Developing a distribution centre that fits into the landscape: that was the objective when designing Ara Almelo. The result is a logistics centre with all the functionalities that go with it, which promotes biodiversity in the area thanks to an ecological nature screen almost a kilometre long and 15 metres high. This nature screen is positioned partly against the building, partly freestanding and partly above the loading docks. At all four units in the office area, a view through the green facade has been created.
Ara Almelo received the BREEAM NL Very Good certificate. The design and choice of materials and techniques aim for the lowest possible carbon footprint. As a result, Ara Almelo performs 66% better than the statutory Environmental Performance of Buildings standard (Dutch MPG).
Some 500 trusses were used in the steel structure for the four units with offices. We supplied and assembled the steel structure, the hollow-core slabs and the precast concrete elements for the parapet and lift shaft. Severfield took care of the engineering and assembly of the natural screen. At the base of the natural screen is an impressive steel frame with vertical base portals, which is fully hot-dip galvanised. A diagonal line pattern with steel nets in between, along which the plants climb up, is attached to this frame. The total weight of the steel structure, including the nature screen, is over 1,800 tonnes.