Four projects in a 10 km radius around Utrecht-Nieuwegein

Turnkey general contractor takes distribution center construction to highest level

The logistics world is changing rapidly and this has far-reaching consequences for the design, construction and layout of distribution centers. Specialized partners such as ASK Romein Bouw are necessary to permanently raise sustainability, circularity and functionality to the highest level. "We have been strong in the construction of distribution centers for 20 years and have all the knowledge, skills and quality to flawlessly realize both simple and complex projects," says Marcel Michielsen, General Director of ASK Romein Bouw. "Since 2 years we are also the partner of choice for the high-quality renovation/upgrading of existing and obsolete distribution centers and production halls. By giving these buildings a new look, feel and layout in accordance with the customer's current wishes and requirements, they are sustainably preserved for the future. That the market appreciates our efforts is proven by numerous long-term customer relationships and high-profile projects. For example, we are currently working on no less than four (!) projects in a 10 km radius around Utrecht-Nieuwegein."

A great example of sustainable renovation is the urban last mile logistics hub for URBZ Capital Management. In Nieuwegein, the former distribution hall of SAB Profile is being renovated and upgraded to a suitable new location for tenant PostNL. "We visited the project site several times to gain insight into the potential of both the property and the plot," says Michielsen. "This also involved Bronsvoort Blaak Architecten bna. Together we worked out a detailed plan for the demolition of part of the hall, upgrading the insulation values and a piece of new construction, in accordance with the requirements of BREEAM-NL 'Very Good'." Implementation began with the demolition of the exterior facade. "Also, part of the hall was removed to make room for a loading pit. New steel was added in several places, and new roof insulation and roofing will be installed on the existing roof. A new facade will be installed around the building with sandwich panels, new window frames and HR++ glass. The offices will be rearranged and refurbished, and parking spaces with loading facilities will be created on the site of the former storage facility. In addition, 24 docks will be realized where drivers can dock their delivery vans, while 10 bucket truck docks and 4 trailer docks in the center of the building will ensure efficient daily processing of large parcel loads." Of particular note is that there is no sprinkler tank in the building. Instead, a pipe runs to a ditch on the property where, in case of fire, water is drawn directly to fill the sprinklers.

BREEAM-NL 'Outstanding' CDC for Jumbo

About four kilometers away from the logistics hub, ASK Romein Bouw is building a mechanized central distribution center (CDC) for Jumbo Supermarkets. The contract includes a turnkey new building of approximately 45,000 square meters with a height of 29.5 meters, for the storage and distribution of fresh products. The CDC will not only be a visual eye-catcher at De Liesbosch business park in Nieuwegein, but also a paragon of sustainable development, says Michielsen. "Underlying the design and construction is a BREEAM-NL 'Outstanding' ambition. The warehouse will also have a fully automated Material Handling Equipment system for order picking. We gained the expertise required to integrate this technology into the warehouse during several previous warehouse projects for supermarket chains. Last June, we granted early access to Jumbo so that the automation system could already be built."

New and sustainable DC Utrecht05

Earlier this year, ASK Romein Bouw, in close collaboration with Intospace and Mulderblauw Architects, also started the realization of a new and sustainable gem at the Lage Weide business park in Utrecht. This is a state-of-the-art distribution center of 16,307 square meters, with 10,000 square meters of warehouse and 1,226 square meters of mezzanine floors, which will be realized in accordance with the BREEAM-NL 'Very Good' and WELL certification criteria. A lot of greenery will be added to the project and solar panels will be installed on the roof. "Unique to this project is that the 5-story parking garage will be integrated into the distribution center," Michielsen said. "All cars are hidden from view by a high-quality, perforated facade. The use of a lot of glass also creates a nice and comfortable workplace, with maximum daylight flowing in."

New transshipment terminal

Finally, ASK Romein Bouw is currently realizing the renovation/expansion of the transfer terminal on the Uraniumkanaal in Utrecht, commissioned by N.V. Afvalverwerking Rijnmond (AVR). Thanks to the new hall, the (residual) waste of the municipality of Utrecht can now be transported sustainably and by water to AVR's waste and energy plant in Duiven.