High-level design meets efficient manufacturability

The spectacular facade design of the Booking.com headquarters, on Amsterdam's Oosterdokseiland, is visibly coming to life. Scheldebouw thus demonstrates that high-quality architecture, high performance requirements and efficient manufacturability go hand in hand. 

The headquarters of Booking.com, a development of Oosterdokseiland Ontwikkeling Amsterdam (OOA), is one of the largest inner-city projects in Western Europe. For Scheldebouw, part of the Permasteelisa Group, this is a great project in the Dutch market. "Under direct contract with OOA, we are taking on the engineering, production and assembly of the facade," says Scheldebouw project manager Joost Schins. "We think along with the architect at a high level and then make the translation into a facade system that is feasible and efficient to apply. Furthermore, we provide the glass roof structures for the atria."

Finding boundaries

Project design manager Alessandro Denti adds, "Together with the architect and the consultants involved, we sought the limits of the façade design. One of the biggest challenges is that we have to accommodate enormous glass weights with a slender structure. In addition, the facade, especially on the north side where the track runs from Central Station, must meet strict acoustic requirements." Scheldebouw translated the high-level facade design into six subsystems; three for the facade of the lower section, the so-called podium, and three for the element facades above it. Denti: "From design to completion, we safeguard the architectural image and the intended quality. We do this, among other things, with a visual mock-up, a performance mock-up and an acoustic mock-up."

Prefab and onsite

On-site assembly began in early June 2019. This was preceded by an extensive preparation process. Site manager Ivan Pascual explains, "We modeled the facades in BIM and we prepare the facade elements as much as possible in our own factory in Middelburg. We prefabricate the element façade in ready-made elements, which are lifted and assembled directly on site. The podium facade we assemble onsite." When asked what the main points of attention are during execution, Pascual replied, "In addition to just-in-time delivery and assembly exactly according to specifications, we pay a lot of attention to working along the railroad tracks. This is subject to a special assembly plan that includes set assembly times."

Proud

With nearly half of the facades completed, construction is proceeding according to plan. "Very special to see the building come to life," says Schins. "Moreover, with this prestigious project we are showing what we are good at. We are proud of that."