Virgo Aalsmeer

Hydra Utrecht

Ara Almelo

Norma Wijchen

Vela Waddinxveen

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Destinations

Ara Almelo specs

Birds eye view of Ara almelo

Ara Almelo is unique because of how it blends in naturally with the scenic semi-open Twente landscape, with plots divided by hedges and wooded banks. The unique ecological screen and the pond ensure a natural connection to this characteristic landscape. The screen’s size allows it to fit in perfectly with the surrounding built environment, while the vegetation on the screen creates a strong ecological chain between the current business activity and the historical nature in the area.

Nature, architecture, technology & functionality

Inspired by the scenic Twente landscape.

XL Business Park Twente is a multimodal business park that is easily accessible by car, by boat, and by train. Its excellent location on the Twente Canal and the presence of the Combi Terminal Twente (CTT) inland terminal, makes it a perfect inland waterway connection to Rotterdam and Hamburg. 

A gateway to the world.

Ara Almelo Location

Nature highlights 

Architect's quote 

The ecological screen is the most visible and characteristic element of Ara Almelo. For the plants, we decided on one main theme: the plants must be able to provide as much food and shelter for birds and insects year-round. If the animals and plants do well then it will contribute to the biodiversity we so desperately need. Nature also contributes to our physical and mental health. A natural and lively environment will help create a positive working climate. In this context we have also created a connection with the existing natural environment in the area.

By using trees that resemble the ones that already exist in the area, insects will easily be able to find their way within the new Ara Almelo living environment. The creation of new yet familiar nesting environments such as bird houses, bat boxes, and sand, the ideal habitat for some bee species, contribute to this. This results in a renewed eco system ideal for people and animals. The added value for people of being connected to nature from the inside out instead of looking out on grey industrial sites, is huge.

A new nature system for people and wildlife.

Nature Dot Slider

We collaborated with Rebel Group, who assessed the ecological, social, and financial effects on our ecological contribution. The ratio between ecological measures and the yields for various groups have been broadly visualized within the Gaia® connection grid, uniquely designed to fit within the Stellar Development identity. 

The most important conclusion; nature yields considerable added value and is a connecting factor for both end-user, environment, investor, and developer.

Gaia

Fence image full width

The ecological screen creates an inside and outside world. The inside world is fully focused on logistical efficiency. The outside world is fully nature inclusive: blossomy grass, semi-paved where possible, climate adaptive and of course as biodiverse as possible.

The screen is the dividing line but also the connection between both worlds. The ecological screen is visible from all over the inside world and people will experience that nature is an integrated part of their stay at the destination.

Creating a “natural” connection between two worlds.

Behind the characteristic ecological screen

Sustainability is rooted in the brand identity of Stellar Development and reflected in Ara Almelo. One of the ambitions is to achieve a BREEAM score of Very Good, by reducing energy requirements. The building components, for example, consist of carefully-chosen sustainable materials and sandwich panels were used to create the façade. These panels are light and reduce the use of materials by 12%. After completion of the destination, extensive tests will be performed to see if the insulation value and the air density comply with the BREEAM standard of Very Good. In addition to complying with these BREEAM requirements, Ara Almelo is one of the first logistical buildings in the Netherlands to comply with the EU Taxonomy Regulation; a transparent classification system that was devised based on the Paris Climate Agreement, in order to objectively determine what is truly sustainable and what is not. The goal is to make investments more reliable and transparent and to tackle greenwashing. Stellar Development welcomes the EU Taxonomy, in the knowledge that what we build today shapes the world of tomorrow.


Ara Almelo will be receiving the BREEAM® Very Good certificate

A selection of materials for Ara Almelo

Charging stations for electrical cars are located near the parking spaces. They are available for both staff and visitors. The rows of LED-lighting in the corridors will be fitted with presence detection sensors, which prevent unnecessary and wasted burning hours. The entire building is fitted with LED-lighting. For the driving route of the trucks, SIM concrete plates (a semi-paving made specifically for heavy traffic) will be used in the form of grass concrete tiles. Inside the ecological screen, these robust tiles will also be planted with grass so they become part of the blooming grasslands on the outside of the destination.
With a rooftop surface measuring approximately 40,000 m², there is the option of providing electricity to almost 2,000 homes after the installation of solar panels.

