Platform on new construction, renovation, restoration and transformation
At Demcon, technology at the highest level is central. The company provides innovative concepts and solutions to its customers' issues. This requires expansion with advanced facilities such as a clean room, instrumentation shop and assembly workshop.
Demcon's total expansion comprises 7,000 m², including 5,260 m² on the first floor, 1,600 m² on the upper floor and 202 m² of galleries. The galleries form narrow walkways, from which employees and visitors have a view of the production areas. The design - developed by Bronsvoort Blaak Architects - had to meet high standards in all areas. In terms of sustainability, it had to meet the requirements of the BREEAM 'Outstanding' label and in terms of aesthetics it had to be an architectural eye-catcher. In order to ensure innovation and synergy, other innovative companies can also establish themselves in Demcon's expansion.
The idea of leasing a portion to other innovative companies arose when construction activities were already in full swing. To accommodate its new tenants, Demcon invited them to put their wishes on paper. "These were obviously high-tech specialized companies with high installation requirements," says Hans Cornelissen, project manager of DIJKHAM bouw. "As a result, some installations were modified several times. Some adjustments for the benefit of the tenants resulted in complete internal renovations."
To meet the high requirements of the BREEAM 'Outstanding' certificate, DIJKHAM bouw sought advice from the Adamas Group, which specializes in sustainable construction. This resulted in a credit list, with which at least 85% of the building components had to comply. "Consider, for example, the construction site equipment," Cornelissen explains. "This had to be orderly and tidy; waste had to be separated and energy consumption had to be monitored. Especially the latter required intensive administration. The building itself had to have a high-quality, sustainable indoor climate and excellent burglary protection. Fortunately, we now have extensive experience in construction projects with high sustainability ambitions."
And, of course, there were curb appeal requirements. The building had to be an architectural eye-catcher. "For that reason, the facades have been given nice details," Cornelissen says. "The offices have bay windows that hang completely outside the facade. The galleries presented a structural challenge; heavy hollow-core slabs were needed to create the galleries. Now they make the building special. The concrete elements also give the building an extra touch. However, in connection with the BREEAM certification, it had to be CSC concrete. This led to a long search for a certified concrete producer. Eventually we ended up with Betoncentrale Twenthe, which was in the process of obtaining the certificate. At the time of delivery, this company was certified."
"The project was full of architectural and installation challenges. We have now completed the delivery. After this delivery, Demcon was able to move on to the next phase, the interior."
