The project in short

  • Demolition of existing structures and complete new-build
  • 4 floor levels
  • Aluminium cassettes
  • Covered parking spots with perforated panels
  • Hybrid structure: mainly in-situ concrete, complemented by prefab concrete elements
  • Green roofs and solar panels

The 5 main challenges along the way

“Secutec is a company with an international brand image in an industry that’s booming. No wonder their new office building is going to abundantly reflect that status. It makes sense that the quality expectations are sky-high as well. We will have to keep our performance at top level, technically as well as logistically”, Maarten Roes indicates.

Challenge accepted! Who knew the first one was just around the corner.

1. Green roof to the rescue

“About 60% of the total roof surface will become a green roof; which was a requirement. Due to the limited surface area of the plot, we needed to find an alternative to comply with water infiltration standards. Completing a green roof is no walk in the park but thanks to our growing expertise, we handle these types of projects confidently.”

2. Last-minute tabula rasa

“We cooperated with an external engineering firm for the foundation work. At the very last moment, it was decided to change the rebar design; while the rebar specified earlier was already waiting on site. It was very early in the project that we were required to change gears and change course.”

3. Flirting with plot boundaries

“The façade finish gave us another brain teaser. We had very limited manoeuvring space regarding the plot boundaries. This meant that the high-quality Renson Linarte and aluminium cassettes needed to be aligned perfectly with the building shell. The minimum distances to prevent fire spread also played a significant role in this entire thought process.”

4. Flexible interior finishing

“The office building will be delivered turnkey, which means: including interior finishing. In view of internal changes or future tenants, it was imperative to work with materials that can be changed easily, such as plasterboard and raised floors. Another important matter is acoustics. Acoustic glass inner walls provide added work comfort, creating yet an open plan feeling.”

5. Fast adaptability to changed requirements

“Our client is very actively involved in his construction project, which makes a collaboration a lot more dynamic. At the same time, we know this can be accompanied by on-site changes, some a little more significant than others. But everyone who knows edibo, knows that our adaptability is one of our core strengths.”

Typical edibo?

Although we were not in charge of the technology, edibo did take on the entire coordination of this project. What was our main added value, according to Maarten Roes?

“On the one hand, our broad expertise in developing and implementing hybrid concrete structures. The original plan was to pour all the concrete on site, but we suggested to partly use prefab concrete elements. That allowed us to pick up speed when it mattered, during the structural work stage.”

“And finally, our flexibility on and off site is a huge asset. Specifically in projects like these, where many details require a lot of attention and energy, and when there can still be many changes during the construction, you have to be able to keep a cool head and act quickly. It is still astounding to see how everyone within edibo is attuned to one another.”

How far along are your plans for a new office building?

Are you planning a construction project but still looking for the right main contractor? At edibo, we offer a combination of speed, efficiency and construction ingenuity on every site we get our hands on. Our expertise in both conventional and industrial construction methods is one of the reasons behind this skillset. However, we have more strengths and benefits to offer.

Are you interested in how we work, or do you want to discuss your project with us, without obligations? Contact us right away to make an appointment and let’s talk.