Ballast Nedam Develops Modular Stadium Concept

NIEUWEGEIN, The Netherlands, June 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Plug & Play Core for Qatar 2022 presented at PROVADA

Ballast Nedam presented a modular concept for stadiums at PROVADA 2013, the annual three-day real estate meeting point in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The idea behind the innovative Plug & Play Core concept is for the new generation of stadiums to adapt to changing needs, and to be reusable at a different location, possibly with a different modular configuration.

The Plug & Play Core is a completely new approach to sports stadium design. This modular stadium concept was developed for ease of dismantling, transport and reuse of the stadium core, in a wide variety of designs. The elements that make up the three types of Plug & Play Core module have been optimized for transport. A module comprises a steel main supporting structure with a floor and stand elements. A stadium of any design can be created with these modules.

The architectural shell of the stadium core allows ample design freedom, so a stadium can be given a distinctive appearance.

Plug & Play Core is fully compatible with UEFA and FIFA requirements for stadiums. Plug & Play Core's generous view of the pitch even exceeds these requirements. The optimum stand design gives each seat a C value as high as 120, where the minimum prescribed by FIFA is 90. Plug & Play Core can be used for everything from complete stadiums to small stands, which are able to adapt flexibly to the ambitions of the club.

Qatar 2022

Qatar will have no further need for all those large sports stadiums once the 2022 FIFA World Cup comes to an end. The essence of Plug & Play Core is that the stadium complies with the requirements for permanent use, but with a core that is fully reusable and transportable. A Plug & Play Core stadium can be used elsewhere in the world when the World Cup is over, possibly with a different modular configuration.

Life cycle thinking and acting

The modular concept is about controlling the entire life cycle of the stadium core, with particular attention to production, logistics, safety and sustainability. Production and distribution facilities have been designed for efficient delivery of elements to stadium sites. Lessons learned from life-cycle analyses ensure that Plug & Play Core construction is CO₂ neutral.

Plug & Play Core also changes the financing options for a stadium. There is no more need for investment in a permanent site, but instead in a reusable product with a clear residual value.

Ballast Nedam has an excellent track record in the development of multifunctional stadiums.

Ballast Nedam developed three stadiums for the 2004 UEFA European Football Championship in Portugal, including the UEFA Elite stadiums in Lisbon and Porto for 52,000 spectators. The knowledge and experience gained in developing and building stadiums of all sizes has been brought together in Plug & Play Core, a completely new approach to sports stadium design.

Modular products

Ballast Nedam is industrializing the building process to raise the standard of flexibility in anticipation of market changes. Our modular products are an appropriate response to clients' life-cycle management approach, and to end-customers' and the community's changing needs and requirements. This new approach to building delivers a higher constant quality while also attending to relevant sustainability aspects.

Alongside Plug & Play Core, Ballast Nedam's other modular concepts for both the new building and renovation markets for residential and nonresidential construction include the iQwoning®, Ursem Modular Building Systems and ModuPark®, the modular car parking product.

Ballast Nedam engages in integrated projects in The Netherlands in four areas of work: housing, mobility, energy and nature. Within this area we focus on the niche markets: industrial construction, offshore wind turbines, secondary raw materials and alternative fuels. In a number of areas of expertise, we also operate internationally. The Ballast Nedam share is included in the Amsterdam Small Cap Index (AScX) of NYSE Euronext.

Ballast Nedam's approach is based on life cycle thinking and acting: we develop, construct, manage and recycle. We are involved in long-term management, maintenance and operation of projects and organize financial feasibility. Our supply and specialized companies deliver competitive edge through innovation, cost leadership and purchasing strength. Ballast Nedam's range of services is shifting towards modular products and specific product-market combinations with greater added value.

Ballast Nedam creates enduring quality combined with lower life cycle costs for its customers and society. http://www.ballast-nedam.com