Complete refurbishment of 13 warehouses, Zutendaal Air Base

Zutendaal in Belgium is home to six European ‘Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 worksites’ of the U.S. Army. Equipment and vehicles for rapid mobilisation are stored and maintained in 28 warehouses, 27 maintenance halls and huge outdoor parking areas. In October 2019, BB Government Services (BBGS), a daughter company of PORR, was awarded the contract for an enormous design & build project. 13 ageing warehouses were completely renovated and handed over in September 2023, six months prior of the planned completion date.

Smart planning improves functionality and energy efficiency.

The experienced team from BBGS Benelux impressed the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) with a coherent planning package. It complied with all relevant US and Belgian standards and also helped improve the functionality and energy efficiency of the buildings.

The largely dilapidated building fabric posed not only a structural challenge, but also an increased safety risk.

As the existing roofs and walls did not meet current standards, some of them had to be demolished and replaced with elements that could resist the structural load.

These included the installation of additional steel roof purlins in eight warehouses. As the structural requirements differed from material to material, a high degree of craftsmanship was required in addition to planning quality. Following the recommendations of the BBGS planning department, automated and space-saving sectional doors were installed.  New skylights provide daylight in the buildings and create a bright and modern atmosphere. Sensor-controlled exhaust and ventilation systems as well as a new lightning protection system satisfy the client's high safety requirements. 

The BBGS Benelux team managed all tasks professionally and in close cooperation with the customer. As a result, the project was successfully completed six months earlier than planned.