Realized within schedule despite heavy rainfall

Distribution Center GDM02

A distribution center of over 33,000 m2 of warehouse, 3,300 m2 of mezzanine and 3,600 m2 of offices is being built on the Hogeweide industrial estate in Geldermalsen. A challenge, especially with the weather conditions last winter. Joan Aarts tells on behalf of Wouters Schijndel how the general contractor kept its head above water with these challenges.

Some challenges you see coming, others you don't. For example, it was always known that the plot for distribution center GDM02 in Geldermalsen had a high build-out rate. What turned out to be a challenge only afterwards was the extremely wet winter.

Wet fall challenges planning 

Aarts: "We started the piling work in September 2023. Already in October it started to rain a lot. We suffered a lot from that. Groundwater levels were high and we had to deal with a lot of water on the construction site. That was a real challenge during the structural phase." The compact outdoor area, which had a lot of transport movements anyway, often became impassable as a result. "In addition, we implemented the clean water tank for the sprinkler as a basement. Realizing that basement in this situation was a challenge. The basement was therefore made later than planned: we had to postpone it until conditions were better."

Flinty well drilling as outcome

Thanks to the use of extensive well drilling with 16 return wells, delays were still avoided. "We learned a lot about water management during this project. We were able to plan it so that some crucial work was done later, but the project will be delivered on time."

Adjusted scope for sustainable property

The online supermarket Picnic will work with partners and suppliers for fruits and vegetables at this location. They had to deal with changing circumstances during realization, according to Aarts, so the scope was also adjusted. "Pretty far into the construction the plans changed, so we also had to switch gears with adjusting the sprinkler system and lighting. That meant engineering twice and the last time with the necessary time pressure. But in cooperation with all parties, that too succeeded." 

Picnic is realizing its first Fruits & Vegetables Distribution Center in Geldermalsen. That's why sustainability is extra important. "Of course we have to take into account fitting in a refrigeration system. But we also insulated the entire floor in the distribution center extra. The roof and facades also have an increased insulation value in order to be energy efficient in relation to the refrigeration."

Sustainability with circular steel and water storage

The building is being built with BREEAM Excellent**** certification in mind. "We are doing that in collaboration with the user, because its refrigeration system falls within the certification," he says. A landscape architect is making sure this project will have plenty of greenery. Frog offsets, trees, shrubs and flowers beautify the landscape and provide biodiversity. In addition, the building will have solar panels and charging facilities for cars as well as refrigerated trailers. "At this location, we can store about 3,500 m3 of water with wadis and a crate storage system, and then gradually return it to the environment. In order to minimize the ecological footprint, a construction of circular steel was chosen."

Aarts indicates that Wouters Schijndel specializes in building distribution centers, but that there is actually never a "standard project" in between. "We don't really know standard. We build very high-quality DCs with client Intospace. These are often adapted to the location and user. As a result, there are always specific features or peculiarities. This project is definitely one of those again!"