GTI Utiliteit Oost and GTI Utiliteit Zuid have recently completed the first phase of the development project of Radboud University Nijmegen. It concerns the first of two phases in which a total of 50,000 m² of lecture and laboratory halls and support spaces are being realised and 12,000 m² of underground parking space. The laboratories have meanwhile been put into use. GTI is responsible for the activities related to the mechanical and laboratory installations. The order involves an amount for GTI of approximately 16 million euros.

Ready for the future
The faculty of Science, Mathematics & Computing Science (SMCS) of Radboud University Nijmegen has so far been established in a building from the seventies. However, the building no longer meets the safety requirements for laboratories and the requirements related to modern education. Radboud University Nijmegen therefore recognised the necessity of a building that does meet the aforementioned as well as future requirements. After a European invitation for tenders, the mechanical part and the laboratory installation part of the order were granted to GTI. A unique factor with regard to granting the order concerns the fact that the tendering parties had to be able to demonstrate that their contribution would offer a substantial added value in the realisation of the project. The various contractors were therefore involved in the project at an early stage. This early involvement made it possible to add a number of practical and cost-cutting components to the design at the initial stage already.

Revolutionary concepts
The new SMCS building is characterised by its open nature, flexibility and the application of state of the art technologies. The applied technologies amongst other things make it possible to realise an Energy Performance Coefficient of no less than 0.82. In addition, the mass of the building is used for basic heating and cooling. Water guiding piping installed in the floors ensure that the concrete mass is activated thermally. This makes it possible to provide cooling in the event of extremely high temperatures and heating in the event of extremely low temperatures. The building is besides used in wintertime for the conveyance of low-grade residual heat (approximately 28°C) of experiments from the nearby-located Magnets laboratory. In addition, a heat and cold storage system has been installed in the foundation (aquifer) that enables the storage of heat and cold from the building in a well system that at a later stage can be used for heating or cooling. The building's ventilation system, in particular that of the laboratories, has a high degree of flexibility and innovation: whereas normally speaking a lot of energy is lost via the fume cupboards, the application of special coatings in the ventilation shafts and exhaust units now makes it possible to recover heat from the exhaust air. The fume cupboards in each section of the building are linked to common plenums that via various shafts are spread over the entire building. This makes it possible to alter laboratories in terms of layout, location or level with relatively few adjustments. The building?s flexibility is also demonstrated in the piping installation: annular conduits have for example been installed in each building section, which makes it easy to make modifications in laboratories later.

GTI focuses on technical services to building services, industrial firms and infrastructure projects in the Benelux. GTI develops integral solutions: from design to realisation, maintenance and management in all segments of the market.

GTI is part of FABRICOM, a leading European player in the field of electrical, mechanical and HVAC installations and the related maintenance. The Group's companies (AXIMA in Europe, ENDEL and INEO in France, FABRICOM GTI in Belgium and GTI in the Netherlands) provide optimal solutions for customers in the Industry, Building services, Infra and services sectors. The Fabricom Group employs 47,000 people. In 2003, FABRICOM realised a turnover of 5.6 billion euros. Although it operates primarily in the Benelux and France, it is also active in numerous other European countries. FABRICOM is a 100% subsidiary of SUEZ.

For further information please contact:
GTI nv
Leen Geschiere, Corporate marketing and communication
Kosterijland 50, 3981 AJ  Bunnik; P.O. Box 210, 3980 CE  Bunnik, Netherlands
telephone: +31 (0)30 656 94 00; mobile: +31 (0)6 20 24 61 53; fax: +31 (0)30 656 94 15;
e-mail: info@gti-group.com; internet: www.gti-group.com