BESIX Infra is one of the leading players in road construction and infrastructure developments in Flanders and Brussels. This image no longer matched their outdated warehouses in Schelle. Project Manager Roy Dries explains how edibo created a tabula rasa and how they manoeuvred past a couple of electrifying challenges.
Starting up in fifth gear
There was no long exploration stage in this project; the ink of the cooperation agreement with BESIX Infra hadn’t even dried yet, or our constructive challengers started preparing for:
- The demolition of 2,000 m² of warehouse space
- The construction of a brand-new warehouse, including a safety signalling service, a workshop for the electrical panel builders and training rooms
In total, the new buildings will comprise about 3,000 m². The edibo to-do list includes all the preparatory works, structural works as well as the interior finishing.
As Project Manager, Roy Dries had a front-row seat during this rough ride. “We started the very first demolition works in early December 2023. By the end of January, we were already starting the foundation works for the new buildings. All this with two weeks of Christmas leave in-between those times and despite lots of rain and frost. It soon proved to be the precursor for the tight scheduling our challengers managed to maintain. By the end of April, we had already delivered the new buildings wind and watertight.”
Short lines vs. high-voltage lines
One of this project’s key points was implementing different safety areas around the construction site, for there were overhead lines right above the demolition and construction site.
“This brought about quite a few restrictions. It meant we couldn’t just use any type of hoist or work at any height we wanted. We took the advice rendered to us by system operator Elia into account, including the outswing of the lines during strong winds and we demarcated three areas which were each linked to specific safety guidelines and initiatives, such as grounding our cranes. Thanks to this vigilant preparation and the strict monitoring by our Site Manager Teun, we never had any issues or experienced any feeling of danger.”
Atypical façade panelling
A final challenge for edibo was installing trapezium-shape insulated façade profiles against three out of the four outer walls. This was used instead of the traditional, flat industrial sandwich panels. “Despite it being the very first time of dealing with this type of installation, we managed to deliver a stunning end result. Mind you, it is not evident – not for our technical designers, nor for our installers – to align all the installation details with this type of atypical façade panelling.”
Typical edibo?
The stars are aligned for Project Manager Roy Dries with regard to delivering this project by the end of the third quarter of 2024. “Thanks to the optimal preparatory work performed by our in-house engineer and our work planners and land surveyor, we were able to shift quickly as early as the very start of the project. The fact that we were fully in charge of the production of the steel construction as well as the installation of the entire building contributed to the swift implementation so far. We hope to proceed at this steady pace, up until the final paint and sealing works.”
Architect of Ants Studios: “Dedication shows in every corner of the building”
For the building consultant, represented by the team of Ants Studios Architects in Antwerp, the added value of collaborating with edibo was shown in de details. “Their proactive approach and the excellent coordination by Project Manager Roy and Site Manager Teun were priceless. They were always one step ahead and thanks to their ability to share their BIM preparations with us, we were able to shift really quickly in real-time. The result is a project that radiates professionalism and care, from the robust structure up to the finer finishing touches. Their attention to detail and dedication to quality is what shows edibo’s level of commitment in every corner of the building.”
Looking for an industrial contractor who thinks and acts quickly?
Is your industrial construction project up on the scaffolds and in need of an extra eye for detail? We at edibo, with our +40 years of experience in the most diverse industrial industries understand every nuance that comes with a new building in your particular line of business.
We happily invite you to merge our visions to come to an equally successful collaboration as the project above. Contact us for a non-binding meeting and take a look at our realisations in the meantime.