This year Pelecon again participated in the national Lions Clubs Douwe Egberts loyalty points campaign. With our entire team, we collected no less than 12,620 points! The points are collected throughout the country and redeemed in packs of coffee for the Association of Dutch Food Banks.
Would you also like to hand in your loyalty points and support the Food Bank? The Douwe Egberts website tells you where you can hand in your points.
“VERDOZING”, A TERM COMMONLY USED IN REAL ESTATE IN THE NETERHERLANDS. IT MEANS THAT THE DUTCH LANDSCAPE CONTAINS A HIGH NUMBER OF DISTRIBUTION CENTERS AND THAT THEY ARE STILL BUILDING FANATICALLY. IT IS NECESSARY, BECAUSE OUR GROWING ECONOMY AND EXTENDED AUTOMATION IS DOING GREAT. BUT IT ALSO INCREASES THE CONVERSATION ABOUT HOW SPACE RELATES TO ECONOMIC VALUE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. AND THEN AN IMPORTANT POINT: WHAT DO ALL THESE DISTRIBUTION CENTERS DO WITH THE LANDSCAPE? WHAT ARE POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS AND WHAT IS OUR ROLE AS A MANUFACTURER WITHIN THIS ISSUE?
A first possible solution for “verdozen” is to cluster buildings in one place, not only horizontally but also vertically. We use as little area of the landscape as possible so that we can stay far enough away from the ‘inhabited world’. Stacking requires radical technical solutions. Where we used to pack ‘air’, we now have to deal with a lot of technology inside the distribution centers, which entails weight. In this case, a correct construction not only guarantees the safety of the building, but also ensures that the distribution center can be set up and used as optimally as possible.
SUSTAINABILITY FUNCTION
A second possible solution is to give distribution centers a sustainability function. For example as an energy generator. Why not fill the roofs with solar panels that provide the adjacent residential area with energy and perhaps also with (rain) water? For a constructor, this presents a new challenge for the roof construction, because solar panels require a different calculation than a standard roof.
ARCHITECTURAL SOLUTIONS
The beauty of the landscape is also part of the discussion. Architectural solutions for distribution centers are in their infancy. Our challenge is to find the most suitable solution for this. An example: we can integrate the distribution center with the parking and the bypass around the building. Covering this with greenery and shielding it with trees makes the appearance of the distribution center much more friendly! In addition, if you integrate the parking lot into the building, the total surface area of the distribution center can be reduced by a quarter. And how about building housing for employees against the blind facade of a distribution center? For us as a constructor, these are the challenges within our field, because we have to give a building multiple functions, each with their own construction needs.
Would you like to spar with us about the dulling of the landscape? About how we, as a constructor, can think along in a solution to your dilemma about the still growing number of distribution centers? Feel free to contact us.
Photo taken during an impressive working visit to Bozhurishte, Bulgaria.
DEVELOPING A DISTRIBUTION CENTER THAT FITS INTO THE LANDSCAPE WAS THE OBJECTIVE OF THE OWNER, PROPERTY DEVELOPER, ARCHITECT AND BUILDER PELECON. THE RESULT IS A DISTRIBUTION CENTER WITH ALL THE FUNCTIONALITIES THAT BELONG TO A DISTRIBUTION CENTER, BUT THANKS TO AN ECOLOGICAL NATURE SCREEN OF ALMOST ONE KILOMETER LONG AND 15 METERS HIGH, THE DISTRIBUTION CENTER GETS A BEAUTIFUL ECOLOGICAL BOW AND PROMOTES BIODIVERSITY IN THE AREA.
The ecological nature screen is partly against the building, partly freestanding and partly projected above the dock positions. “At the base of the nature screen is an impressive steel frame, which in the coming months and years will be overgrown by a wide variety of plants,” Stolwijk says. “Together with the architect, we made the initial design sketches for this and refined them further and further, keeping in mind aesthetics, stability and feasibility. Thus nature, architecture, technology and functionality come together beautifully.”
