Category: Markt_Logistiek

Geplaatst op: 22 July 2026

PELECON IS PROVIDING THE STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR A NEW STORAGE BUILDING ON THE DANUBE IN THE HAGUE ON BEHALF OF SHURGARD NEDERLAND B.V. FROM THE INITIAL DESIGN PHASE, PELECON HAS BEEN A PARTNER IN ALL STRUCTURAL MATTERS. WE WILL CONTINUE TO ACT AS CONSULTANTS FOR THIS INTERESTING PROJECT IN THE HAGUE THROUGH TO COMPLETION.

The site is a brownfield site that previously housed a food packaging company. One advantage is that a mains electricity connection was already in place at the start of construction. Furthermore, the location is strategically advantageous for the end user. However, even favourable locations present challenges. The greatest challenge in this project is the short lead time between the planning application and the start of construction. All the detailed design documents had to be finalised in a relatively short space of time, whilst at the same time incorporating changes and additional requirements into the design. By working closely with all parties involved, the project was able to proceed according to schedule.

STRUCTURAL SOLUTIONS
A distinctive feature of this project is the use of THQ beams. This structural solution makes it possible to achieve maximum clear height within the building, a key requirement for a self-storage facility. Furthermore, the use of these beams required careful coordination of the construction sequence and additional temporary facilities during the construction phase. Unexpected challenges also arose during the preparatory phase. For example, it only became possible to fully assess the existing transformer – which is to be retained – once parts of the existing buildings had been demolished. Thanks to good cooperation and swift coordination, these circumstances were also successfully incorporated into the structural design.

REPEATED COLLABORATION
Pelecon is collaborating on this project with Traanberg Architecten and Hercuton; we have already designed several storage buildings with the former. Together, we are realising a future-proof storage building in which structural quality, efficiency and feasibility are central.

Geplaatst op: 14 July 2026

SUSTAINABILITY WAS A KEY FOCUS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF BESTSELLER’S NEW DISTRIBUTION CENTRE. THE AMBITION WAS CLEAR: TO CREATE A DISTRIBUTION CENTRE THAT WAS AS SUSTAINABLE AS POSSIBLE. CONSTRUCTION IS INEVITABLY LINKED TO THE USE OF RAW MATERIALS AND THE PRODUCTION, PROCESSING AND ASSEMBLY OF MATERIALS, WHICH RELEASE CO₂. AS CO₂ PLAYS A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN GLOBAL WARMING, THIS PROJECT HAS DELIBERATELY SOUGHT WAYS TO OFFSET THESE EMISSIONS BY STORING CO₂ WITHIN THE BUILDING.

Bio-based materials play a key role in this. Materials such as wood and straw store CO₂ as they grow. Straw is a by-product of the grain harvest that is normally often burnt, causing the stored CO₂ to be released back into the atmosphere. By using straw as insulation material in the façades, this CO₂ remains stored for the long term and a low-value by-product is given a high-value application in construction.

PREFABRICATED STRAW MODULES
Prefabricated straw modules from Ecococon in Romania, the Czech Republic and Ukraine were chosen for the façades. These modules consist of a wooden frame into which straw has been compressed under high pressure. Each module is 400 mm thick and, due to production constraints, has maximum dimensions of 800 × 3,000 mm. The modules formed the building blocks for all the façades of the distribution centre.

Contractor Van de Ven transformed the straw modules into complete façade elements by constructing a structural framework of CLT and LVL timber, into which the modules were incorporated. The façade elements were fitted with fire-resistant cladding on both sides and then installed on site as prefabricated elements.

STRUCTURAL CHALLENGE
For Pelecon, this innovative façade presented a number of specific challenges. Pelecon designed and detailed the connections and joints between the timber façade elements and the timber, steel and precast concrete main supporting structure. This involved close coordination with the manufacturer Ecococon and the contractor Van de Ven to ensure structural safety, manufacturability and feasibility.

