Geplaatst op: 23 June 2022
The process of renovating the Noordam cultural center in Amstelveen started with sky-high ambitions; columns had to go, the skylight became a diamond-shaped museum construction and the stage tower had to be of the Carré caliber. Obviously a challenge for us as engineers, but during the consultation with the client (the municipality of Amstelveen) it soon became clear that we had to be more careful with the available budget. And that usually means choosing. Fortunately, the architect was also convinced, so that we could focus all our attention on the new building. With reference to the old school that once stood on that site, two pointed roofs emerged from the design, with a facade that would open further and further. Large spans and little space for construction.
We have indicated the options with a number of sketches. And the solution always is: if it becomes constructively difficult; then turn the span direction. In this way we were able to absorb a lot with a few heavy constructions, including stability. And the facade could be constructed very finely against the existing theater with very slender steel portals. A lot still had to be done for the new sustainable technology (heat pumps, etc.), but no visitor will see that construction in the design. That is indeed the invisible force.
Geplaatst op: 20 May 2022
Every now and then we make advice for an unusual project. For example, we recently made a construction calculation for the roof floors of 44 life-resistant homes in Zwijndrecht. Moss sedum is applied to this and testing of this addition of load with a control calculation is necessary. This means that we calculated the existing concrete roof floors, whereby we tested whether the existing reinforcement is sufficient. We also tested the foundation of the houses for this greater load.
We approved both the foundation and the roofs!
Geplaatst op: 20 May 2022
Our colleague André Verschoor recently wrote a column for the professional magazine Bouwen met Staal. This is about the acceleration of the execution of construction projects. The costs to be saved during the design process. Both put a lot of pressure on a sustainable design. So that’s where the big profit lies; extra attention to the design, calculations, coordination and the intended detailing. Could we also rate engineering services with stars?
Curious? Read the full column.
Geplaatst op: 14 April 2022
Recently, the new office building of Dutch women’s clothing brand Studio Anneloes in Amsterdam Osdorp was completed. Together with Heembouw Architects and contractor Heembouw offices, they took the first steps for the design after which Pelecon was quickly brought in for the constructional issue. Especially the canopy at the front of the building, but also the heart of the office where the showroom is located, needed a solid structural foundation. Especially because of the limited building height, a compact construction was chosen for the building, with small spans and integrated steel beams.
Over the past 15 years, the brand has grown into a major player on the Dutch fashion market, which created the need for its own larger premises. The new building of Studio Anneloes consists of approximately 1,600 m² of office space, 2,000 m² of warehouse and approximately 600 m² of showroom. It is situated at a visible location along the S106 on a characteristic plot near the water and is designed in such a way that further growth is possible in the future.
Structural challenge
A challenge for the constructor were the large glass surfaces in the building, which ensure a lot of daylight and a beautiful view from the workplace. In the warehouse, large glass facades and a skylight in the roof provide daylight and views, creating a pleasant working environment for warehouse workers.
Structural calculations for sustainability
The company’s sustainability philosophy is also clearly visible on both the inside and outside of the building. For example, the facades have been constructed from a timber frame and clad with Neolife (92% wood and bio-based material and 100% recyclable). The construction of the warehouse roof has been calculated in such a way that it is possible to place sufficient PV panels on it to make the building completely energy-neutral. In short: the building is like a ‘tailor-made suit’ for the company’s activities.
Photography: Laurens Kuipers
At Pelecon, we don’t hide the fact that we don’t sit still. For instance, a merger last year strengthened our services. We are hiring new engineers to meet the increasing demand and we are developing our knowledge. However, entrepreneurship also means making decisions that are not directly related to growth, but are logical for the focus of our company.
As from 1 April 2022 we will no longer offer services under the name Bouwtechnisch Adviesbureau Versteeg. The partnership between Versteeg and Pelecon was so intertwined that we took the logical step of no longer distinguishing between the two companies. And to continue together under the name Pelecon structural engineers.
Loyalty to each other
The structural engineers who worked for Versteeg are continuing their careers at Pelecon Gouda, so their knowledge will not be lost. We thank them and the clients of Versteeg for their trust and the positive reactions we received to this step.
Questions, introductions or just catching up?
Do you have any questions or would you just like a cup of coffee? Then please contact one of the partners of Pelecon. Henk van Vliet, André Verschoor and Mack Stolwijk can be reached at info@pelecon.nl, +31 (0)182 231 400 (Pelecon Gouda) or +31 (0)33 277 33 36 (Pelecon Amersfoort).