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION ADVICE COME TOGETHER
Diederik de Jonge of Heembouw Architects, designed a diagonal interplay of lines in the natural screen, he says. “Implementation-wise, however, this was quite difficult structurally. That’s why we came up with an alternative solution, with vertical base portals against which a diagonal interplay of lines made of steel frame is applied. Between these are steel nets, between which the vegetation can later climb up in a directed manner. Together with the landscape consultant and B-smart foundation, the foundation of the nature screen was optimized in such a way that all the plants can root and grow properly.”
FROM COARSE TO FINE
In the VO phase, our consulting firm was already involved by architect Heembouw for the building structures. In addition to the construction of the natural screen, we thought along with the steel structure of the entire distribution center. “Here we worked from coarse to fine,” explains Mack Stolwijk. “The distribution center is made up of four units. Biggest exception is the low roof over the mezzanine, which was dropped on my advice. Instead, the high roof was extended to the front facade, saving two facade-to-roof transitions.”
Photography: Heembouw and B-Smart
WE COULD TICK OFF ALL THE INGREDIENTS FOR A GREAT PARTY. ON NOVEMBER 1 WE CELEBRATED OUR 25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH OUR OWN CLUB OF PEOPLE WHO TOGETHER ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR SUCCESS! WITH DRINKS AND A DELICIOUS DINNER WE TOASTED THE BEAUTIFUL WORKS WE HAVE DELIVERED IN PREVIOUS YEARS. THE SUCCESSES WE HAVE ACHIEVED AND THE SOMETIMES IMPOSSIBLE ISSUES WE STILL MANAGED TO SOLVE.
Not only did Henk and Mack want to thank the team for their efforts, the team also wanted to thank the gentlemen for their trust. They presented a beautiful statue, carved out of S235 steel and symbolizing our invisible strength. Colleague Ingmar drew it out and colleague Fjorder welded the three parts together himself.
Once again we thank our own team, our partners and clients for the fine cooperation over the past years. On to many more wonderful, successful inspiring years. On to the next 25 years!
Board member André continues his career as a lecturer in Construction at the Hogeschool van Arnhem en Nijmegen (HAN) and as senior project leader in new construction for housing corporation Vivare in Arnhem.
After ten years working for Reijneveld Engineering and later PELECON structural engineers, André takes this next step with great energy. Nevertheless, he looks back on a valuable period in which he has advised (since 1993) on large and smaller building structures throughout the Netherlands and Europe. Not to mention the numerous collaborations with renowned architects and contractors.
We thank André for the fine years we worked together and his knowledge and enthusiasm for the structural engineering profession that he brought to us. We are therefore delighted that he remains available to us as a remote consultant.
TODAY IS THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF PELECON GOUDA! THAT MEANS 25 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AS A CONSULTANT IN THE FIELD OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING. FOR 25 YEARS WE HAVE BEEN CALCULATING, DRAWING, CHECKING AND ADVISING ON LOAD-BEARING AND STABILITY STRUCTURES OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNS, SUCH AS DISTRIBUTION CENTERS, BUILDINGS, OFFICES, SHOPPING CENTERS, HOMES AND SCHOOLS. THAT IS WHY OUR ENTIRE PELECON TEAM IS CELEBRATING THIS AFTERNOON!
Pelecon Gouda was founded in 1998 by Wim van Leeuwen and Piet Peters; two men with a passion for building structures. Please find attached the newspaper article from the Rijn and Gouwe of Tuesday, September 22, 1998 about the registration of this fifty thousandth company in the Trade Register. Nice to know is that both Wim and Piet already had 25 years of experience in the structural engineering profession at the time. Enough knowledge on board, therefore, to start the successful Pelecon!
