Proud of Marken

A special project in which a single line makes all the difference

Over a length of 5.5 kilometers, GlasGroen is working on Marken on a seemingly modest but crucial part of the dike reinforcement: the toe wall. Virtually invisible to the eye, yet decisive for the quality of everything that follows. This physical separation between the basalt blockwork and the stone fill follows the exact contours of the dike body, thereby forming the dike’s first solid line. It is that single line upon which everything is based.

The toe wall is made of tropical hardwood, constructed from square posts and clamped-on panels. “We use more than 11,000 posts here, ranging from two to three meters in length,” says Ruud Glas, director of GlasGroen. “It’s not a direct water-retaining component, but it does determine how stable and durable the slope will be. If this line is right, the rest will be too.”

The structure forms a deep, stable retaining wall against which the stone mason can precisely finish the slope. The height ranges from 60 to 150 centimeters, depending on the slope and its intended use. Thanks to the carefully selected quality of the materials, the toe wall has a very long service life. The wood is sourced and processed in accordance with the FSC® system.

Logistics is often carried out by water

The project on Marken requires more than just craftsmanship. To minimize the impact on the environment, the dike is accessible to heavy equipment and materials exclusively by water. Everything is transported by boat. This requires tight logistics and constant coordination. On site, a compact team of three professionals works with a crawler crane. “It is precisely under these conditions that experience and teamwork make all the difference,” Glas knows from experience.

Safety and Responsibility

At GlasGroen, safety is an integral part of our operations. The company is at Level 3 of the Safety Ladder. “We make no compromises—neither on quality nor on safety.” This approach is also recognized by the Hof op Marken consortium, which expresses its appreciation for the company’s professional work methods and consistent focus on safe working practices.

In addition to technology and sustainability, the company also focuses on ecology. GlasGroen builds snake pits: hardwood structures filled with crushed stone that provide grass snakes with a safe place to hibernate and forage.

For GlasGroen, this project is more than just an installation. “This is work that demonstrates what we stand for as a company,” says Glas. “Craftsmanship, reliability, and collaboration at the highest level.”

Marken is a unique project in which a single line makes all the difference, and it certainly holds a lasting place in GlasGroen’s history.