A nice raincoat for EdesPoort station in Ede

Work on Ede's new station is in full swing. The platforms are covered with a unique wooden structure of 23 triangles. Project consultant Dennis Reek of Ridder Skins for Buildings BV explains how the company applied durable and attractive protection to them.

"The client came to us for a fascia cladding. That's the metal finish on the eaves. Pretty soon we saw that there was much more going on here. In the Netherlands it is too wet to leave the wooden beam structure unprotected. So it was decided to clad the roofing on the outside, and then the station building and bell tower as well," Reek said.

Waterproof zinc

The material choice for the cladding fell on zinc. Because this is a precious material, Ridder Skins for Building BV wants to ensure that it is processed carefully. That is why the company is a member of the Zinkmeesters. "We have now been part of this fine association for more than 20 years, which guarantees the quality of zinc and maintains processing guidelines." For EdesPoort, Rheinzink is being used in the patinated finish blue-grey. "That material has a very nice velvety appearance. In addition, it is sustainable and ecologically sound. About 30 percent consists of recycled material. In addition, zinc has a super long lifespan and you have virtually no maintenance on it."

Substantial achievement

Working around a track, which can only close for a limited time, proved challenging. Much of the work was prefabricated alongside the track. "We had a team of 10 people working through the weekend. It was challenging at times, but it worked out gloriously." The scale also proved impressive. "There are about 30 tons of zinc incorporated into the building. Those are serious quantities. For our people to manage such a large project with such craftsmanship is unique in my opinion. There will soon be something that we can drive past for years to come and think 'we helped build that'. A beautiful product to which the Knights were able to contribute. We are proud of that!"