Ara Almelo Technology

The Entrance

Inside Ara Almelo

In the times we live in, technology serves as the breeding ground for continuous development. It’s important to stay socially and economically relevant, with a focus on man and nature. 

In the logistical world, costs associated with this “technological breeding ground” have always been billed to the end-user and are frequently only paid after development has been completed, which is far from ideal.

Capella has been able to turn this process around completely, and offers end-users a technological breeding ground that has been developed for the logistical world of today.

Capella is a one-stop solution that makes led-lighting and integrated network and data transport possible via an innovative light and data traffic system, based on the ultra-thin Polymer Optical Fiber (POF) cable.

Capella® will be pre-installed at Ara Almelo.

Capella® cable

Ara Almelo fence and loading docks

Completion Q3 2023

Ara Almelo is one of the first buildings in the Netherlands to meet European sustainability requirements – EU Taxonomy.

Ara Almelo DRAFT

Hydra Utrecht specs

Birds eye view of Hydra Utrecht

Hydra Utrecht construction updates

A special feature of Hydra Utrecht is the incorporation of greenery (nature) into the urban environment that is inherent to building on a brownfield. Nature-inclusive features were given a fundamental role in the design, which created a strong relationship with the immediate environment - a pleasant destination, combined with inviting architecture that contributes to biodiversity.

The sprinkler tank, an innovative nature-inclusive statement, positioned centrally on the property, functions as the largest permanent insect hotel in Europe. Water management was also an essential topic within Hydra Utrecht. We significantly improved water management for people and animals in this project, contributing to climate-resilient area for local residents.

Bringing nature back to the urban environment of Lage Weide.

Architect's quote

Nature highlights

We decided to put the sprinkler tank in the middle of the site, very present, and turned it into a unique feature; a huge insect hotel. This interpretation was created by bringing together all the expertise needed to make it work. For example, the architect devised the frame of the tank and the types of plants were chosen by the landscape architect. We have considered the best route for placing this flora, so that it is functional for fauna that live here. The sprinkler tank will be the largest insect hotel in Europe and thus a sign of this nature-inclusive building. Something we are proud of.

The innovative sprinkler tank will become the largest insect hotel in Europe.

As an ecologist, I am involved in the development of the Stellar Development destinations. From an ecological perspective, I will explain what happens when you put up a huge building, and then what it takes to embrace nature. Take the function of the ivy, for example. It is a plant that you can easily grow against a façade and is a nice green solution for an architect, as well as having great ecological value for insects. But the way you do it is crucial. For the growth and maintenance of ivy, a good basis needs to be established in order to provide adequate shelter and nesting opportunities for birds. The installed bat boxes should have enough space and be accessible, vegetation should not cause any hindrance here. The bats will soon benefit from the insects that come to the ivy.

Optimal biodiversity at the building & area level for humans and animals.

Nature Dot Slider 

Sustainability is a fundamental part of the Stellar Development brand, as for Hydra Utrecht. Working on a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ score for the development, the starting point here is the ambition to save on energy needs. To achieve this, translucent façade panels were applied, this way more daylight enters the building. Sustainable materials are also used to optimize the building's envelope. For the façade, we used sandwich panels, which are light and also ensure 12% less use of material. The necessary techniques to achieve this BREEAM certification were applied to the components of general temperature control, monitoring and measuring energy consumption, among others.

Hydra Utrecht is certified as BREEAM® Very Good, a sustainable destination.

Unique material choices for Hydra Utrecht.

Hydra Utrecht façades

Being an architectural builder Heembouw has the perfect starting position to carefully select building materials at an early stage. That choice positively impacts the MPG score - Dutch government’s tool to measure the environmental impact of materials used in the construction. Typically this is used for homes and office buildings, but we are introducing this to Stellar Development’s destinations too, resulting in actively lowering its carbon footprint. As an example, at Hydra Utrecht, we reuse concrete and masonry rubble, which contributes to the improved MPG score, among other things. The government’s MPG standard is 1.0, the Hydra Utrecht destination without solar panels and energy supply comes out to 0.56. That’s 44% below the norm. A wonderful achievement in sustainability.

