An on-site challenge

Using its Movix modular building systems, Jan Snel has realized an expansion of the already existing office building of client Mammoet in just a few months. "With our systems, we have a large part already standing in two weeks," said Dennis Kos, construction project manager at Jan Snel. 

"We don't easily run away from a challenge," Kos says. Jan Snel, part of the Daiwa House Group, specializes in modular and sustainable building solutions. With this knowledge, it seized the Mammoet project in Schiedam with both hands. "We want to think along with the client's request. We look at what is realistic in combination with our method and systems."

Jan Snel's modular construction systems are in high demand. "It speeds up the construction period considerably. You can get started on site with the groundwork while we are already producing within the modular system," says Kos. "By manufacturing the columns, floors and walls in advance, they can be assembled on site at lightning speed." This also makes the systems more sustainable than traditional construction techniques. "You easily decouple the systems to give them a new use. That way you save an enormous amount of raw materials and building products."

Risky location

Two new floors had to be built, together accounting for 1,000 square meters of floor space. "A walkway was installed on the second floor to create a link to the original office building 'The Bolder,'" Kos says. The biggest challenge was in the project location. "To put a good building there according to all the requirements and regulations is a challenge an sich. Take for example the plasbrand-attention area, where we had to take into account explosion danger from boats on the water and many additional requirements of the safety region."

Why was the location such a challenge? "You have to take several things into account: the weather conditions at the waterfront, the wind, not damaging the quays and the nearby Beneluxtunnel." While the modular building systems for the two floors were fabricated in the factory, low-vibration pile driving began on site. "You have to be careful when you are so close to the water, but at the same time the office building has to be able to withstand weather and wind."

The realization of this project is going to be of great value, according to Kos: "This is an interesting reference work for future projects that also need to be built at this distance from the water."

From A to Z

The first contact between the two parties occurred in April 2022. "We were involved in the project from preliminary designs and permit applications to completion," Kos says. "With so many regulations and permits, it's important to stay in close contact. You have to do it together." Fortunately, the cooperation between Mammoet and Jan Snel worked out well. "We like to serve the customer well, and we certainly succeeded," says Kos. So Jan Snel collaborated on the project from start to finish, but mainly focused on the execution on site. Construction began in January of this year; in just a six-month period, the project was fully completed. A new building that provides space for a new cafeteria, store and restaurant. The inside has also been thought of. "We delivered the building turnkey," Kos concludes.