With a green future in mind, we embarked on an ambitious journey that aims to redefine the mobility experience. The result? A futuristic Mass Timber charging station adorned with a lush green roof, a perfect blending of sustainability and innovation. This project, known as the Better Energy charging station, represents the next chapter in green mobility infrastructure, seamlessly blending cutting-edge practices from the energy, ecology, and engineering sectors.
Engineering Excellence: the power of Value Engineering
We, as the engineering minds behind this project, took on the challenge with dedication and passion. Contracted by Better Energy, we were tasked with the comprehensive engineering of the structure. Our commitment went beyond designing and producing detailed structural analysis and production drawings; we aimed to create a holistic value through our work.
In the last 17 years Value engineering has been an integral part of our daily work. It wasn’t just about trimming down the size of elements and materials; it was about a meticulous process of minimizing waste, streamlining assembly time, optimizing working hours, and ultimately reducing costs. This thoughtful approach ensured that every aspect of the project was perfected, maximizing efficiency and sustainability. We paid close attention to the detailing, ensuring that every element met the highest standards of quality. A prime example of this is the steel connections. Each one is carefully concealed, leaving none visible, to maintain the structure’s seamless beauty and aesthetic integrity.
Our Scope of Work
Here, you’ll find the engineering foundation behind this charging station for Better Energy. From FEM analysis to the 3D Digital Model, you can take a journey through the technical efforts driving our designs.
Mass Timber: The Sustainable Choice
What makes this charging station truly impressive is its construction entirely from Mass Timber, one of the most sustainable building materials available. This decision wasn’t just about aesthetics or function; it was a statement. A statement of the commitment to embracing greener mobility and rethinking our approach to transportation infrastructure.
Look at the 3D Digital Model we made
We shared this Digital Model via Speckle
Crafting the Perfect Design
This project is a perfect example of how collaboration and a shared vision led to success. From the very beginning, we worked closely with the talented Dutch architects at Effekt.
Kasper Ax, the Project Lead at Effekt, has made collaboration and communication effortless. His flexible mindset and creativity, combined with our innovative problem-solving skills, have allowed us to successfully complete this structure. This demonstrates that strong cooperation and open dialogue are the keys to any project’s success!
This synergy between engineering and design played a crucial role in choosing timber as the exclusive material for the station. The decision was driven by a shared commitment to sustainability and a desire to maintain the project’s visionary essence.
Timber emerged as the perfect choice, not only meeting our design goals but also reflecting the values of both companies. The attention to the detailing in this project is evident in every aspect, from the grain direction of the wood, that we meticulously studied and analyzed to create visually stunning arches, to the optimization of the nesting process. Every curve and line of the structure is proof of thoughtful design and careful planning. The CLT and GLT grain directions and unique textures are carefully placed to ensure they match when touching. This way we made sure that each piece of timber meets structural requirements and enhances the overall aesthetic.
A Symbol of Innovation and Sustainability
In the end, this project isn’t just a charging station; it’s a symbol of what we can achieve when we prioritize sustainability and innovation. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and the beauty of timber, and it stands as a shining example of our commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.
Despite the success of this project, it didn’t come without its challenges. Bureaucracy can often be the biggest obstacle, and it is slowing down the building of the next Better Energy charging station. However, we’re already developing the next version of this remarkable structure. Our focus is on reducing material usage, making assembly even simpler, and ensuring the modular design is easy to transport and construct, even in harsh weather conditions.
While we can’t share more details at the moment, stay tuned for updates on our progress!
