Functional and aesthetic: a visual spectacle along the A9

In the dynamic world of the construction industry, Hercuton is known for its progressive approach to sustainable projects. The latest addition to Hercuton's portfolio is the industrial building for Vercom International in Alkmaar. Just before construction starts, we look back on four years of preliminary work and look ahead.

That Hercuton is known as "the most sociable construction company in Brabant" is not surprising. With a strong emphasis on team spirit, the company has been attracting fresh talent for over thirty years. And that approach is contagious, because in its projects Hercuton thrives on collaboration. This was also the case in the realization of the company building for Vercom International, for which Hercuton joined forces with Dedato Designers and Architects.

From design to reality 

On the edge of the busy A9 near Alkmaar, work is underway on the new premises of the producer of PE packaging materials. The building consists of a 7,500 m2 warehouse and a 1,500 m2 office. "Dedato's special design comes into its own here," says commercial manager Jack van den Broek. "We first build a standard commercial building and then add an ornamental facade that enhances the appearance of the building without getting in the way of its functionality."

Making reality of Dedato's beautiful design was easier said than done. "But the design had to and would stand up," says plan developer Sander Robbe. "The client, like us, was extremely enamored with it. Keeping an ornamental facade with a special construction upright is quite a task. We managed to do it anyway, making the building now both functional and aesthetic. So it was a good move by Vercom International to make no concessions and stick to the original design."

Together you will get further

The timing of this project could have been better. The corona crisis and the war in Ukraine caused prices to skyrocket. So how do you achieve the same result without compromising the original plan? "A lot of consultation," Robbe explains. "We have all the expertise in-house, so we quickly came up with new ideas. In several projects we are the architect ourselves, so we also have experience with that way of thinking. That's very useful in situations like this."

Van den Broek confirms and adds: "In addition, we are working with fine partners. We have been involved in this project from the very first moment and are therefore aware of the entire process. We like to think proactively, because we are convinced that together you achieve the best results. In cooperation with the client, architect and subcontractors, this is once again confirmed in this project."

Key innovations

Vercom International's commercial building will be completed in mid-2025. This project is a prime example of Hercuton's commitment to sustainability and innovation. For example, the team creatively addressed major challenges around energy supply by implementing large battery packs, which store energy for use at peak times. Project leader Maikel Monde emphasizes the importance of these innovations: "Every project gives us the opportunity to learn and improve. What we do here, we take back to subsequent projects."