MS Schippers Hapert: Smart combination of steel and precast concrete

On behalf of SchipVast, the real estate branch of MS Schippers, Willy Naessens Netherlands is responsible for the wind- and watertight delivery of the project. In addition, the precast concrete builder is responsible for coordinating all subcontractors, such as the W, E and sprinkler installers. "With a total area of approximately 47,500 m², the new building is one of the largest projects we have realized to date," explains project manager Edwin van Boxtel. "Because of its size and complexity, the shell construction will be carried out and delivered in phases. By the end of 2020, the complete structural shell should be ready."

Willy Naessens Netherlands was awarded a Design & Build contract by SchipVast. "For the design of the new building we proposed Architeam," says Van Boxtel. "We conceived and designed the structure in-house and in close consultation with our client. Moreover, we coordinated all the work in detail with Reijrink Staalconstructie. Because of the short lead time, we opted for a hybrid construction in which precast concrete and steel are cleverly combined. This allows not only faster, but also considerably lighter construction." The new building is right up Willy Naessens Netherlands' alley, he emphasizes. "From concrete to masonry, connections and detailing: all our areas of expertise are amply covered in this project."   

Combination of concrete and steel

MS Schippers is a total supplier for the professional livestock industry. The new production halls and warehouse (approx. 38,000 m²) will be used to store and distribute incoming and outgoing goods starting in the summer of 2021. "Among other things, the warehouse will be equipped with an advanced and automated order picking system," Van Boxtel said. "Three PGS hall sections will also be realized for the storage of hazardous materials. We have installed liquid-resistant concrete floors, concrete walls and doors in these areas. All floors, interior and exterior walls and the roof of the PGS hall sections are - for fire safety reasons - made of concrete. On the façade side, the hall sections are clad with sandwich panels." The other hall areas serve as dry storage halls and are constructed with steel columns and a steel deck.

Building above the fire pond

"In this area, no piling is needed, but we can build on steel foundations," Van Boxtel said. "For the realization of the industrial halls and the warehouse, we placed large piles, set columns and built a Willy Naessens concrete structure." Part of the offices will be integrated into the industrial halls and connected to the new office building (total: about 10,000 m²) through an atrium. "The office building includes a spacious showroom and presentation rooms and will be realized above the fire pond of the Kempisch Bedrijvenpark. This maximizes the available space. To make the construction possible, we drained the fire pond, installed foundation piles and prefabricated columns, and made a cantilevered first floor deck. We then erected our scaffolding and allowed the pond to fill again, followed by the superstructure. Whereas the inside of the office building was constructed entirely in concrete, on the outside we opted for masonry."

Loft look

On the inside of the office building, a loft look was chosen in consultation with MS Schippers. The concrete structure remains in maximum view, says Van Boxtel. "Because concrete always has a visible side and pouring side, we looked very consciously at the placement of the elements. Moreover, we applied monolithic floors. In combination with hot-dip galvanized stairs and fencing, a robust, industrial look is secured."

New landmark at business park

Employees and visitors to MS Schippers will soon be able to park on the first floor or on a concrete parking deck on the 1st floor level, which has also been realized by Willy Naessens Netherlands. "A kilometer away we are also building a facility point for SchipVast, which in addition to offices will also house a branch of Subway. This building should also be delivered wind and watertight by the end of December," said Van Boxtel. "Chosen was a concrete building with a lot of glass and vertical sandwich panels and window strips, which should become a new landmark on the business park."