GROWTH OVER THE YEARS
Over the years, our services have only improved. For example, we have become strong in the field of logistics real estate, (food and dairy) industry and complex residential buildings. We also expanded our knowledge and capacity by merging with the 47 years of experience of engineering firm Reijneveld from Amersfoort in June 2021. From then on, we will have two offices, each with its own set of clients, but where the knowledge of people from Gouda and Amersfoort will be used back and forth! This enables us to learn from each other and keep up with current market developments.
NO PELECON WITHOUT CLIENTS AND PELECON PARTNERS
Thank you clients and partners for your trust over the past 25 years. But above all, thank you Peleconners for your loyalty and inspiration! On to the next 25 years of PELECON!
WE HAVE HAD ELISE BOOMS ON BOARD AT PELECON FOR OVER FOUR YEARS. HAVING JUST GRADUATED FROM THE TU DELFT (CIVIL ENGINEERING WITH A MASTER’S DEGREE IN BUILDING ENGINEERING), ELISE JOINED US IN GOUDA. HER FIRST ASSIGNMENT WAS TO DEVELOP CONSTRUCTION ADVICE FOR A HOUSING PROJECT, AND PRETTY SOON SHE GOT CONCRETEBLOCKENGINEERS (CBE) IN HER PORTFOLIO. “IN THE BEGINNING, I MAINLY MAINTAINED CONTACT WITH CBE’S CLIENTS AND A COLLEAGUE MADE THE STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS; NOW I DO BOTH MYSELF. NICE TO NOTICE THAT AT PELECON I GET EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP MYSELF!”
Elise holds the position of ‘Project Constructor’ at pelecon and makes the structural calculations, especially for housing projects. “I enjoy calculating for new construction and remodeling projects the most! For these projects I also perform the checks of third-party pieces and sometimes I also inspect the reinforcement on site.
THE MOST CHALLENGING PROJECTS
“I am currently working on an apartment complex in Leiden, a project full of difficult issues. It is the first high-rise I am working on. It involves calculations for high wall beams and it’s just a complex building where you have to keep a close eye on how everything fits together. I’m learning a lot from this, because you do have to take different things into account than with ‘standard’ houses.”
MY PRIDE
“I look with pride at the Ringfazant project in Nieuwegein. This is a new construction project for a residential care facility for 30 clients. In this project there has been clear communication between all parties from the beginning, so the project is running smoothly and we are now working on a beautiful result in execution. I am also proud of the new housing development De Perken in Hoogvliet, Rotterdam. Due to the poor subsoil, the foundation of the houses was quite a challenge. Among other things, we were able to solve this by using coupling piles (to achieve a long pile length) and a beautiful result was achieved.”
IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO IMAGINE THE DUTCH LANDSCAPE WITHOUT THEM: SOLAR PANELS. ON HOUSES, BARNS, GARAGES, OFFICE BUILDINGS, IN MEADOWS. WE GENERATE ENERGY ON EVERY STREET CORNER. THAT’S GREAT, BECAUSE IT MAKES US MUCH LESS DEPENDENT ON THE LESS SUSTAINABLE SOURCES OF ENERGY AVAILABLE. BUT WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR YOUR BUILDING IF YOU WANT TO INSTALL SOLAR PANELS? WE ALWAYS SAY: CHECK THE CONSTRUCTION OF YOUR ROOF FIRST!
The first types of solar panels are made of glass and weigh almost as much as the roof of a hall. Much lighter panels already exist, but they may not be lifted by wind, due to occurring wind suction. Most panel-bearing systems for flat roofs are fitted with ballast tiles. This means that only stronger but also stiffer roofs can support these solar panels. Older buildings often do not have roofs with sufficient load-bearing capacity. But also, the type of roof, even if it is a new roof, determines whether there is sufficient load-bearing capacity for solar panels. In addition, the type of insulation package also plays a role.
