Platform on new construction, renovation, restoration and transformation
On October 10, the new headquarters of Elektro Internationaal B.V. was officially opened in the outskirts of Woerden, right off the A12. The 6,000 m² building on Middellandse Zee sets a new standard in sustainability and innovation, thanks to a fully electrically powered building system featuring 450 solar panels, an AC and DC microgrid, and Ocean Plastic switchgear. Combined with a sophisticated airtight seal, white roofing, and careful window placement, the building has an A+++++ energy rating.
Since 1916, Van Baaren Aannemers of Schoonhoven has been building exclusive homes, commercial properties, apartment complexes, and more with craftsmanship and passion. Reliable, committed, and with an eye for quality. Following the construction of a circular commercial building for PCS in Hendrik Ido Ambacht, the new soccer facility for SV Parkhout in Nieuwegein, and the playfully designed new building for the YellowBellies daycare and outdoor childcare center in Montfoort, this was beautifully demonstrated in Woerden, where Van Baaren Aannemers was responsible for the construction work and installation coordination.
“Elektro Internationaal B.V.”s goal was to create a nearly energy-neutral building with a GPR score of over 8.5,“ says Rick Peltenburg on behalf of Van Baaren Aannemers. “To make this possible, we paid close attention to the themes of energy, the environment, health, quality of use, and future value. During the preparatory phase, we coordinated the structural work and building services engineering in such a way that a comfortable and functional building with high insulation performance, an efficient HVAC system, and sufficient renewable energy sources was created.”.
Construction began in May 2024. “The new building is built on a concrete foundation supported by piles,“ explains Peltenburg. “The ground floor of the office consists of prefabricated insulated hollow-core slabs, while the workshop has a cast-in-place concrete floor with insulation and underfloor heating underneath. On top of this, a steel structure, floor slabs, and a roof deck with steel roof panels were installed. The facade is finished with sandwich panels featuring a PIR insulation core, combined with aluminum window frames and curtain walls with solar-control glazing. While the majority of the building’s facade is clad with profiled exterior panels, perforated profiled sheets were used at the roof terrace.”
The roofs are designed as sawtooth roofs and provide even natural light throughout the workshop. A large glass wall has also been installed at the rear of the building, allowing all workshop employees to work in a pleasant environment that positively impacts their health, productivity, and safety. Because the windows face north, constant, diffused daylight enters without direct sunlight. This prevents bright sunlight from heating up the interior spaces and allows for significant savings on active cooling. Thanks to the daylight, less artificial lighting is also required. On the south side of the shed roofs are 450 solar panels, which, in combination with the white roofing, generate maximum output. The white roofing reflects sunlight and keeps the surface cooler, which also helps the building stay cooler.
“By linking the climate control systems in the consultation rooms to the booking system, no energy is wasted anywhere,” explains Peltenburg. “Another unique feature of this project is the use of the Keurhout Duurzaam certification (Level 2). Among other things, the interior doors, interior door frames, trim, window frames, and roof edges are made of wood that has been demonstrably sustainably produced. This also contributes to the high GPR score, as does environmentally responsible forest management.” By mid-July 2025, the new building will be delivered to Elektro Internationaal B.V. fully furnished and fitted out.
