tnt express

client: TNT Express, Eindhoven/ Goevaers & Znn. b.v., Best
location: GDC-noord, Eindhoven
bvo: 6.400m2 hall en 1.100m2 office
volume: 54.200m3 hall en 3.700m3 office
program: crossdock distribution centre
realization: 2015
photography: Norbert van Onna

The largest cross-dock distribution center in Europe is being built on GDC-Noord, on the A2, near Eindhoven Airport. There is a fully automatic production line for parcel distribution in the 8.5-meter-high hall. Precast concrete has been used in the building envelope, among other things. A 1,800 mm high translucent band on the entrance building and the total main volume provides light in the evening, making the building clearly visible from both ground and air.

TNT delivers packages throughout Europe and wants to grow in the coming years. The emphasis will be on high-margin services such as pallet loads, heavier packages and international shipments. Functional and logistical principles determined the design. The width and length, the routing, the space around, the position and dimensions of the office were hard starting points. The 30,600 m2 site is heavily secured. The main form of the hall is an L - shape with secondary extensions, including container dock and dock for vans. The facade is covered with silver-colored sandwich panels. Underneath is a prefabricated concrete plinth; 4.8 meters high in the hall, 1.3 meters high in the office and docking jetties.

The distribution center will have a total of 105 dock shelters for both trailers and vans, including 4 meters. There are also 35 parking spaces for trailers and 120 parking spaces for visitors. The office area contains all kinds of additional functions, such as changing rooms, canteen and counter space for truck drivers, a doctor's room and an employment agency.

The BREEAM “Very Good” certificate has been obtained with this project.