The relatively thick, bio-based façade elements also required careful coordination of the structural design, façade construction, detailing, fixings, deformations and prefabrication. It is precisely with innovative construction methods that an integrated approach is essential to reconcile structural safety, feasibility and sustainability.

THE RESULT
A total of approximately 40,000 m² of Ecococon cladding was installed, an exceptional scale for a project involving bio-based façade construction. Due to this scale, the production of the straw modules at Ecococon took over a year.

The result is an innovative façade construction in which an agricultural by-product has been transformed into a high-quality building material. By not burning the straw but incorporating it into the façades for the long term, a significant amount of CO₂ is sequestered and the façade makes a direct contribution to Bestseller’s sustainability ambitions.

THAT LITTLE EXTRA
For Pelecon, this project demonstrates that structural engineering advice goes far beyond simply sizing a load-bearing structure. By actively contributing ideas on material choices, manufacturability, detailing and collaboration between the manufacturer, contractor and structural engineer right from the initial design phase, Pelecon helps to deliver innovative and future-proof construction solutions. It is precisely in bio-based projects that the strength of integrated structural design really comes into its own.

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: 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!

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.

Smart construction choices at DC Nabuurs II

Geplaatst op: 20 January 2026

At Pelecon, everything revolves around construction optimisation, combining safety, efficiency and sustainability. It is not without reason that we say our greatest strength is invisible to the eye. Following the successful completion of Nabuurs I (2023), we were asked to collaborate with Heembouw architects on the design for DC Nabuurs II in Haps. Together with Heembouw and other partners, we have realised a modern logistics centre for the user Foot Locker. With our expertise in steel structures, we translated the client’s wishes into a solid and future-proof construction that is both functional and economically efficient.

The distribution centre covers a huge area with a warehouse, mezzanine and office space. Completed in 2024, the building combines functionality with flexibility, enabling it to respond optimally to the operational needs of the user. During the follow-up phase, the client opted to comply with the stricter FM Global guidelines, which determine water accumulation, snow and wind loads. Whereas the increased load often leads to heavier structures, Pelecon was able to minimise the additional use of steel through targeted calculations, ensuring that the building remained safe without unnecessary material loss.

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

LC1220 Gouda

Geplaatst op: 18 December 2025

On the outskirts of Gouda, on the De Goudse Poort industrial estate, the impressive LC1220 logistics centre was recently constructed. Pelecon worked on this project on behalf of Heembouw, which was successfully completed in 2025. With a logistics hall of over 23,500 square metres, a mezzanine of 2,385 square metres and an office space of 1,717 square metres, the building is a prime example of smart engineering and future-oriented construction.

The client asked Pelecon to design the steel structure and also to assess third-party components. The emphasis was on creating a solid, efficient and sustainable structure that perfectly matched the architectural design by Heembouw Architects.

Construction challenges
The shape of the façade, with its undulating canopy, required careful coordination between architecture and construction. Fire resistance requirements also influenced the design; the entire block of offices (at the front) presented an additional challenge in terms of ensuring stability and safety. In addition, the prefab cores had to remain stable independently during the temporary construction phase, which made the project even more complex and required smart, constructive solutions.

Extensive offices and logistics for DSV

Geplaatst op: 26 September 2025

The DSV Moerdijk project is being realised in Moerdijk, a large-scale logistics and office complex, part of which has already been completed. The project comprises a three-storey office building of approximately 1,450 m², ten distribution halls with a total footprint of approximately 158,000 m², a mezzanine floor of approximately 40,000 m², a parking deck above the mezzanine floors, a curtain wall of more than 750 metres and a cross dock.

Our client, Bouwbedrijf Vrolijk, asked Pelecon to further develop the detailed design into the final design documents, with the aim of optimising the construction. The project was characterised by its enormous scale and the complexity of the repetition of unique halls. The parking deck above the mezzanine and the curtain wall in particular posed structural challenges.