Durable plastic roofing for bol.com

In close cooperation with Bouwbedrijf van de Ven BV (Veghel), A. van Diessen Dakbedekkingen BV (Valkenswaard) realized the durable plastic roofing of bol.com's new distribution center (BFC2) in Waalwijk.

Text | Lieke van Zuilekom    Image: Diessen Dakbedekkingen BV

Waalwijk is increasingly considered one of the logistics hotspots of the Netherlands. With an area of 50,000 m², bol.com's fulfillment center is already one of the largest distribution centers on the Pakketweg. In the coming years this will be expanded by another similar surface area, to a total of 100,000 m² or 16 soccer fields. Superintendent Robin van Diessen explains, "On the steel roofing sheets we applied a 0.2 mm thick and vapor retardant PE foil. On top of that, 142 mm thick PIR insulation boards were mounted with an Rc value of 6. Finally, the whole thing was covered with a 1.5 mm thick TPO roofing material."

The TPO roofing was chosen on the recommendation of the roof and façade consultant involved. "Not surprisingly, because TPO is FM Approved and therefore contains no chlorine and plasticizers," Van Diessen said. "In addition, TPO has a long lifespan and the roofing is glued and blow-dried rather than torched, ensuring fire-safe processing. The work on BFC2 was carried out in four phases. In spring 2019, we started with the 33-meter-high warehouse section, during which we regularly braved harsh weather conditions. In the summer, the middle and higher sections were completed, from where we continued working outward until the completion of the roofing in early 2020.

Handling packages in pleasant daylight

Commissioned by Bouwbedrijf van de Ven, VELUX Commercial delivers and installs skylights for the expansion of bol.com in Waalwijk. This was preceded by an extensive consultation and preparation process.

"We supply and install 1,692 skylight modules with a total area of 2,600 square meters," explains Manager of Projects John Mocking of VELUX Commercial. "The VELUX modular skylights are located above the area where parcels are handled. bol.com wants to create a pleasant and healthy working environment here with sufficient daylight. In doing so, the room must be prevented from becoming too hot and glare in the glass is also not desirable." VELUX Commercial developed the skylight in collaboration with bol.com, architectural firm DENC and construction company van de Ven. Mocking: "Together, we were looking for an alternative to the originally conceived system with blinds on the outside. We visited several other projects and performed simulations and calculations on the influence of solar radiation. In the end, we opted for highly solar control glazing. Before proceeding with implementation, we made a mock-up of our daylighting product. The client is still satisfied with the quality of the product today. Thanks to the skylights, bol.com employees will soon be working in pleasant daylight."

Project info

Handling packages in pleasant daylight

Commissioned by Bouwbedrijf van de Ven, VELUX Commercial delivers and installs skylights for the expansion of bol.com in Waalwijk. This was preceded by an extensive consultation and preparation process.

"We supply and install 1,692 skylight modules with a total area of 2,600 square meters," explains Manager of Projects John Mocking of VELUX Commercial. "The VELUX modular skylights are located above the area where parcels are handled. bol.com wants to create a pleasant and healthy working environment here with sufficient daylight. In doing so, the room must be prevented from becoming too hot and glare in the glass is also not desirable." VELUX Commercial developed the skylight in collaboration with bol.com, architectural firm DENC and construction company van de Ven. Mocking: "Together, we were looking for an alternative to the originally conceived system with blinds on the outside. We visited several other projects and performed simulations and calculations on the influence of solar radiation. In the end, we opted for highly solar control glazing. Before proceeding with implementation, we made a mock-up of our daylighting product. The client is still satisfied with the quality of the product today. Thanks to the skylights, bol.com employees will soon be working in pleasant daylight."