Author: Pelecon

Geplaatst op: 4 June 2026

A DISTINCTIVE APPROACH TO STRUCTURAL DESIGN
In the magazine Logistiek Vastgoed Nederland, Pelecon discusses its distinctive approach within the world of building structures. Whilst many structural engineering consultancies limit themselves to the design phase, Pelecon remains involved from the initial sketch right through to completion. This combination of technical expertise, flexibility and personal commitment is clearly evident in the Rotterdam Logistics Park (RLP) project.

ROTTERDAM LOGISTICS PARK AS A BEST PRACTICE EXAMPLE
In the article, co-owner Mack Stolwijk and project manager Bastiaan Hoefnagel share their experiences with this sustainable logistics complex. They explain how Pelecon contributed ideas throughout the process, responded quickly to changes and developed smart structural solutions. The result is a future-proof, sustainable and architecturally distinctive logistics building that was successfully completed within a tight schedule.

POSITIVE ASSESSMENT BY HEEMBOUW
The quality of this collaboration was also confirmed in a supplier assessment by Heembouw for the DC Campus RLP project, building sections B and C. Pelecon achieved an overall score of 8.4. The preliminary phase was rated 8.5 (very good), whilst the construction phase received an 8.3 (good).

In particular, Heembouw rated Pelecon’s proactive input, the quality of its engineering, its adherence to agreements and its focus on sustainability as good to very good. This independent assessment underscores the committed and results-oriented approach with which Pelecon manages projects from design to handover.

Read the article in Logistiek Vastgoed Nederland here.

Geplaatst op: 1 June 2026

Our colleague Mack Stolwijk takes a positive view of the steel industry. He places great importance on sharing knowledge and learning from one another. He therefore sees our firm as a knowledge hub for steel structures. For him, steel remains the most important construction material, widely used in the Netherlands in the construction of high-quality distribution centres. ‘Both timber and concrete are outperformed in terms of construction speed and costs.’

Read the full interview with Mack in the magazine Bouwen met Staal.

Geplaatst op: 26 March 2026

When designing Bestseller’s large wooden distribution centre, we faced a clear challenge: ensuring the stability and vibration control of the structure. Due to the intensive use of machinery and forklift trucks, combined with a relatively light timber floor, vibration nuisance was virtually inevitable. It was crucial to thoroughly investigate this challenge in advance and find manageable solutions. Thanks to thorough preliminary research and realistic requirements, a building that is both stable and comfortable could be realised with relatively minor adjustments.

The floor structure consists of 120 mm CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber), covered with a waterproof membrane, onto which a 120 mm thick concrete floor is poured. It is noteworthy that there is no structural connection between the CLT and the concrete, which makes the vibration behaviour particularly complex.

The building to scale
To ensure certainty, a realistic mock-up was built in advance at main contractor Van de Ven in Veghel. This test setup comprised four columns, main and secondary beams, and a complete CLT+concrete floor, including all fixings and membranes to replicate the actual behaviour as accurately as possible.

A thorough analysis
The vibration behaviour was analysed by Cauberg Huygen, using the following approach:
• a literature review of the required comfort levels for both office and distribution areas;
• measurements on existing machinery to identify the main sources of vibration;
• the creation of an FEM model to predict the impact on the timber structure in advance;
• field measurements on the mock-up to validate the model’s assumptions
The conclusions were clear and directly applicable:
In practice, CLT and concrete work well together in relation to vibrations. Despite the absence of structural connections and the membrane, there is sufficient microscopic interaction.

Please note!
The transition between the office and the distribution area is a critical point. The structure is interrupted and designed with expansion joints at this point, meaning that vibrations require particular attention. The main source of disruptive vibrations comes from forklift trucks placing pallets. By adjusting lifting heights, driving routes and unloading locations, this disruption can be effectively minimised. Vibration-sensitive installations such as pallet robots require a separate, rigid and heavy-duty structure.

The strength of Pelecon
This project demonstrates exactly where Pelecon’s strength lies. Much of what we do is invisible, yet indispensable for a safe and comfortable building. Our tagline ‘the invisible strength’ is therefore not just a slogan: we ensure that structures function stably, safely and reliably, even when you cannot see them.

Geplaatst op: 23 February 2026

Bestseller’s new distribution center (DC) in Lelystad is striking for its enormous amount of wood: 23,500 m³. However, wood isn’t the only material: steel and concrete also play a significant role, with sustainability and low CO₂ emissions being key priorities.

Sustainable design as a starting point
During the preparatory phase, Bestseller commissioned us to design a building with the lowest possible CO₂ emissions and to use bio-based materials wherever possible. The distribution center consists of several building sections with varying functions and loads. Therefore, the structural option with the lowest environmental impact was chosen for each section.

