Helmond Metalen's new building in Culemborg: 'A strong example of building'

Construction company J.G. Timmer from Kesteren is giving off a great calling card with the new construction of Helmond Metalen in Culemborg. The contractor from Kesteren realized there a new office including storage halls and other necessary facilities for efficient operations for the metal processing company. The biggest challenge lay in the fact that Helmond Metalen's production had to continue 'as normal' during the construction process. A challenge that the construction company from Kesteren was only too happy to accept. The efficient company succeeded with flying colors.

A unique office now stands on the Rijksstraatweg in Culemborg, namely the headquarters of Helmond Metalen. The expressive office area also serves as an inviting gateway to the grounds behind it, where the skilled family business has been active in the dismantling, sorting and processing of metals for 60 years. "And that process just had to continue, that was a clear condition," says project manager Pieter Kool of Bouwbedrijf J.G. Timmer. 

Sophisticated design

"The love for the trade was palpable from the very first sketches. The Helmond family considers this company to be much more than just a metalworking company," said project architect Hoeshmand Mahmoed of Veenendaal-based Architektenburo Guido Bakker. For that reason, he tried to listen to the family as much as possible throughout the process. "This building has to fit around the business operations like a cast and absolutely not the other way around. The building serves the family business and all their future needs," the architect believes. "From an urban planning point of view, it is a striking appearance. At right angles to the Rijksstraatweg, at an appropriate distance, stands the office and also the main entrance to the back yard. The office, a combination of Corten steel and brick, forms a gateway, so to speak, to the impressive grounds where all production and storage takes place. A play between modern and rural architecture results in an interesting composition of the facade, where the search for the different scales played a prominent role. After all, this building must be able to accommodate large equipment while also being approachable on the human scale. The symmetry of the façade and the use of materials of the different volumes give this building its own character, fitting in with the environment, with the family and especially with the company."

Decisiveness and broad craftsmanship 

After previous successful collaborations, Helmond Metalen once again ended up with Bouwbedrijf J.G. Timmer. Piet Helmond, director of Helmond Metalen: "They are hard workers, who don't look at an extra hour. The employees distinguish themselves by realizing beautiful projects professionally and with great vigor." He again emphasizes the fine cooperation. "Construction company J.G. Timmer is known for broad craftsmanship. With a committed team of over 40 employees and the necessary equipment, the construction company realizes projects in-house. The contractor combines unique technical knowledge and experience with a flexible approach. Both in residential construction, commercial construction, agricultural construction and interior construction. Characteristic are the short lines within a flat organization, resulting in time savings in the form of a short and efficient construction process." 

Realization

Last April, the starting gun sounded for Construction Company J.G. Timmer. Kool: "We started with the storage location at the back of the site. There we built eight-meter-high walls of high-quality concrete. An additional challenge were the high-voltage cables hanging over the site." Of course, the construction company was able to circumvent these obstacles without any problems. "Fine materials were chosen for this building, both inside and outside. The front facade features Corten steel combined with attractive bricks, aluminum window frames and partially aluminum cladding. For the interior, again to a design by Architektenburo Guido Bakker, a modern yet warm look was chosen. Fine materials such as a sleek cast floor, Corten steel and a green wall provide the modern atmosphere, while all custom furniture and design lighting create a lovely homely atmosphere in the office. Professional photographs were taken of metal fabrication and can be admired throughout the building in the form of photo wallpaper. This gives each space a personal layer."

In addition to the building, construction company J.G. Timmer took care of all installations and custom furniture. The result is a building that oozes craftsmanship. The professionals all kept their promises and relieved the employees of Helmond Metalen by not interfering with the business process. Production went on as usual and Helmond looks back on this with complete satisfaction: "Construction company J.G. Timmer really deserves kudos." Meanwhile, after the new office building, the construction company also completed the halls in the middle of the site. Kool: "There will be space there for storage and for the maintenance of machines. Helmond Metalen has taken care of the dismantling and processing of the old facilities in-house, because that is, after all, their own specialty." Helmond Metalen's entire construction project in Culemborg will be completed at any moment. Helmond: "Now we are completely ready for a sustainable future for the new generations of our family business."