First major Distribution Center for Sweden's NA-KD
in the Netherlands

The world of logistics builders is relatively small, say project manager Geert van Doorn and business manager Franco Nooijen of Wouters-Schijndel. "Without specializing, it's very difficult to stand out; it's not a world you just roll into. That's why we focus on building logistics real estate." They tell all about the DUI01 phase 1 and 2 project, which the company is now working hard on.

For the DUI01 project, the tenant was already known before work started: the Swedish clothing company NA-KD. Nooijen: "For us, this is typically one of those assignments where we have a lot of knowledge and experience. We have worked with client Intospace® before, so when we were allowed to work together again on this project, it went smoothly." Phase 1 of the project has been successfully completed, Wouters-Schijndel is now working on the piling for phase 2.

A project with challenges

The distribution center project in Duiven had a number of challenges for Wouters-Schijndel. "That was mainly due to the location of the building plot," Van Doorn explains. "We are building in the sphere of influence of the river IJssel and that creates all kinds of conditions from the water permit and the flood action plan." For example, water levels must be constantly monitored. In case of high water levels, for example, piling work must stop. This is because during high water this can push up seepage water.

One of the innovations of NA-KD's future distribution center is the large Autostore system: an automated system that moves goods within the distribution center. "The installation of such a system has many interfaces with architectural and installation components. With our experience and knowledge from previous projects, we can properly support the tenant in the process."

Environment, health and well-being

Whoever says logistics also says "condemnation. Distribution centers are often large, rectangular buildings that have a considerable impact on the landscape. "This new distribution center was designed sustainably, with the landscape in mind. Intospace® paid a lot of attention to the design of the building, which, with many windows, is a pleasant working environment. Intospace® also made the office into something special, as an eye-catcher for the industrial park," says
Van Doorn.

Together with Intospace®, the landscape architect, ecologist and other stakeholders, a green plan was created. "The distribution center will have a 'green' facade, covered with all kinds of native plants. This will allow the distribution center to fit in as well as possible with its surroundings. The first tree has been symbolically planted; the rest will follow in the appropriate season. The greenery also makes the building nice to see from the highway."

The native plants make the wall valuable for local nature and make it look good in all seasons. Van Doorn: "With a BREEAM certificate of the grade 'Excellent,' the building meets the highest sustainability standards. In addition, together with Intospace® we are striving for a WELL certificate of the grade 'Gold'. This means that we take into account at a high level the health and well-being of the people who work there."

Experience and knowledge

"Together with Intospace®, our experience and knowledge allow us to guide NA-KD through everything involved in building a distribution center. For example, we created a schedule with decision moments for the tenant. In this way we ensure that the costs are as limited as possible. After completion, the tenant can move into the building as easily as possible. We always make sure that the completed building meets all the client's requirements!"