High-bay warehouses and section D: steel with a low environmental impact
Height and large spans were decisive factors for the high-bay warehouses and section D. Steel proved to be the most suitable construction method. Both steel structures are fully detachable and constructed of XCarb® steel, a type of steel with a low environmental impact.

Sections A and B: Timber Construction
In sections A and B, the superstructure is constructed entirely of timber. The floor load on the upper floors is 7.5 kN/m². Wood not only provides sufficient load-bearing capacity here but also contributes to the project’s biobased ambition.

Section C: Precast Concrete and Timber
Section C combines precast concrete floors with a timber roof structure. The floor load on the upper floors is 12.5 kN/m². This hybrid solution provides the necessary strength and stability, while the timber roof contributes to reducing CO₂ emissions.

Greyatter Industrial floors on HS-piles 
All industrial floors are constructed of low-carbon concrete: Greymatter from Van Berlo. The Greymatter concept used here involves reducing the cement content through granular packing optimization. The industrial floors at ground level are founded on mini-vibrated piles. These are slender piles that are driven into the ground at high speed. These piles are only suitable for supporting the industrial floor and are not part of the main load-bearing structure. Besides being a highly cost-efficient system, this floor system also achieved the best LCA rating. This maximizes sustainability at the foundation level.

Although timber was not suitable everywhere, materials with the lowest possible CO₂ emissions were deliberately chosen for each section. In a future article, we’ll determine the building’s final LCA value and provide insight into the overall environmental performance of this unique distribution center. Stay tuned to our social media for another Bestseller update!

Geplaatst op: 4 February 2026

At Pelecon in Gouda, we have something new: our canteen has been completely revamped! We prepare the most delicious lunches in the new kitchen. And the seating areas offer a pleasant place where we can recharge our batteries, have lunch together or simply catch up with colleagues.

Our pleasant working environment grows with our team. That’s why we have room for new colleagues at Pelecon: we are looking for talented engineers. Want to know more? Take a look at our vacancies.

Will you be in our neighbourhood soon? You are welcome to drop by for a nice cup of tea!

DC NABUURS II – LOGISTICAL POWER WITH INVISIBLE STRENGTH

Geplaatst op: 20 January 2026

At Pelecon, our strength is often invisible, but always essential. At DC Nabuurs II in Haps, we proved this once again: together with Heembouw, we created a modern logistics centre that is efficient, sustainable and completely future-proof for user Foot Locker!

The building, completed in 2024, combines warehouse, mezzanine and office space and is flexibly designed to grow with operational needs. Smart calculations according to FM Global guidelines ensured minimal additional steel load, while wooden facades and an AutoStore system required customisation.

Close collaboration with specialist partners brought together structural knowledge, architectural vision and implementation experience – always with the user at the heart of the process.

Read more.

Pelecon consultant constitue of Europe’s largest wooden building

Geplaatst op: 14 January 2026

This building, BESTSELLER’s new logistics center in Lelystad occupies a whopping 155,000 m2. In a nutshell: the largest wooden building in Europe is being created here!

The architect Henning Larsen, now part of Ramboll in Denmark, chose from the beginning of the design to save as much CO2 as possible and improve biodiversity on the site, despite the building. As a construction material, therefore, as much wood as possible was chosen. For the finish, natural materials were also sought, for example hay as insulation material. Where it could not be otherwise, due to high loads and/or space requirements, prefabricated concrete and low-CO2 produced steel were chosen.

Knowledge step forward
For Pelecon Amersfoort, selected as a local partner by Ramboll Denmark, the timber construction is a huge knowledge step forward. Knowledge of the possibilities, the conditions during execution, the (good) resistance to fire, etc. André Verschoor, register designer of Pelecon: “we expect an explosive growth in the application of laminated wood in the coming years, in combination with wooden hollow-core slabs, for example.”

Increasing biodiversity
The architect’s desire to increase rather than reduce biodiversity on the building site is expressed in a roof garden almost 300 meters long. The roof of the high-rise is (naturally) full of solar panels.

📷 Henning Larsen and Pelecon

National Climbing Centre Nieuwegein – technical craftsmanship at great heights

Geplaatst op: 11 November 2025

In the Hoeverijk district of Nieuwegein, a sports complex unlike any other is being built: the National Climbing Centre Nieuwegein (NCCN). In 2026, the largest and most modern climbing centre in the Benelux will open its doors here. A place where sport, technology and sustainability come together in one impressive building.

