Article on a.s.r. Nederland in the trade journal Stedenbouw

 

Data network for a.s.r. head office installed based on sustainable partnership

For an insurer like a.s.r., the continuity and quality of data traffic is of eminent importance. HTC International, the installer of the new data network and subcontractor for Kuijpers, was therefore involved in the technical design as early as the renovation’s design phase, and forms a proven team with supplier Kannegieter and manufacturer Brand-Rex during execution. HTC International Director Henk Smits: “The added value of this partnership in terms of integral quality, sustainability, and service leads to the best end result.”

The specialist team active in Utrecht has already proven itself on several occasions, including in the areas of sustainability and BREEAM. For example, in the recent past, HTC International, Kannegieter, and Brand-Rex jointly provided new data communication networks for high-end clients in financial services, shipping (APM Terminals), healthcare (Groene Hart Hospital), agribusiness (Lely), and university education (Beta Building, Utrecht University). “Our specialization has gained so much importance and complexity in recent decades that integral project management, both before and after the execution phase, has become essential. Especially in large-scale projects for end-users in financial services such as a.s.r.,” says Smits. “We therefore seek collaboration with parties who can operate at that level and share the same ambitious goals regarding product performance, sustainability, and customer focus. Kannegieter and Brand-Rex meet our requirements, and as a result, we can jointly deliver the required, measurable end quality. Our credo is: give the customer not just what they want, but what they need.”

 

Data communication infrastructure: the ‘Aorta of commercial construction’

Data communication infrastructure is essential for the functioning of organizations and forms the backbone upon which all systems rely. HTC International delivers the Brand-Rex data communication network, composed of high-quality data cabling in a single total solution from one brand for the entire installation, including a 25-year warranty certificate. Quality assurance is maintained throughout the entire installation process through site visits by Brand-Rex and Kannegieter, featuring interim inspections and reporting.

“Nothing functions in the office environment anymore without a solid data communication infrastructure, and its importance is only growing; the data network should be considered the fourth utility,” says Jan-Willem Hendriks of Brand-Rex. “Our data communication solutions play a crucial role in the proper functioning of not only the IT environment but also the BMS (Building Management System), access control, and CCTV systems.” The data communication cabling in this project therefore meets the latest standards and supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet all the way to the workstation. HTC International is the system supplier commissioned by Bouwcombinatie Archimedes and handles the installation, Kannegieter manages the logistics, and Brand-Rex is the manufacturer. Together, they form a solution-oriented team.

 

Future-proof and flexible

In the execution phase, factors such as material availability and processing speed play a crucial role. Here too, well-considered choices and high-quality logistics are decisive. Project Manager Wesley Smits: “We are following the three consecutive construction phases until completion in 2015. The horizontal data communication cabling is being installed in existing and new installation spaces within the building’s floors. The backbone is constructed from empty ducts. During each construction phase, the necessary optical fibers are blown in. This solution integrates seamlessly with phased construction to link the different building sections. It is a highly flexible solution that fits a.s.r.’s vision. Subsequent expansions or fiber replacements can be easily realized without disrupting staff or work processes. It is a wonderful example of sustainable engineering and proactive thinking within the client’s processes.” Henk Smits: “The customer is central throughout the entire process and is actively involved during construction meetings so that we deliver an installation at the end of the trajectory that conforms to the customer’s wishes. We invest in communication, which creates mutual understanding. This allows everyone to do their job and optimizes the process.”

 

BREEAM

Sustainability plays a major role in this renovation project. The building design meets BREEAM-NL ‘Excellent’ standards, and the energy label will ultimately improve from G to A. All required data cabling from Brand-Rex is produced CO2-neutral. Jan-Willem Hendriks states: “As a multinational, Brand-Rex meets strict sustainability requirements in accordance with PAS2060 (ISO14064). The entire production chain is managed sustainably, from copper mining to waste management.” “In the case of the data communication cabling, a shielded solution was chosen, which dissipates the heat developed in the cable very effectively,” Smits adds. The customized logistics
from Kannegieter, designed to deliver as efficiently as possible with minimal traffic movements and packaging materials, aligns perfectly with this. A sustainable solution for the entire chain, according to Smits. “This data network aligns perfectly with the BREEAM-NL ‘Excellent’ objective of this project. There is no better reference for a sustainable data network.”

 

 

Customized logistics

There is no room for material storage on-site. This therefore requires customized logistics. For instance, Kannegieter developed a lockable roll container for storing and making materials available for the data network. Raymond Oudijk of Kannegieter: “The roll containers facilitate distribution and work speed—the material is always available at the work location; additionally, they ensure that the material can be stored safely and waste can be removed.”

For the full article as published in the trade journal Stedenbouw, click here.