Installation challenges at top logistics location

On the edge of Logistics Park Moerdijk, B&V Techniek is working on a distribution center of stature. On a site of more than 34 hectares, DSV is developing a hypermodern complex with more than 240,000 square meters of storage and office space. For this, B&V Techniek is providing the complete package of climate and sanitary installations. "An impressive project, in every respect," says project manager Remco van Doorn.

The distribution center will be divided into ten halls and several office areas. For B&V Techniek, that means all installations in both the warehouse and the central office environment, from sewerage to control technology. Van Doorn: "We supply all building-related installations. From heating to cooling, ventilation, air conditioning, water installations and plumbing and including the building management system. The latter makes the entire building smartly controllable. Everything can be monitored and controlled remotely."

In the headquarters, meanwhile, the mechanics are in full swing with the finishing touches. "We are at the stage where we really start to see what we have prepared. The first heat pumps have been installed and the climate is being actively controlled."

Efficiency through preparation

In order to deliver on time and on schedule, B&V Techniek invests heavily in preparation. Many components are prefabricated in its own workshop in Oudewater. "The heat pumps are ready on skids there. On site, we put everything together like a Lego system," Van Doorn says. "That saves time on the construction site and prevents mistakes." And that is no superfluous luxury: the immense surface area and logistical complexity of the building place high demands on the installers. "The distances are large, the installations bulky. Everything has to fit within the ceilings and recesses, while other parties are also in full swing. So you have to be well attuned to each other."

Sustainable and certified

With this project, DSV wants to build not only functional, but also sustainable. The building will therefore be delivered with BREEAM Excellent certification. "We are fully gearing our installations to this," Van Doorn explains. "For example, we use heat pumps with a natural refrigerant and ventilation systems with heat recovery. That way we use the energy optimally."

Experts in utility

B&V Techniek is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The company grew to become a regular player in non-residential construction, with specializations in the food industry, government projects and high-quality residential construction. Based in Oudewater, a team of some 80 people works on projects throughout the Netherlands. "Our strength lies in the breadth: we have many disciplines in house, so we can switch quickly," he says. Cooperation with Bouwbedrijf Vrolijk runs smoothly, according to Van Doorn. "We are used to working together. With a large project like this, you have to understand each other and be able to count on each other."

The skyline colors technically

In the coming months, the building will continue to be decorated. "Soon you will also see the technology on the outside, when the first installations are on the roof. Then our work will really start to come to life," Van Doorn concludes. "For us, this is a project in which everything comes together: size, complexity, sustainability and collaboration. That makes it challenging and also a lot of fun."