What will soon be built in Nieuwegein is more than just a climbing hall. It will be an inspiring sports centre where recreational climbers, families, physiotherapists and top athletes can meet. With a guest house for athletes, bright meeting rooms, a restaurant and comfortable training and treatment rooms, the NCCN is a place where sport, relaxation and well-being come together.

The invisible power of Pelecon
For Pelecon, this project is a wonderful example of what is possible when technology, collaboration and sustainability reinforce each other. A building that literally and figuratively reaches great heights – and that writes a new chapter in Dutch climbing.
Based on the wishes and requirements of the client, Dijkham Bouw B.V., our structural engineers were asked to design and develop the entire climbing centre. The result is a well-thought-out steel structure weighing no less than 300 tonnes – 60 tonnes of which consists of THQ beams – which forms the foundation for more than 5,000 square metres of climbing and bouldering facilities, including an official speed wall and state-of-the-art training zones.

Construction challenges
The biggest challenge lay in the height of the building and the way in which the climbing walls were integrated into the structure. With a height of 20 metres and walls that also rest horizontally against the façades, this project called for smart technical solutions. Clamping the roof trusses against the rising columns creates a sturdy and rigid structure that guarantees stability. Even in the highest hall of the complex, where an indoor space and a partially covered outdoor space of 19.6 metres high come together.

Outside comes inside
All floor beams are integrated, creating sleek and open interior spaces that make optimal use of daylight. The many curtain walls reinforce this light and transparent character, while the closed façade surfaces on the outside are covered with green vegetation. This not only gives the building a natural look, but also contributes to air purification and insulation.

Sustainable down to the last detail
The NCCN’s sustainable ambition has been evident from the very first design. The building will be energy-positive thanks to the use of solar panels, and the green facades make it even more environmentally friendly. Through the smart and lean use of materials, the building has been constructed efficiently without compromising on aesthetics or comfort. The result is a robust, elegant and future-proof complex in which technology and design are perfectly balanced.

Collaboration to realise ambitions
The collaboration with partners such as Dijkham Bouw, Thijs Staaladvies, Brink Staalbouw, VBI, Lodewikus / Plomp Funderingstechnieken and Hardeman | van Harten proceeded smoothly and constructively. In intensive design and user sessions, wishes were coordinated, choices were tested and constructive solutions were refined. This close collaboration was essential to realising the ambitions of the NCCN.

Photocredits: Pelecon en Dijkham Bouw

Summer holidays

Geplaatst op: 25 July 2025

The first half of 2025 is over – and what a half year it was! We have been able to work on wonderful projects, together with our trusted partners as well as enter into new collaborations. That combination provides fresh ideas, new insights and plenty of energy. The result? A successful first six months that we look back on with pride.

Naturally, we have not let this go unnoticed. Together with the entire team of Pelecon Gouda and Pelecon Amersfoort, we celebrated this during a sporty and pleasant summer day at Chi Chi – The Golf Venue in Utrecht. We hit a ball, enjoyed good food and drinks, and thus ushered in the summer period together.

A period of relaxation, because after hard work it is time to enjoy well-deserved days off. Our office is therefore closed in weeks 32 and 33. From Monday 18 August we will be at your service again – with new energy and of course a fresh cup of coffee.

See you soon in Gouda or Amersfoort!

We wish everyone a very nice summer!

Henk van Vliet
Mack Stolwijk
& all colleagues from Gouda and Amersfoort

Open Monument Day 2024

Geplaatst op: 14 September 2024

Today, a large part of the Dutch monuments are open for visits, which we believe is definitely worth it! We get excited about construction-related issues concerning a monument. Our advice is crucial when renovating a historic building. We ensure that its renovation proceeds safely, respectfully, and in accordance with regulations, while preserving the building’s historical value and meeting modern standards. Below we explain this further.

A solid construction advisory ensures the preservation of the historical value of a monumental building. A good structural recommendation helps maintain the original features of the building, such as distinctive facades, ornaments, and construction methods, while integrating modern requirements.

Many monumental buildings are old and may show signs of structural wear, such as weakened foundations, wood rot, or cracks in walls. A structural assessment evaluates the current state of the building and identifies the measures needed to ensure the safety of the structure. These buildings often have complex constructions, such as vaults, wooden beam layers, or brick walls built in a specific way. We know how to handle these techniques and can advise on the best renovation methods that fit the original construction.

Finally, in renovating monumental buildings, we seek ways to make the building more sustainable and energy-efficient, without jeopardizing its monumental status. A structural advisory helps find the balance between modern sustainability techniques and preserving the historic character of the building.

Curious about what we can do for your monumental building? Contact one of our construction specialists.