Off Grid, Both Difficult and Inspirational
In 2025, a large warehouse with an accompanying experiential and innovation section will be erected in Tiel. Design-build firm Heembouw, in collaboration with a major, globally active logistics service provider, secured the tender for this project. For this project, totaling approximately 50,000 square meters, Heembouw sets high sustainability standards with a target of achieving BREEAM Excellent. Making it time to call Quadrant4. Egbert Caron (Plan Developer for Industrial Spaces) and Peter Holleman (Head of Development for Industrial Spaces) from Heembouw, along with Ben Kessing (Project Manager at Quadrant4), delve deeper into the challenges of this project and the enjoyment of their collaboration
Peter: “In addition to residential and office spaces, Heembouw also focuses extensively on industrial spaces. We sit down with customers as early on as possible. As a design-builder with a substantial in-house architectural firm (Heembouw Architects), we provide customers with almost all the knowledge needed for creating a good (design) plan and for realizing the building. We gladly seize the opportunities that come our way, and this project in Tiel is a great example.”
Egbert: “Sustainable construction is a given for us. Most of the buildings we construct have a BREEAM certificate. For this project, we aim for BREEAM Excellent. In addition to the large warehouse section, we are creating an experience center in Tiel for the customers and employees of the logistics company, which surrounding businesses can also utilize. The entire building will be on newly developed land adjacent to an existing industrial area. The biggest challenge? There is (still) no power, and it may take a while...”
Ben: “No power requires creative thinking. How can we think differently about energy consumption and generation? What developments in battery technology might be interesting for this project? Ultimately, how can we ‘stand on our own feet’ when it comes to energy supply? We are currently brainstorming about that together.”
Peter: “You start with a feasibility study at the front end and carefully consider how the building can be used. This way, you make early choices for certain systems and installations. For me, the added value of Quadrant4 lies here. They look and think entirely holistically.”
Ben: “The solution often lies in the choices you make regarding installations. But we continuously assess the risks for Heembouw. Installations must provide certainty, fit in and around the building, and contribute to the well-being of the people who work or stay there.”
Peter: “We must fully support it from a climate perspective. Quadrant4 understands that.”
Egbert: “We are now moving towards the Final Design (FD). After that, we can apply for the environmental permit. We aim for completion in Q2 or Q3 of 2025. What we are working on here is unique. Not being connected to the electricity grid is not ideal, but it challenges us enormously. And yes, it’s incredibly enjoyable. Ben and Peter think so too.”
Peter: “It will definitely be a flagship project in terms of sustainability and innovation. Nature-inclusive. With very low energy consumption. A true building of the future. We are going to surprise everyone.”
Ben: “We have been working together for almost fifteen years on energy consumption, sustainability, and installation advice. Sometimes Heembouw also asks us for interior design. People from Heembouw and people from Quadrant4 can understand each other very well.”
Egbert: “Quadrant4 indeed has a good understanding of what we want. In terms of culture, we fit well together. Quality always comes first. We simply don’t settle for less.”
This is where the name Heembouw originates. Heembouw creates spaces where people want to be. Together with all colleagues and suppliers, they leverage their knowledge and experience to create and realize living or working environments for customers where they feel at home.
