UltraPly TPO chosen to waterproof gigantic distribution center near Ghent
In June 2018, logistics company Mainfreight was the first to move into the new Tech Lane business park in Zwijnaarde, near Ghent (Belgium). Previously, their Belgian distribution center was located in Ostend, which was less convenient. By moving from Ostend to Ghent, Mainfreight was looking to save 1.5 million kilometers driven each year.
The result is a gigantic building in a prime geographical location along the E40, one of the most important highways in Belgium. The new Mainfreight logistics complex consists of two parts: a 8,300 m² logistics warehouse with 65 loading docks and an office building of about 1,000 m².
| Project ID | |
|---|---|
| Location | Zwijnaarde, Belgium |
| Application | Green and PV roof |
| Project type | New Build |
| Building type | Industrial building |
| Surface | 9,400 m² |
| Products | Elevate UltraPly TPO 1.5 mm |
| System | Fully adhered + mechanically attached |
The roof system of the warehouse section consists of a PE vapor barrier placed on top of the corrugated steel deck, followed by PIR insulation panels and Elevate’s UltraPly TPO roofing membrane. A bituminous vapor barrier was used over the office building. The roofing membrane was installed according to two different systems: mechanically attached over the warehouse section and fully adhered over the office section. Master Contractor MUTEC took care of the installation.
Today, the white UltraPly TPO membrane used on the Mainfreight building is largely invisible. An extensive green roof has been installed over the office section and solar panels have been placed on top of the warehouse. In this way, energy is obtained from the sun and at the same time overheating is avoided due to the reflection of the UV rays.
UltraPly TPO is particularly suitable for both green and solar roofs. It is also ideal for roof details, such as around the many skylights present in the building and the supporting structure of the solar panels.
The solar panels and the green roof are not the only sustainable elements of Mainfreight’s new distribution center. The building is also equipped with LED lighting that dims automatically when there is enough daylight. There are also charging stations for e-bikes and electric cars and the forklifts that drive around in the warehouse are all electric. In combination with a number of other initiatives, this resulted in the building being awarded the BREEAM sustainability certificate.
