Home » Projects » HR Group Leek

HR Group Leek

In Leek, a company building is rising for HR Groep, manufacturer of traffic signs and other infrastructure-related products. The project requires an integrated technical approach that combines energy, comfort, acoustics, and safety. ABT is responsible for the mechanical and electrical installations, building physics, acoustics, and fire safety consultancy, supplemented with nitrogen impact research and special attention to grid congestion.
HR Groep Leek
Client HR Group
Completion time 2024 - 2027
Team
In collaboration with Maarten van Kesteren architects, Breed Integrated design
Project scope 1900 m2 bvo
Expertises

Focus on energy efficiency

The installation design developed by ABT for this new HR Groep facility is aimed at energy efficiency, operational reliability, and flexibility, aligned with the company’s continuous production processes. By taking early account of the current grid congestion issues in the region, smart strategies have been applied to both reduce and distribute the building’s energy demand.

A dynamic climate concept has been chosen, in which conditioning is based on the actual needs of the various work areas. In addition, ventilation with large ceiling fans is used to create cooling air movement and reduce the required cooling energy. The remaining heating and cooling demand is efficiently met through concrete core activation, which provides stable and energy‑efficient heating and cooling using low temperature differences.

These design choices ensure that the building not only meets the current limitations of the electricity grid, but is also robust and future‑proof.

Pleasant indoor climate

Within the building‑physics design, the focus is on comfort, health, and multifunctionality. A striking element is the canteen, which has been acoustically designed so that the space is suitable for concerts outside regular operating hours. To make this possible, the acoustic design is based on a balanced combination of absorption and reflection, ensuring that the space functions well both for daily use and for musical performances.

The other areas have also been tailored to their specific functions, with ABT providing integrated advice on building physics, fire safety, sustainability, and acoustics to create an optimally functioning commercial building. In addition, ABT carried out a nitrogen assessment, evaluating emissions resulting from construction activities and traffic movements during both the construction and operational phases. The study shows that no measurable nitrogen deposition occurs (0.00 mol/ha/year) and that the project is acceptable from a nitrogen‑impact perspective.

The detailed design (DO) phase has now been completed and the environmental permit has been granted. This brings us closer to realizing a future‑proof, flexible, and sustainable company building.

Header image of spatial layout, © Maarten van Kesteren Architects