A futuristic distribution centre catches your eye next to the motorway in Tilburg, the Netherlands. The DC New Logic III building shimmers in the sunlight thanks to its large glass façades made up of Reynaers Aluminium ConceptWall 50 solutions. Moreover, this logistics complex is the second most sustainable distribution centre in the world, which is why it received a BREEAM Outstanding certification.
Home of Rhenus Logistics, this distribution centre is one of a kind. Architect Hung Tran of Habeon Architecten got inspired by the nearby motorway: when you pass the elliptical building at high velocity, it creates stunning visual effects. Glimmering round shapes in steel, glass, and aluminium give the building its unique character and look. The surprising “Tube” hosts the main office spaces and loading bays, while a rectangular warehouse keeps the packages safe behind a partition wall.
The dynamic tube-shape and the glass curtain wall façade immediately catch your attention. Project architect Hung Tran elaborates: “A large round cut-out from the ellipse makes room for 38 loading bays. And at roof level, we made a second cut-out from the Tube to make room for solar panels.
Curtain walls creating possibilities
The distribution centre looks amazing, but it is also built to support its visitors as best as possible. Take the large cut-out in the Tube, for instance. It serves as a sun shade for the office and the mezzanine floors behind it, creating a pleasant working environment for all. To complement the shade, the wide curtain wall façade and the glass end walls allow daylight to enter the centre all day long.
Portalume Systemen, specialist in aluminium façade technology, produced, supplied and installed over 3,700 square metres of aluminium curtain walls. Hung Tran explains his choice for our ConceptWall 50 profiles: “This aluminium system allows you to create very slender glass features. We could keep the visible lines as minimal as possible, which gives way to even bigger glass surfaces. And as an additional advantage: aluminium frames are maintenance-free, which makes them the perfect fit for large distribution centres.”
Aluminium frames are the perfect fit for distribution centres because they are maintenance-free.
The façade is further clad with a Kalzip standing-seam roof system, which allows beautiful curves to be created. “The direction and shadow effect of the standing seams reinforce the curvature of the building. Combined with the form, the light anodised colour of the material evokes the image of a futuristic object that has landed there along the motorway.”
Used systems
Involved stakeholders
Architect
Fabricator
Photographer
- Hennie Raaymakers
Other stakeholder
