The distribution center of the future is expressive, green, and lets daylight flood deep inside

In recent years, millions of square meters of logistics real estate have been built in the Netherlands, including many distribution centers. These distribution centers are often based on designs by ten major architectural firms, such as Convexarchitecten. Following the success of distribution centers in Amsterdam, Schiedam, and Breda, the Rotterdam-based architectural firm designed several projects in Lelystad. A prime example is the multichannel distribution center for Frasers Property Industrial, which excels in both sustainability and design, thanks in part to the aluminum windows, doors, and curtain walls from Aliplast Aluminium Systems. All profiles for ‘The Anchor’ were delivered in long lengths and in the specified color to window frame supplier Vierboer BV. The firm opted for STAR75 and MC Wall systems with a smooth, glossy RAL 9005T (jet black) coating, which comes with a 25-year paint warranty.

“There is a lot of discussion in society about the appearance and integration of distribution centers into the landscape,” notes Peter Couwenbergh, architect and director of Convexarchitecten. “To counteract the ‘urbanization’ of the landscape, more and more attention is being paid to a building’s expressiveness. Light, views, safety, and good working conditions are also playing an increasingly prominent role in the design. Frasers Property Industrial’s new distribution center is a fine example of this. For instance, the offices occupy a very prominent place in the building, and great attention has been paid to the color scheme of the facade, which transitions from gray to beige. Furthermore, the building’s architecture has been given a striking vertical accent. The curtain walls and window frames from Aliplast Aluminium Systems play a key role in this and vary significantly in dimensions. For example, the window frames are designed to be somewhat heavier, allowing us to incorporate translucent plastic panels into the design alongside the glass.” Following the example of the office, windows and skylights have also been installed in the workspace of the logistics hall, ensuring that ample natural light and views are combined here as well. “A park-like appearance and a green rooftop garden ensure that the building blends seamlessly into the green surroundings.”

BREEAM Excellent

Following the example of BREEAM, Couwenbergh notes that CO2 impact, Paris Proof, and MPG have also become important indicators of sustainability. “The Anchor was designed in accordance with the BREEAM-NL Excellent standard. To achieve this, significant emphasis was placed on energy efficiency, user comfort, waste management, ecology, and stormwater drainage—as well as on the sustainable use of materials. The aluminum windows, doors, and curtain walls from Aliplast Aluminium Systems align perfectly with these goals. Although aluminum production is very energy-intensive, this is more than offset by the material’s long lifespan, low maintenance requirements, and full recyclability. The material can be recycled indefinitely without any loss of quality. It’s no surprise that aluminum scores exceptionally well on the MPG index.”

Windows and doors with C2C Silver certification

The Anchor project got underway for Aliplast Aluminium Systems through window frame supplier Vierboer BV in Swifterbant. “During the preparatory phase and based on the aesthetic design by Convexarchitecten, we selected the right profiles, colors, and hardware for this project,” says project consultant Joris de Zeeuw. “For the windows and doors in the distribution center, for example, we chose our STAR75 system, with an installation depth of 75 mm for the outer frame and 84 mm for the sash. This system is suitable for glass thicknesses ranging from 12 to 61 mm for the frame and 21 to 69 mm for the sash. With a U-value of 0.94 W/m²K, an airtightness class of 4, and a sound insulation rating of 47.1 dB (-1, -4), this solution is perfectly suited for applications with strict requirements for thermal and acoustic insulation. In addition, this system is C2C Silver certified.”

Excellent curtain wall

Just like the windows and doors, the Aliplast MC Wall curtain wall also immediately catches the eye. This curtain wall is characterized by a wide variety of mullions, transoms, and finishing profiles on a uniform 55-mm line. “The mullions are available up to a depth of 294 mm, and the transoms up to 326 mm,” explains De Zeeuw. “The system is suitable for glass thicknesses up to 74 mm. With a U-value of 1.5 W/m²K, an airtightness class of AE1300, a watertightness class of RE1500, and an acoustic performance of up to 38 dB (-2, -6), this system excels in every respect.”

Aliplast Aluminium Systems“ R&D department has since further developed this curtain wall system. The new system, called MC 55, will be launched soon. ”With this, we’re responding to the aesthetic preferences of architects who want increasingly larger glass panels (soon up to 850 kg). In addition, the system offers even more possibilities in terms of aesthetics and installation.”

A great follow-up project

The Anchor was built by Goldbeck Nederland B.V., with which Aliplast Aluminium Systems has already completed several distribution centers—for example, in Groningen, Herkenbosch, Emmen, and Zevenaar. Recently, the companies began construction on a new BREEAM-NL Excellent distribution center for DHG at Lelystad Airport Business Park, which was also designed by Convexarchitecten. Once again, the project features Aliplast STAR75 windows and doors, as well as the Aliplast MC Wall curtain wall system.