Professional, Distinctive, and Timeless Design for Technische Unie with SAB W TL Panels

Article ArchiComm 2-2024 written by Lieke Bousema

Technische Unie, a Sonepar Company, is the largest technical wholesaler in the Netherlands. The company supplies over 2 million electrical engineering products from more than 700 suppliers. The green trucks and vans have been a striking sight on Dutch roads for years. Moreover, the green color is the eye-catcher of an increasing number of branches spread across the country. In collaboration with Technische Unie, Buro Duck has developed a recognizable and future-proof architectural style for both new and existing wholesale locations. Green Trespa Meteon panels, a concrete plinth, and dark gray PIR sandwich panels SAB W 135.1000 TL ensure a professional and distinctive appearance and the perfect balance.

^{Technische Unie – Arnhem (photo by Buro Duck)}

With seven new construction projects and two renovations, Buro Duck can now call itself the house architect of Technische Unie. The collaboration between the technical wholesaler and the architecture and construction bureau began a few years ago, when Buro Duck was invited to design a transformation for an existing and vacant building in Zwolle. “In 2017, plans arose for a new building in The Hague, for which Technische Unie wanted to develop an architectural and widely applicable house style,” says Hendrik Lensink, Architect at Buro Duck. “The wholesaler intended to build several new branches in our country, but also to renovate its existing buildings, with a uniform house style as the starting point. Thanks to this house style, all branches are clearly recognizable as part of the Technische Unie family.” Projects have now been completed in places like Den Hoorn, Arnhem, Borne, and Alkmaar. Recently, construction has also started on a new branch in Leeuwarden..

^{Technische Unie – Hengelo/Borne (photo by Buro Duck)}

Strategic ‘Bite’

The branches of Technische Unie usually consist of a service center, office facility, and distribution hall for regional supply, Lensink knows. “Often, these are large buildings, so materials and colors need to be well-balanced.” And they have succeeded. “The most striking aspect of Technische Unie’s architectural style is the entrance section for the service center and office. A ‘bite’ is strategically taken from the building, either at a corner or in the middle. The gap created is architecturally filled with large glass facades featuring an elegant renovation profile and Trespa Meteon panels in the distinctive Technische Unie green.” The rest of the building is deliberately kept very neutral, he explains, with a concrete plinth and PIR sandwich panels SAB W 135.1000 TL in a dark, calm gray tone. “This makes the accents stand out much better and ensures a timeless design. Moreover, the design fits seamlessly into the visual quality plans of Dutch municipalities. We haven’t had to make any adjustments so far.”