Circular construction contribute to greatly reduced CO² footprint.

The concrete & masonry debris from existing buildings on site - traditionally considered as waste - was collected and processed into mixed granulate. We used it as the concrete underlayer for the building’s hall and pavement.

From waste to resource.

Vehicle charging stations in Hydra Utrecht

Electric car charging points are provided at the parking areas for users and visitors, entirely powered by sustainably generated energy and available to everyone. These parking areas will be constructed of semi-paved surfaces and accompanied by various types of native plants, shrubs and trees. The entire building will be equipped with LED lighting. The rows of LED lights in the aisles will be equipped with presence detection sensors, eliminating wasted active hours. With a roof area of nearly 20,000 m², nearly 1,000 households can be supplied with electricity after installation of optional solar panels.

Technology highlights

Coordinator's quote

Water retention crates

The site will be designed for functionality and safety with separate traffic for people and freight. One driving direction applies to the entire site, and the site is accessed by an exit on the Niels Bohrweg. Additional traffic signs will also be installed to regulate traffic flow. It goes without saying that sufficient attention will also be paid to road safety during the development. For maintenance and escape routes, a path in semi-paved material will be constructed around the property. 

Separate passenger and freight traffic. Private entrance to the parking lots.  A semi-paved path around the building. Entrance accessible for reach trucks and narrow aisle trucks.

Functionality highlights

Floor plans

Hydra Utrecht is centrally located in the Netherlands, in the Lage Weide business park. It has excellent accessibility by road, rail, and water. The A2 highway is less than five minutes from the destination, same as CTU's inland terminal. Schiphol Airport is only thirty minutes away.
This ensures perfect positioning between Utrecht, The Hague and Amsterdam, offering an excellent opportunity for parties looking for a state-of-the-art destination for city distribution or regular distribution.

Area view

Location

Conclusion Q4 2022

Hydra Utrecht is an excellent opportunity for parties looking for a state-of-the-art destination for city distribution or regular distribution. Certified with BREEAM® Very good.

Hydra Utrecht overview

Hydra Utrecht OLD

Virgo Aalsmeer specs

Birds eye view of Virgo Aalsmeer

Virgo Aalsmeer construction updates`

Virgo Aalsmeer is special on account of its nature-inclusive character, which fits seamlessly with the ambitions of Schiphol Area Development Company and the City of Aalsmeer for the Green Park Aalsmeer business park. Thanks to our collaboration with ecologists and landscape architects, we can confidently predict that this building will soon blend in with the local flora and fauna, occupying a prominent and special place in the overall area.

Nature, architecture, technology & function

Our architects also took in account to design a sustainable and green appearance of the plot. For example, part of the parking spaces that will only be used during peak hours is provided with semi hardening. This creates a parking field that will also look attractive when there are little or no cars on it. The green zone along the A326 highway is provided with a lot of greenery, which reduces the view on parked cars on the plot. A row of trees along the facade provides even more greenery and tranquility.

Bio-diversity is paramount for us. Therefore we designed the rooftop garden of 2000 m².

Inspired by the Westeinderplassen heritage.

Joost Emmerik Garden Design and Research

The ambition is to make the distribution center as sustainable as possible. Virgo Aalsmeer is working on a Breeam ‘Very Good’ score for the development. The starting point is to save as much as possible on energy needs. In addition, we are using sustainable materials to optimize the shell of the building. For example, we selected Kingspan Quadcore sandwich panels for the façade, as they are light and use 12% less material. To achieve this certification, we will apply effective technology to control temperatures, and monitor and measure energy consumption, among other things. The basic construction of the building consists of a steel skeleton with optimized dimensions and a main wooden supporting structure for the roof. All wood used in the building is FSC-certified.

Virgo Aalsmeer is certified as BREEAM® Very Good.

Front entrance of Virgo Aalsmeer

Virgo Aalsmeer is designed to connect nature, architecture, technology, and function.

