The Hague, 6 May 2025 – Deerns is designing the expansion of the laboratory environment for Naktuinbouw in Roelofarendsveen, the Netherlands. Here, we are creatively tackling the challenges of network congestion!
Naktuinbouw assesses the identity, quality and health of cultivation material. They do this through research, inspections and testing. Naktuinbouw’s laboratories test cultivation material for the presence of harmful viruses, fungi, bacteria, nematodes or other organisms. Deerns is responsible for the design of the MEP installations, building physics, fire safety, transport technology and sustainability advice for this project. Together with Kuiper Compagnons, we are creating an efficient, future-oriented working environment.
‘”This is a complex project in which have to take o a broad range of issues into account. These range from existing installations, doing more with the same energy quota all the way through to maintaining the primary process . It is precisely this complexity that makes it a challenging and valuable project.’ – Jeroen Rijs, Project Manager at Deerns
Grid congestion calls for smart solutions
One of the largest challenges in this project is the limited energy grid capacity with the grid operator TenneT estimating that additional grid capacity will only come online in 2032. Deerns is therefore providing customised solutions that reduce energy consumption without disrupting the production process. These include:
- Utilising the existing combined heat and power (CHP) system to generate electricity locally
- Deploying temporary emergency facilities to bridge the period until the grid is expanded
- Energy-saving measures such as reducing heating and cooling temperatures
- Replacing motors and conventional lighting to minimise peak consumption
- Investigating alternative energy generation, such as thermal energy storage (TES)
This will enable us expand the lab despite the current limitations of the energy grid.
Designing within the constraints
The expansion will take place on a constrained site, directly adjacent to the existing building. This requires an inventive approach: integration with existing installations that remain in operation, smart project management and careful use of space.
Financial feasibility is also being taken into account. From the outset, Deerns has been involved in devising targeted solutions that offer maximum return within the set parameters. By focusing closely on the relationship between ambition, technology and investment, we are helping to make smart choices without compromising on functionality or continuity.
Towards a future-proof laboratory environment
The project has only just started. In the coming weeks, the programme of requirements will be worked out, laying the foundation for the technical design. The ultimate goal: a future-proof laboratory environment that will be fully operational in 2026.
