'We do one really special project every year'

Non-series concrete work

Concrete builder Anton Bouw & Betontechniek provided the concrete work for the new Lion enclosure at ARTIS. The company specializes in non-series concrete work for special buildings, for example.

Emiel van Dam, commercial director and co-owner of Anton Bouw & Betontechniek: "So it's always about customization. We make most parts only once. Our origins are in infra: rail projects and train stations. Because we are highly certified on the Safety Culture Ladder and the CO2-Performance Ladder, we have expanded. We are now procurement partner for several companies in civil concrete construction and industry."

Through a relationship at Van Wijnen Special Projects, Anton Bouw & Betontechniek was asked to plan and quote for the Lion's Den in ARTIS during the tender phase. Van Dam: "We do one really special project every year and this is a fine example of that. Based on the structural engineer's sketch, we made the 3D design with which we won confidence at the presentation."

Logistical challenge

The concrete builder adapted the existing foundation of the former Algazelles residence. In addition, the company performed all the concrete work in the visitor tunnel: from the structure and stairs to the walls and floors. The sleek concrete slabs with brass intermediate strips gave the tunnel a special appearance. The floors also received a special treatment. They were sanded, revealing the gravel in the concrete. "Part of the work was poured on site, the rest was prefabricated in our own workshop. Logistically, that was quite a challenge. To minimize the burden on the center of Amsterdam, we transported many parts via water."

During construction of the residence, it turned out that there were sometimes existing cables and pipes that were not known in advance. "Therefore, we had to adjust things regularly. Fortunately, everyone was flexible about this and this did not cause any problems for the cooperation."