'High-quality renovation of existing distribution centers'

ASK Romein Bouw has all the knowledge, skill and quality to realize (complex) projects flawlessly. "We have been strong in new construction projects for 20 years," says Marcel Michielsen, General Director of ASK Romein Bouw. "From distribution centers to commercial buildings, data centers, parking garages and storage sheds, at home and abroad. Since 2 years we have added to this the high-quality renovation/upgrading of existing and obsolete distribution centers and production areas. By giving these buildings a new look, feel and layout, in accordance with contemporary customer requirements and legal guidelines, they are sustainably preserved for the future. The renovation of an urban last mile logistics hub for URBZ Capital Management is the fourth project we are completing within this philosophy."

URBZ Capital Management is an asset manager, investor and developer of (green) last-mile real estate. The ambition of owners Bram Verhoeven and Ali Nassiri is to create CO2-neutral and socially attractive real estate in strategic locations in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Scandinavia. "An important part of this ambition is the renovation/transformation of vacant and obsolete distribution centers, production halls, warehouses and other logistics real estate into modern and sustainable last-mile hubs," says Verhoeven. "As the first project within this line of thinking, a former hall of SAB-profiel in Nieuwegein will be renovated and upgraded into an urban last-mile logistics hub for tenant PostNL."

SAB-profiel is a subsidiary of Tata Steel and produces steel roof and wall panels. Its production uses large cranes, machines and other equipment, which moved with it in 2019 to new and larger premises in Geldermalsen. Verhoeven: "Around the same time, we asked ASK Romein Bouw, with its expertise and in accordance with the requirements of BREEAM-NL 'Very Good', to create a sustainable plan for the renovation."

Detailed plan

"We visited the project site several times to gain insight into the (im)possibilities of the building as well as the plot," says Tom Kropf, Commercial Director of ASK Romein Bouw. "This included Bronsvoort Blaak Architecten bna. Together we have worked out a detailed plan for (1) the demolition of part of the hall, (2) upgrading the insulation values and (3) a piece of new construction. By the end of December 2022, the basic job should be completed. Then, on behalf of PostNL, we will make several more modifications to optimize the last-mile processes. Consider, for example, the assembly of the mezzanine floors."

Attention to sustainability and circularity

"Prior to the project, we took 3D measurements of the entire structure," says Kropf. "All measurement results were translated into a BIM model, allowing us to perform our work based on the actual dimensions. This reduces run-ups and failure costs." Implementation began with the demolition of the entire exterior facade. Part of the hall was also removed to make room for a loading pit. Michielsen: "The existing piles that were present here were measured and reused piece by piece to support the new loading pit. A great initiative in the context of sustainability and circularity, which also applies to the crane tracks that were left behind. These have been carefully dismantled for reuse by third parties."

Fully compliant with current requirements

Most sustainably, however, the bulk of the existing building has been retained, including the steel structure. Kropf: "New steel has been added in several places to support the structural floors, and new roof insulation and roofing will be installed over the existing roof. In order to avoid waste, we are also building on the existing electrical and sprinkler systems. Of course, where necessary, these will be upgraded to current standards." Michielsen: "A special feature of this building is that there is no sprinkler tank. Instead, a pipe runs to a ditch on the property where, in case of fire, water is drawn directly to fill the sprinklers."

A completely new facade with high-quality sandwich panels, new window frames and HR++ glass will surround the building. In addition, the offices will be rearranged and refurbished. "The production halls will be fully air-conditioned and parking spaces with loading facilities will be built on the site of the former storage," Kropf says. "There will also be 24 docks where drivers can dock and fill their vans with packages. Ten bucket truck docks and four trailer docks in the center of the building will ensure efficient daily handling of the large parcel loads."