DC Bijsterhuizen is easily accessible by highway: located directly on the A73 and A326 and 5 km to the Ewijk / A50 junction, the industrial area is centrally located near Nijmegen. The plot is also favorable for traveling with public transport. There are several bus stops in the industrial area Bijsterhuizen and a short distance to NS stations Nijmegen Dukenburg (1.5km) or Wijchen (3.4 km) with regular connections from Nijmegen to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Düsseldorf and Brussels. Ideal for colleagues who rely on public transport.

DC Bijsterhuizen

Virgo Aalsmeer’s warm and welcoming look is the result  of the wooden beams that  are incorporated into the construction.

Biodiversity Dot Slider 

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Virgo Aalsmeer Big Two Images Text

Equipped with custom-built, integrated nesting boxes.

Equipped with the latest technology, designed with the future in mind.

Hall prepared for splitting into units Sprinkler system with certificate per tenant part two overhead doors with connection to size field.

Designed with the future in mind.

This sustainable, state-of-the-art distribution center is ideally located in the heart of the Metropolitan Region Amsterdam (MRA), between Schiphol and Royal Floraholland, the largest flower auction in the world. With the airport just 10 minutes away, this is a prime location for companies targeting the international market.

Conclusion April 2022

Virgo Aalsmeer will be the future of logistics real estate, a destination where people want to be. Certified with BREEAM® Very good.

Virgo Aalsmeer OLD

Virgo Aalsmeer is special on account of its nature-inclusive character, which fits seamlessly with the ambitions of Schiphol Area Development Company and the City of Aalsmeer for the Green Park Aalsmeer business park. Thanks to our collaboration with ecologists and landscape architects, we can confidently predict that this building will soon blend in with the local flora and fauna, occupying a prominent and special place in the overall area.

Roof garden of Virgo Aalsmeer

Co-designing the environment around distribution centers is a completely new and different assignment for me. These large sites, hardly visited by anyone, offer opportunities for flora and fauna to flourish. For example, the long pathways alongside Virgo Aalsmeer, where we created a flower-rich grassland. Together with ecologist Matthijs Bokje of De Groene Ruimte, we decided to focus on the animals and insects that already live in the vicinity, by using our nature-inclusive approach to provide food and habitat for them. This significantly lowers the threshold for it to actually be used, so we are really adding something here. It is really well thought through. When I heard about the roof garden in Virgo Aalsmeer‘s design, I loved it right away. It’s really special that the roof garden has such a prominent role in the design, and that it’s so big – almost 2,000 m²! Plus, it’s not just for people, but also for insects and animals, with large areas of vegetation. As you approach the center you can already see the roof garden. I hope that it will make people curious and prompt them to look at and experience it. For example, people can spot which insects live there, and how the dynamic planting looks different every season.

The flora & fauna around the building is selected to flourish in the context of the location. 

Composed of carefully selected materials and colors.

The LED lighting in the aisles is equipped with presence sensors, so it will not consume unnecessary energy. LED lighting will also be used throughout the building. The 1,900 m² biodiverse roof garden forms a green oasis for birds and insects. To keep this roof garden green, a maintenance irrigation system has been integrated into the building. There are charging stations for electric vehicles in the passenger vehicle parking area. These charging points are fully supplied with sustainably generated energy. Both staff and visitors can use the charging stations. With a roof area of close to 20,000 m2, almost 1,000 households can, after the installation of PV panels, be supplied with solar electricity.

1,900 m² rooftop garden. 12 electric charging stations. LED lighting in the aisles. 20,000 m² area of solar cells.

Virgo Aalsmeer location

For the sake of safety, the entire plot will be furnished with separate parking and logistics areas. In addition, a single driving direction will apply across the site, and access to the plot on Hollandweg will be by a separate dedicated road exit. A semi-paved path will be constructed around the building for maintenance and escape routes. The column structure in the building has been intelligently chosen to allow the use of both a narrow aisle truck and reach truck aisle pattern.

Separate parking and logistics areas. Private road exit to the parking spaces. Semi-paved path around the building. Entrance accessible for narrow aisle trucks and reach trucks. 

Our current destinations in development.

Completed April 2022

Virgo Aalsmeer

Opening Q4 2022

Hydra Utrecht

Q3 2023

Ara Almelo

Completed December 2021

Norma Wijchen

Coming soon

Vela Waddinxveen