Aldi Turnhout
Stadsbader is helping build Belgium’s most sustainable distribution center
Anyone in Turnhout and far beyond asking for the name of one of Belgium’s most talked-about distribution centres is very likely to hear the new Aldi project as the answer. This is hardly surprising, given the scale and exceptional sustainability score of the distribution centre. The new construction volume was made possible in part thanks to Stadsbader, which delivered the precast concrete structure and walls.
‘Outstanding’ BREEAM score
“Large and highly sustainable,” says Frank Vissers, managing director of Aldi Turnhout, describing the new building. An understatement, considering it is the most sustainable distribution centre in Belgium and ranks among the top 5 worldwide. More than 4,000 solar panels generate around 1 million kWh of green electricity per year, equivalent to the annual consumption of 285 households. Significant investments were also made in sustainable materials, green space, and a recycling island. These efforts resulted in an ‘outstanding’ BREEAM score.
Eight football fields in size
With a surface area of 41,000 m²—equivalent to eight football fields—the Turnhout site far surpasses the former distribution centre in Rijkevorsel, which was roughly half the size. Fresh products will be stored in a 4,700 m² cold storage facility, from where they will be distributed to around 60 stores of the chain in the Antwerp region.
Precast concrete elements by Stadsbader
The entire structure of the distribution centre consists of a concrete frame, for which Stadsbader was selected for supply, assembly, and engineering. Stadsbader also provided around 10,000 m² of precast concrete elements, with thicknesses ranging from 14 to 44 cm, for various applications: internal and external walls, fire walls, and more. Together with other subcontractors, Stadsbader completed this impressive project under the coordination of the architectural and engineering offices, in a construction time of just under one year.
First prize
The project has received extensive media attention from day one and will likely continue to do so, as demonstrated by its first prize at the Transport & Logistics Awards 2019.
