Cordeel building on Quooker’s vision for the future in Rotterdam region
By constructing the new facility in Ridderkerk, Quooker made a conscious decision to stay true to its roots, not least because the company’s strong ties with its local workforce play an important role in this family-run business. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Quooker’s staff, the entire construction team and all partners. A tree was planted by six of the company’s employees, and brothers Niels and Walter Peteri, two of Quooker’s owners, sunk the first pile. The pile is part of the 3,162 precast and 503 vibro piles that will support the high-ceiling warehouse. The project design emphasises net-zero, climate-adaptive and nature-inclusive construction, with sustainability as the guiding principle.
Quooker commissioned Cordeel Nederland, part of Cordeel Group (a 100% family business founded in 1934), as the main contractor for the execution and supervision of the design. Project partners include Swisslog (warehouse automation) and the design team comprising Group A (architecture), studio INA MATT (spatial design), De Urbanisten (landscape architecture), WSP (structural engineering), A. de Jong Group (building systems) and various other specialists and consultants.
Working closely together, the Quooker and Cordeel family firms have developed a vision for the future centred on a compact facility (three levels) with a distinctive silhouette and an inviting entrance. The interior design is based on a dynamic work environment with welcoming green spaces, a theme that will guide future construction phases. A central atrium with plants and trees will create a pleasant atmosphere and encourage interaction between the various departments. The building will also feature a large, attractive roof garden for employees.
In 1970, Quooker created the world’s first boiling water tap in Rotterdam. Production has taken place in Ridderkerk since 1990, and the company has experienced rapid growth thanks to its outstanding success both domestically and internationally. Quooker currently rents a distribution centre on Rotterdam's Heijplaat to store stock.
With the construction of its new facility on a site spanning more than nine hectares at Nieuw Reijerwaard business park, Quooker will soon have plenty of space to best support future growth in one location. Initially, only 25% of the plot will be built on, allowing for gradual expansion. Housing R&D, customer service, sales and production under one roof will create an ideal environment for innovation and quality and an appealing workplace where employees feel connected.
In line with the design’s commitment to sustainability, the new warehouse will incorporate a hempcrete plinth and plenty of greenery in, on and around the building. This will not only promote biodiversity but also contribute to the well-being of Quooker's hundreds of employees.
