The steel heart of DC DAEL: Stairs you can't beat

An impressive distribution center is rising in the bustling industrial area of Maasdijk: DC DAEL. This project, which includes part office and part industrial hall, has a strong, functional core. An important part of this is the steelwork, including eight unique stairwells, each of which is manufactured by Hazeleger Metaal Kootwijkerbroek, better known as Hametko.

Hametko is known for its craftsmanship and flexibility. With a team of experienced professionals, the company supplies a wide range of steel products, from stairs and balustrades to complex structures. What makes Hametko special is that it controls the entire process itself, from design to assembly. "As a result, we switch quickly and keep quality high," says Corné Hardeman, work planner and draughtsman at Hametko. "Our people are flexible; the guys in the workshop also go with us to the construction site. That saves a lot of time down the line."

Spectacular steel structures

The construction of DC DAEL is a project that combines size and complexity. The logistics hub includes a large industrial hall with a spacious office in front. "For us, this was an interesting project," Hardeman says. "We installed seven staircases, ranging from robust, industrial stairs in the industrial hall to an imposing eye-catcher in the office."

DC DAEL is aesthetically not a standard distribution center. "There was a demand for customization that fits perfectly within the architecture of the building," Hardeman continued. Cooperation with partners such as Bincx and Van Mierlo played a crucial role in the success of DC DAEL. For example, Bincx supplied the steel structures, Van Mierlo took care of the structural environment and Hametko then went to work assembling the stairs. Hardeman confirms, "That's how we complemented each other exactly."

The showpiece

The main staircase in the office area was an engineering feat. This staircase, with glass balustrades, wooden treads and a load-bearing steel structure not only had to be constructive, but also had to look sleek. "The main staircase is really an eye-catcher," Hardeman says proudly. "The steps seem to float between the steel, with no visible fixings. It was quite a job, but we wanted to build a staircase that would make everyone stop and think for a moment."

The short lead times and sequence of construction also didn't make it easy. Hametko had to install the stairs before the rest of the finishing work began, which meant everything had to be planned on the right day. But that's what Hametko's team excels at: tight planning and smooth execution.

Creativity and precision

Hametko's work at DC DAEL shows what is possible when you combine craftsmanship and good cooperation. The challenges of the project required creativity and precision, something the team now looks back on with pride. "It's great to see how everything comes together in such a big project," Hardeman says. "Everyone worked really hard and you can see that in the end result. That gives real satisfaction."