STRUCTURAL CALCULATION
We make structural calculations for roofs, both older and newer roofs. We determine whether it is possible to install solar panels and where they can best be installed. We do this based on our own checklist and a visual inspection, all in accordance with current safety standards. Recurring points of attention are the snow loads to be calculated, which in some cases are higher due to the restriction of free blowing – this applies to panel support systems. In addition, the risk of water accumulation on relatively lightly designed roof structures is a major concern – sufficient emergency overflows are a requirement here.
ADVICE
When a building structure and/or roof structure is insufficiently strong for the installation of solar panels, we make a recommendation. Often in consultation with the client and/or owner of the building. After all, this person has an energy ambition that determines the number of solar panels needed to achieve that ambition.
FOR WHO?
Now you will think: Pelecon advises large clients, mostly for utilities and logistics. But we also advise smaller clients. For example, for a smaller office building or to make a small residential area more sustainable. Feel free to contact us to discuss the possibilities.
Photocredits: Heembouw – project Reshift
OUR STRUCTURAL ENGINEER EELCO KINGMA HAS BEEN WORKING AT OUR OFFICE IN AMERSFOORT SINCE PELECON MERGED WITH REIJNEVELD. BEFORE THAT, EELCO WORKED AT REIJNEVELD FOR OVER 35 YEARS. AFTER STUDYING STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING AT HTS, HE COMPLETED VARIOUS OTHER STUDIES, INCLUDING HTI, CULMINATING IN A MASTER’S DEGREE IN PSME FROM THE CONCRETE ASSOCIATION. WE ARE PLEASED TO HAVE EELCO ON BOARD AND IT’S TIME YOU GOT TO KNOW HIM A LITTLE BETTER TOO!
Eelco started behind the drawing board where he worked on various projects as a structural draftsman at Leydes and Reijneveld. He quickly progressed to structural engineer/project leader. From that position he works on a variety of projects, from initial design to implementation and construction supervision. Eelco says: “I have an inspiring job in which I cooperate a lot with colleagues, partners and our clients on diverse projects. This can vary from small housing projects to large distribution centers. Because I have enough experience, I often work on the projects that are constructively more complex. I find the challenge in this to provide a good manufacturable, financially workable and feasible solution for these projects.”
PROUD OF…
Eelco doesn’t have to think long about the answer. “I am proud of all the projects we have been able to complete. Because I have been working for a while now, I come across a lot of buildings of which I know how they are structurally constructed. But if I had to mention several examples that I am really proud of: Arla Foods Nijkerk, Achmea Tower underpass in Leeuwarden, De Rotterdam steel construction, 79 homes Waterhof in Nieuwegein, Dijkman Eemnes, the theater tower in Amstelveen. And more recently Zandbergen Veenendaal, Bieze Nijkerk and Aware Lopik.”
Are you curious what all these projects Eelco mentions involve? Most of them are on our projects page and if you want to know more, feel free to come and have a coffee with Eelco at our office in Amersfoort.
We always enjoy working out the structural design of an apartment building! So, with pleasure we are working on our advice for new construction project Kolkplein in Spijkenisse. With our experience and expertise, we ensure that the construction meets the technical requirements and at the same time meets the needs and wishes of our client Haagsebaan Vastgoed.
The main load-bearing structure of the building consists partly of sand-lime brick walls and concrete walls combined with wide slab floors. Several factors such as integrating in-situ walls with precast elements and the use of large, cantilevered balconies contribute to the complexity of the project. It is therefore critical to overcome these challenges for a successful outcome. Another aspect that adds to the complexity is the open space at the semi-sunken basement with a parking garage where large recesses must be made in the walls. All this requires a careful coordination of architectural design, structural stability, and feasibility to create a building. But we can do that!
The design of this building has balconies with large cantilevers of up to three meters, and the complexity of the materials is not something we see every day. We therefore advised on the connection of various elements with each other; precast, i.e., concrete, steel, and sand-lime brick. In cooperation with the project partners, we implement the structural design in the best possible way, including (temporary) safety, applicable building regulations and the desired schedule.