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To keep the public space attractive, renovation of the downtown area is very important. This visual appeal should create more sales for retailers. But renovations are costly and a disruptive factor for retailers and visitors. In addition, through the outcome of the stress test, municipalities are confronted with the climate and related measures. To achieve future-proof and sustainable solutions, it is important to think about the interpretation and implementation of a project together with the market. Read how ACO did this in Veenendaal!
District shopping center the Ellekoot, located next to Veenendaal West station, has been a household name in Veenendaal for decades. Unfortunately, the atmosphere and experience no longer met current standards. To guarantee an attractive, future-proof and well-functioning shopping center for Veenendaal West, the Ellekoot was given a major makeover. Besides renewing the store fronts, improving loading and unloading facilities and optimizing the (bicycle) parking spaces, sustainable drainage of the public space was also on the agenda.
In an existing situation, you have to consider a host of challenges:
With the construction team in Veenendaal, the decision was therefore made to replace the already prescribed grid channel with a combined system of line channel and collector pipe - the Q-max. This is a system in which only a narrow slotted or grid gutter is visible on the surface and the plastic gutter body is directly the collector. Because the Q-max is available in various sizes, large line lengths can be realized without additional drains.
Because the Q-Max system is installed high on the surface, little soil is stirred and no well drainage is even required. In addition, it is a great advantage that rainwater from the pavement and façade drainage is collected and discharged high via one system. The facade drainage is connected directly to the ACO Q-max through side connections. This lightweight system, with large capacity, can be installed with low investment in time and money.
The proper functioning of drainage in public spaces is crucial. But beyond function, drainage systems also offer the opportunity to contribute to the identity of the environment through their unique appearance. Thus, various slot and grating choices are possible in stainless steel, galvanized steel, cast iron or corten. Veenendaal opted for a cast iron grating and inspection hatch that blend nicely with the paving. The narrow gutter emphasizes the length effect and the hatch features the logo of shopping center De Ellekoot.
All parties involved are so enthusiastic about this solution that they have each, in their own individual project, incorporated the Q-max back into their design. Also curious, askACO!
Client: Municipality of Veenendaal
Designer: Drong Environment & Technology - Barneveld
Contractor: Heijmans Infra
The renovation began in 2020 and was completed in early 2022
