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The David de Wied Building project team can look back in pride on the topping-out ceremony held for the building team members on the afternoon of Wednesday, 8 April 2020.

At the David de Wied building, contractor BAM Bouw en Techniek – Projecten, is constructing an ‘EM-Square’; a facility for high-quality, extremely sensitive electron microscopes for the Life Sciences cluster. BAM is also connecting the Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage unit and making the laboratories more sustainable. The  Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage unit and the reduction of energy consumption will help the university realise it’s ambition of reducing CO2 emissions.

Effective coordination and a healthy team spirit

In his speech, Director of BAM Bouw en Techniek - Projecten Martijn van der Knaap looked back on the unique team effort: “We’re building a completely new EM facility in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new construction will be added to the side of the building, and some will even take place underneath. We’ll bring the installations to the roof and provide high-quality laboratory facilities. Thanks to our shared efforts, good coordination of all of the activities with the contractor, and the right team spirit, we’ll still be able to finish the building by the end of 2020, even with the coronavirus pandemic and all of the control measures.”

Collaboration between all parties

“The topping out ceremony is always a moment to recognise the people responsible for getting the building to this point. I would, therefore, like to take this opportunity to celebrate this achievement and to thank you all for your contributions. But unique achievements are seldom the result of hard work alone. Good collaboration between all of the parties involved is at least as important. Without the cooperation between Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ��, the consultants, the sub-contractors, the suppliers, and BAM, we would never have reached this point, and on behalf of BAM I would like to thank each and every one of you.”

He then presented the second section of a work of art to Fiona van ’t Hullenaar, Director of Real Estate & Campus at Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ��. The third and last section of the gift will follow during the official opening of the new facilities.

Retaining energy

In her own speech, Fiona van ’t Hullenaar emphasised: “This project feels as if I’ve gained another large, hearty family. I always feel welcome, and I’m impressed by the cooperation between all of the parties involved. That is truly unique.”

Peter Blok, project leader on behalf of Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ��, concluded the ceremony. He explained how unbelievably complex the project is in every aspect; structurally, architecturally, and especially with regard to the installations, but that he is certain we will bring it to a beautiful conclusion together. He thanked the project team for their wonderful achievement and presented them with a token of appreciation on behalf of the client.