developed the modular construction system and the wooden modules. Maat Modulair manufactures the modules in its factory, and HBB Groep is responsible for the realization of Project Pasteur..
Boost for Boerhaave neighborhood
Project Pasteur will see the demolition of three outdated apartment buildings with a total of 84 homes. These will be replaced by a larger and more varied housing supply with 155 social housing units and 24 mid-range rental homes, spread across three residential buildings.
Marieke Heilbron, director of Elan Wonen: “We are not only creating more affordable homes here, but also a sustainable living environment and our new office in the heart of the neighborhood. This allows us to remain close to our tenants.”
Large CO₂-savings through wood and biobased materials
By using modular timber construction, Project Pasteur saves approximately 1,900 tons of CO₂ compared to traditional construction methods. In addition, approximately 1,600 tons of CO₂ is stored long-term in wood and other biobased materials used in the buildings. All homes will receive an A+++ energy label and contribute to a healthy and future-proof living environment.
