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A flexible and sustainable Rabo headoffice by Croon Elektrotechniek
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09 February 2012
10 000V cabling right into the heart of the building.
Source: Stedenbouw, Magazine for urban development and architecture.
"Design and build a flexible and sustainable head office."
Rabobank gave us the order for its new offices in Utrecht in the broadest of terms: "Design and build a flexible and sustainable head office." This new build would be considered a success if employees enjoy working there and customers still enjoy visiting the building in six years time.
Croon Elektrotechniek is no stranger to 'Eco friendly and sustainable building practises'. They know in what way installations can contribute to the flexibility and sustainability of buildings. This is why they installed computer flooring for the work stations in the Rabobank building with flexible 230V and data connections for bespoke solutions. PV-panels and led lighting increased sustainability even more.
Not 400V but 10 000V
A remarkable choice of power system based on 10 000V. Traditionally buildings are served with 10 000V electrical distribution systems up to the front door only, and for internal use in the building the 10kV is switched to the well-known 400V installation. Bas Walgraeve, project leader of Croon, explains why this installation is different: "If a current passes through cables there is always some voltage loss. For higher voltages, like 10 000V, this loss is considerably smaller proportionally than for a voltage of 400V. Large buildings that cover great distances are therefore pre-eminently suitable for cost savings. As we knew from the start that this was required provisions in the building were made accordingly. 10kV transformers have been installed on several floors. Together with the environmentally-friendly M-installation and building methods they contribute to a sustainable building."
Delays
The electric utility installations have all been installed by Croon Elektrotechniek and BAM Techniek. These two contractors often collaborate on large-scale projects. Originally the completion of the project was planned at the end of 2009. Fires in the building caused delays and the date of completion was postponed. In the end the beautiful and eco-friendly building was commissioned in September 2011.
