Platform on new construction, renovation, restoration and transformation
Dijkham Bouw rapidly constructed an ultra-modern production facility in Bodegraven, while the factory of client Groenland Kip continued to operate. The result: a sustainable building with a focus on people, the environment, and efficiency.
After a major fire in 2021, Groenland Kip began a new chapter. In just over a year, a modern complex of more than 16,000 square meters was built on the same site where the old building once stood. “It was a large and technically challenging project, but we all did an excellent job,” says project manager Jan Lozeman of Dijkham Bouw.
The new construction took place while production continued as usual. “That made it a special job,” says site supervisor Michael Reeders. “For example, we had to take into account existing pipes, process drains, and old piles at the site of the fire. We measured them all and superimposed them on the new drawings so that we could work around them.”
To prevent stagnation, Dijkham built in phases. “We actually worked behind the demolition work,” explains Lozeman. “The construction site was small, so we arranged with the municipality that we could use a piece of public land for our site huts. In addition, a PPE-free zone had to be created for visitors and staff, in line with BREEAM requirements.”
The new building is certified according to the BREEAM Outstanding certification. Waste separation and reuse were therefore central to the construction work. “For example, we made sure that we had no mixed waste on site,” says Reeders. “Our separation rate was 97 percent. Even the rubble from the demolition was reused in the foundation.” Sustainability is also a guiding principle in other areas. “For example, we work with local subcontractors, from groundworkers to installers,” says Lozeman. “That reduces transport and CO2 emissions. Only the steel came from further away, from Helmond.” Only a few steel producers are certified to produce according to BREEAM standards, which require the use of circular steel and, for example, that couplings must be designed to be detachable.
The new building offers space for production, cold storage and freezer rooms, offices, and a fitness room. Heavy beams were used for the steel construction, including at the loading pit, where a column-free facade was desired. “We solved this by using a truss that can span about thirty meters,” says Lozeman. While the first piles were already being driven into the ground, the client requested an extra floor, which placed additional load on the foundation. “Pelecon calculated this very quickly. Thanks to short lines of communication and daily stand-ups, the schedule remained tight. Everyone knew exactly what was expected of them.”
Dijkham Bouw was responsible for the overall coordination of the construction, consulting with Groenland Kip, advisors, and contractors every two weeks. “Everyone had the same goal in mind: to get Groenland Kip back up and running at this location as quickly as possible,” says Lozeman. “You could feel that commitment throughout the entire construction process.” The result is a sustainable, future-proof building that is visible from the A12 motorway. “We have created something impressive here in a short space of time,” concludes Reeders. “It was sometimes a matter of trial and error, but the teamwork was excellent. And best of all, the customer is very satisfied.”
