The Butter Factory

The project

The former Butter factory in Nijmegen is being given a new future. The project combines the transformation of a factory hall dating from 1881 with several new-build blocks. An interesting detail is that the building originates from the same period as GB.

For Wijnen Bouw, GB was responsible for the anchor layout and cavity anchor specification, in close collaboration with fischer and Tremco CPG (illbruck), under the banner of "The Strenght of Synergy" (DKVDC)  The anchor layout was developed per block and included clear product references and installation details, enabling site teams to work efficiently and with confidence. Destil supplied all required products.

The challenge

New-build construction and renovation require very different approaches. While new-build projects are characterised by predictable, “straight-line” conditions, the renovation of a listed building involves significant variation and uncertainty. This includes changing substrates (calcium silicate brick, concrete and timber frame construction), varying levels of detailing, different wind loads per zone and even moisture-saturated inner walls. In addition, openings and dimensions in historic buildings cannot always be determined in advance—many measurements have to be taken on site.

The challenge was to develop a reliable, buildable anchor layout that could accommodate all these variables without slowing down construction progress.

Joris van den Bongaardt, Site Manager at Wijnen Bouw, explains: “With new-build projects, everything is defined in the drawings and, in principle, nothing changes. Renovation is different, especially with a building as old as the Butter factory—you need to discuss every detail at execution level. We know a window frame has to be installed somewhere, but you don’t yet know the exact size of the opening. Many things have to be measured on site. On projects like this, you really value being able to rely on the expertise of such partners.”

The solution

Through Destil, Wijnen Bouw engaged the expertise of project consultant Richard Reijnders. Drawing on his many years of experience at GB, he developed an anchor layout and cavity anchor specification for each block, tailored to the substrate, wind zone and level of detailing. For the renovation, fischer DuoXpand plugs were selected—partly due to moisture-saturated inner walls—as they expand along their entire length and deliver high performance in a wide range of substrates. Thanks to GB’s extensive product portfolio, virtually all details could be resolved using standard corner anchors and cavity wall ties.

Achieving airtightness in the listed building also required a bespoke approach. Many window openings showed damaged concrete elements and varying dimensions. Tremco CPG (illbruck) recommended a combination of illbruck TN525 PVC Band, backing material with OS925 Bitumen Sealing Coating, and around the window frames FM330 Perfect Elastic Foam Pro and TP600 illmod 600 compriband. For the connection to the new interior construction, the illbruck i3 system was applied, delivering a durable three-layer airtight seal (inner, middle and outer layers).

Would you like to learn more about the possibilities Gebr. Bodegraven offers in the field of structural anchoring and project consultancy? Please email us at techniek@gb.nl or call +31 (0)172 520 110.

Reference projects