The latest installation techniques, in a state-of-the-art jacket

Anyone who has driven along the A15 near Sliedrecht in the past year has undoubtedly seen it: the ultra-modern, floating new office pavilion of Construction Company Stout and property developer Herkon. Eye-catchers of the approximately 1,200 m² large new construction are the large voids, imposing glass facades and anthracite-black facade bands. But also the installation techniques of Klimaatservice Holland and Elektroservice Holland, some of which have remained in sight.

Klimaatservice Holland from Hardinxveld-Giessendam values long and lasting relationships. Both with clients and with suppliers. "We have long been the installation partner of Stout, which together with Herkon and Lagendijk & Stout forms the Van Herk Group," says Jan Nederveen, director of new construction at Klimaatservice Holland. "Soon after we started in 1976 we were asked by Stout to make the climate installations for their new shed and office in Hardinxveld-Giessendam. This building was expanded several times, after which we were commissioned about twenty years ago to create a new office with a slightly more luxurious climate installation, just down the road. This building too has been extended and remodeled several times. To facilitate the rapid growth of Stout as well as Herkon towards the future, plans for a third new building started in 2019, this time at Stationspark II in Sliedrecht."

Latest techniques

"It is very nice to see the developments we have made with Stout," Nederveen emphasizes. "Both at the company level and in terms of installation technology. In the first project heating and ventilation were already sufficiently advanced, while in the second project cooling was also added. In Sliedrecht the very latest technology has now been installed and cleverly coupled. In this project, too, we worked with established clients and local parties wherever possible. But also with our sister company Elektroservice Holland, which was founded some seventeen years ago and is responsible for the complete electrical installation. From LED lighting to access control system, barrier installation, camera surveillance, data installation and PV installation."

Cleverly coupled

Underlying the climate system are two air source heat pumps, stylishly incorporated into the design. "The top two floors of the office pavilion float above the water at the front, while a parking lot has been created at the back," says Nederveen. "At the edge of this and near the water, a basin has been created in which both heat pumps are set up. The heat pumps supply heat and cold to the four-pipe ceiling induction units and are electrically powered by the solar panels on the roof." Additional underfloor heating/floor cooling was added in some rooms. "All installations for climate, lighting and shading can be intelligently and per room regulated and controlled thanks to a Priva system. CO₂-sensors in the offices and conference rooms also provide demand-controlled ventilation."

Thorough preparation

"Based on the specifications, the aesthetic design by RoosRos Architects and our extensive technical knowledge, we worked out the design for the W and E installations," says Nederveen. "An important requirement was to realize a sustainable and gas-free office pavilion. To guarantee that the indoor climate is comfortable in both winter and summer, we made cooling load and heat loss calculations, for example. We took ample time to properly engineer out and tune all installations. Only then did construction begin." The extensive preparation was necessary because the air handling unit and heat pumps had to be installed even after the first floor was poured, he says. "The power lines were placed under the parking deck, which was fully underpinned due to the challenging foundation." A nice detail in terms of transparency is that the engineering space is not tucked away. "Even the engineering space at ground level is fully visible. From the entrance you can see behind the glass the distributors and control cabinets. From the state highway side, moreover, you can clearly see the WTW air treatment unit standing behind the glass."

A little more beautiful each time

In addition to their own buildings, Stout, Klimaatservice Holland and Elektroservice Holland have an impressive list of beautiful, regional reference projects. From large distribution centers and business premises to nursing homes, says Nederveen. "And we have also made several beautiful projects for defense and police. For example, we are currently involved in the construction of the police headquarters in Hilversum. In addition to new construction, we are the construction team for sustainability projects, in which construction and installations also fit together perfectly. In this way we ensure together that the world becomes a little bit nicer every time."