Well-founded foundation for efficient progress of construction projects

For every building project there are numerous reasons why it cannot be realised. And each solution raises new questions. What is needed for these kinds of challenges is a team of specialists who pursue the same goal: to jointly create a well-founded foundation for the realisation of the construction project.

'Can you arrange a permit for a cold store with the largest possible storage capacity, 30 metres high, in a landscape-sensitive area? Preferably ready tomorrow and oh yes: in the current development plan the building height has been set at a maximum of 12 metres...' Cordy Volkers, senior project manager at Bessels architects, looks back on that rather recent special building request. Special, but not unique in its kind for Bessels A&I. "Whenever reasons are given to label a project as unachievable, we are immediately alert," says Cordy. "We analyse the problem and together with a team of specialists we come to a well-founded solution. We find ways to provide the customer with a new space for an optimal process as quickly as possible. Thus future."

People Process Identity

"At Bessels, we work on the basis of three core values," he summarizes briefly: "People, processes and identity. In order for production and business processes to run smoothly, people are needed. It is crucial that your employees can work safely, healthily, comfortably and with pleasure beneath the roof that you offer them as an employer. Moreover, your business property must have a reinforcing effect on the processes that take place there. More square metres does not immediately mean more turnover. You create efficiency by attuning the space to movements and processes. In our opinion, it is a precondition that business premises are in line with the identity of the company. It should enhance the appearance towards your customers, make processes more efficient and make people feel good. It is the foundation upon which you operate. Within these three core values we design solutions in the area of routing of employees and goods, sustainability and environmental factors, among other things". 

Approach

Bessels assists clients in all phases: from the first idea up to and including commissioning. Cordy: "In the follow-up phase, we draw all the lines. We draw up the necessary technical documents and arrange the permits. For each project, we create the most efficient flow with the least risk. To this end, we have access to a network of specialists. Thanks to our knowledge of the market, we know which parties we have to deal with. The specialists provide the expertise that underpins our plans, or they provide us with critical advice. With all the information obtained, we come to an ideal picture". 

Cordy Volkers

"Collaboration is essential to achieve the best result for the customer. If problems arise, we can start finding solutions at an early stage. This results in gains in (construction) quality and efficiency as well as confidence. It also helps you to quickly go through the mandatory procedures at municipalities. For the cold store in question, for example, we managed to obtain all the permits for a building height of twenty metres within nine months. In other words: the best solution for the customer was to have the largest possible storage capacity within the shortest possible time". Had they opted for a height of thirty meters, this process with all legal procedures would have taken about 5 years according to Cordy.

Architecture

The height of the building and the fragile environment made the cold store a challenging design challenge. "One of the design measures was to build the building on a plinth, as it were, with a different colour for the lower eight metres, creating a division of the building," explains Cordy. "The upper part became blue-grey, consistent with the color of the sky. In doing so, we created a more transparent view for the local residents. In the viewer's experience, the total height decreased considerably.

When asked whether this is typical of the architectural firm's approach; to find solutions to seemingly impossible construction questions and to carry them out efficiently, he answers laughingly: "Yes; it is precisely this type of assignment that makes our architectural heart beat faster! Furthermore, we like to keep control of the total project approach. We supervise the various steps and ensure that we make a difference on location by constantly thinking along with them. To ensure good progress, we remain pivotal to the construction project".

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