Platform on new construction, renovation, restoration and transformation
Say A-location, you say Westfields Logistics. This gigantic distribution center is rising on Westfields business park in Oirschot, near Eindhoven, which is one of the most important hubs for e-commerce activities in the Netherlands and Western Europe. The property is right on the A2 and A50 motorways and a stone's throw from Eindhoven Airport.
Westfields Logistics is a joint development of SDK Real Estate and MG Real Estate. SYSTABO is responsible for the structural and installation works. The realization of the infrastructure work is being handled by KWS. "Designing and building distribution centers with offices has long been our core business," says SYSTABO project manager Martijn Lammertink. "Both developers involved us in the project at an early stage. As a construction partner, we bring in our technical expertise to create an optimal building from the initial design idea. In all considerations in the design and implementation process, customer values and unburdening are central."
Three warehouses
With a perimeter of some one and a half kilometers and an area of nearly 100,000 square meters, Westfields Logistics offers enormous distribution and storage capacity for a variety of companies. Lammertink: "The building is divided into three warehouses, each of which in turn can be divided into two units. Each warehouse has an office of about 1,000 m² and a mezzanine floor of about 1,500 m² for storage or value added services." Westfields Logistics Development is also constructing solar panels on the roof with a total capacity of 6.5 megawatts.
Above and below: horizontal sandwich panels in black and white provide a clean look.
3.65 million pounds of steel
SYSTABO started construction work at the end of 2018. To realize this mega-distribution center, some 30,000 floor and foundation piles are going into the ground. Around 3.65 million kilograms of steel will also be processed and around 35 kilometers of sprinkler pipes will be installed. By using as many prefabricated elements as possible in the foundation, the steel construction can soon be started. Horizontal sandwich panels were chosen for the facade cladding. The detailed use of the colors black and white provides a sleek appearance.
Beforehand, the site plan and Program of Requirements were determined in close consultation with the client. From this basis, the environmental permit was also taken care of, as well as further project engineering. Lammertink: "In doing so, we take maximum account of the interests of the client, owner and future tenant."
BIM
SYSTABO ensures proper coordination of all disciplines within the project through the application of BIM. Cooperation and knowledge exchange with the regular construction partners contribute to maximum integration of the in-house construction methods and techniques. "We have the philosophy that successful projects only come about when there is optimal cooperation," Lammertink said. "Client and owner gain insight through BIM into the execution choices made, quality used, safety and environmental aspects. Openness and transparency are paramount here in order to fulfill the client's wishes."
High pace, pleasant cooperation
Construction is progressing well. The first warehouse is already in the finishing phase and will be ready shortly after the construction period. This will be followed by the second warehouse, whose structural work has also been completed. The finishing work, including pouring the floors and installing the installations, is in full swing. The steel structure of warehouse 3 is now being built. SYSTABO expects to deliver the total project in early 2020. "The construction pace is high," says Lammertink. "Together with our construction partners, we are applying lean methodologies. From a common interest, we coordinate all work seamlessly. This is how we pleasantly put up a fantastic result."
