A sustainable distribution and processing center was designed for Nature’s Pride, one of the Netherlands’ largest suppliers of exotic fruits and vegetables. This distribution center in Maasdijk was the first with a BREEAM-NL ‘Excellent’ certification and is now among the top 5 distribution centers in Western Europe.

The building is an efficient logistics machine where fruits and vegetables enter, after which the products are ripened and packaged, and exit again. All employees enter through a central entrance after which they meet in a large canteen with a courtyard garden. From the canteen they go to the offices or through a hand-washing area to the warehouse. The building is designed to minimize the long distance people have to travel. Optimal visual contact between office, canteen and shed create a familiar feeling and thus a pleasant working atmosphere.

The building consists of a flexible shell with large spans, making it adaptable with minimal interventions to any new or changed use in the future. The large window frames provide plenty of daylight on the work floor and, because of their position on the northwest side, are favorable with respect to the heating of the facade by the sun. The spaces within the building are arranged so that the different temperature zones limit the loss of heat or cold. Parking on the roof minimizes the footprint of the building.

Electric charging stations and pv panels are, of course, part of the standard arsenal.

The more than 2,000m2 vegetation roof with bee hotels, insect boxes and bird houses, the large green facade wall and a giant butterfly garden contribute to local biodiversity.

Rainwater is used to flush the toilets and residual heat from the machines to heat the offices and the ramp in winter.

Christian worked intensively on this project for over two years as a project architect at Paul de Ruiter Architects. Also, because of his experience with this building, he was closely involved in the expansion of the building.

Client: Nature’s Management

Architect: Paul de Ruiter Architects

Project architect: Paul de Ruiter & Christian Quesada van Beresteyn

Start design: January 2011

Start building: February 2013

Completion: November 2013

Gross floor area: 36,785 m²

Images: Paul de Ruiter Architects

Photography: Jeroen Musch