University library University of Amsterdam

Over the past few years, the former Binnengasthuis in Amsterdam has been converted into the new University Library of the University of Amsterdam. Saan arranged the construction logistics for the contractor BINX Smartility, from material storage to transport and lifting activities. For two years, Saan’s Ashwin van Wel was the construction logistics executive for this project.

Delivering construction materials to the right place at the right time can be a challenge. Especially in a city like Amsterdam with heavy traffic, narrow streets and many rules. Saan Bouwlogistiek specializes in just-in-time logistics solutions. In our logistics hub in Diemen we have extensive storage facilities and an extensive fleet of mobile cranes and trucks.

Logistics hub

Various building materials for the new university library were stored at Saan and transported to the construction site. We did all the lifting work and assisted in the installation of air handling units at various locations in the buildings.
A special element of the library is the letter façade where the line of poetry “Read, it doesn’t say what it says” can be seen in twenty-four languages. The letter elements were taken into storage at Saan and transported just-in-time over a period of two weeks – in the right order! Using a truck-mounted crane and a tower crane, the elements were lifted to the correct height so that they could be assembled.
The last lifting job involved lifting breakage windows for the glass canopy between the buildings.

Water transportation

To minimize the inconvenience of construction to the surrounding area, one of the requirements of the BLVC plan (Accessibility, Livability, Safety, Communication) was that 95% of the transportation to and from the construction site would be by boat. Zoev City and PK Water Transport arranged this water transportation.

Design

The new library is a design by MVSA Architects and Architectenbureau J. van Stigt. The goal was to realize a future proof building in buildings that reflect the atmosphere of the city’s past and the University of Amsterdam. The modern library focuses on meeting and sharing knowledge.
The monumental buildings of the former Binnengasthuis hospital were completely renovated and connected by a spectacular glass canopy. This creates a light and spacious atrium.

A great job to be a part of!