Lightweight handrail structures

Each is lightweight and comes in a variety of designs, including even a railing construction with integrated solar cells for both architectural stream valley bridges of 250 and over 300 meters in length, respectively.

"The new road is characterized by a number of different types of artworks," begins Andries Takke of Takke Breukelen. "The aesthetic quality of the handrail structures was based on a design vision of the structures. Based on the wishes and requirements, we designed three types of handrail structures for the project: a structure entirely in steel with steel slats, a similar one with wooden Plato slats and a third type with predominantly glass panels equipped with integrated solar cells."

Zero-in-the-meter project

"As Takke Breukelen, we always try to offer a complete solution as much as possible," continues Andries. "That means that as soon as the contractor delivers the concrete work, we provide the dressing up with lightweight structures. Preferably, we are called in at an early stage so that we can demonstrate from the design stage that the structures meet all requirements. Not only in terms of safety, but also when it comes to sustainability. We then fully elaborate the design, produce the railings and assemble the structures on site, including all connections and any electrical installations, such as the variant with integrated solar cells on the N69. The ambition is to make the N69 an energy-neutral road, a zero-in-the-meter project. All electrical energy required during the use of the road, such as the public lighting and the water pumps in the various pump cellars, will be powered by solar cells with an expected output of over 25,000 kWh per year. Based on studies, it was determined which positions on the screens should and should not be filled with solar cells. For a uniform image, the 'cell-less' panels are screen-printed."

Takke Breukelen always produces the railing work project specific. "We like to act as a partner and think along from the very beginning," says Andries. "That's where we can make the difference, because we then take that 'baggage' into production and assembly. That's really where our added value lies. The material is secondary. Even though we are originally, for eight generations, a construction company, we absolutely do not preach that steel is the solution to all challenges. What matters is that we create a solution. Sometimes that is in wood, other times in steel, glass, composite or concrete. We always look at which material will do best in a project for the best value for money."