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Innovative basement solutions

Building underground is essential for optimal and multiple use of space. Building underground in an inner-city environment is often a complex process. ABT are specialists in innovative basement and building pit solutions for existing and new buildings. We aim for minimal impact in terms of footprint, cost and risk. Smart, integral and manufacturable designs to realize our clients’ wishes and build a sustainable future.

Parkeerkelder Forum Groningen Minimaliseren footprint

Future-proof expansion of listed buildings and monuments

The expansion possibilities of existing, listed buildings and certainly (national) monuments are often limited. Underground expansion will create more functional area and flexibility. It is a way to make the building future-proof.

The monumental Mauritshuis in The Hague was extended underground and connected to the building opposite. In view of the complexity and due diligence required, we had to provide customized solutions. This involved the use of construction techniques such as cutter soil mix (CSM) walls, jet grout columns, softgel massifs and steel fibre reinforced underwater concrete.

The monumental Roman city wall and other archaeological excavations at De Bastei in Nijmegen were integrated into a 6-meter basement. ABT advised on the construction and on the foundation and earth retaining wall. The project was awarded the 2019 Schreuders Prize.

Less material, lower cost

For each new basement project, ABT will integrally consider the optimal depth and construction method in relation to the environment, sustainability, costs and risks. For the consideration of environmental impact, we apply internally developed tools. Through clever design optimization(s), we can achieve substantial material savings.

One way of saving material is to integrate structural and temporary underwater concrete floors by applying steel fibre concrete. This will provide thinner floors as well as reducing the chance of any leakage. All this saves materials and costs. Basement floors that we have designed and successfully integrated include floors for the Royal Van Lent Shipyard dry dock and the Albert Cuyp parking garage in Amsterdam.

There are frequently situations when it actually pays to make the basement deeper and reduce the impact in terms of cost and environment per m2 of basement area. We used pile plate foundations in the new construction and renovation of Rabobank Utrecht, WTC Utrecht and the new university building of the VU Amsterdam. These projects could be completed with significantly fewer foundation piles and at lower construction costs.

Whatever your problem or question, our geotechnical and structural engineers will be happy to devise an appropriate, integrated solution. Feel free to contact one of our experts.

 

Image parking garage Forum Groningen: © Marcel van der Burg

Projects

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Albert Cuypgarage Amsterdam

Albert Cuypgarage

Albert Cuypgarage

A parking garage under the existing waterway right next to Museum Square: a unique project. Commissioned by the municipality of Amsterdam, Max Bögl Nederland B.V. built a parking garage under the Boerenwetering. A facility for over six hundred cars and sixty bicycles. Max Bögl asked ABT to use their specialist knowledge to develop the construction-ready design for the underwater concrete and basement floor.

Center for nature and cultural history De Bastei

Center for nature and cultural history De Bastei

At the Nijmegen Waalkade, five partners, together with the municipality of Nijmegen, realized the Center for Nature and Cultural History De Bastei. The project was part of the revitalization of the Waalkade. The eye-catcher of the project is a large cantilevered fully glass bay window.

DOMunder

DOMunder

In the heart of Utrecht, the remains of 2000 years of Dutch history are hidden beneath the Domplein. The new underground visitor center DOMunder offers visitors the chance to experience the fascinating history of Utrecht underground. Archaeological remains are visible and even touchable. This unique place opened its doors on June 2, 2014.

Forum Groningen

Forum Groningen

Forum Groningen is an iconic cultural complex consisting of eleven floors. Below the building is a five basement parking garage consisting of approximately four hundred parking spaces and 1,500 bicycle parking spaces. ABT played an important role in realizing the principles of the architectural concept.
Hilton Amsterdam Airport Hotel

Hilton Amsterdam Airport Hotel

Hilton Amsterdam Airport Hotel

In 2016, the new construction of the Hilton Amsterdam Airport Hotel was completed. It includes 433 hotel rooms, a restaurant, a spa and fitness center, and a conference center. Beneath the hotel, there is a single-level parking garage, and through a walkway, the hotel has a direct connection to Schiphol. The new Hilton also connects to the WTC.
Rabobank Utrecht

Rabobank Utrecht

Rabobank Utrecht

The headquarters of Rabobank in Utrecht has undergone extensive renovation and sustainability improvements. Originally, the building consisted of two practically independent towers that were to be connected only by a few walkways. From a structural point of view, this proved to be impractical. In both towers, a lot of space would be lost to the necessary additional stabilizing elements.

Renovation Museum Arnhem

Renovation Museum Arnhem

Museum Arnhem temporarily closed its doors in 2017 for a large-scale renovation. The museum was partially demolished, partially renovated and new construction took place. The new building involved one above-ground level and two underground levels (three in total). ABT provided the implementation design for the museum's structure and foundation.