Work is progressing on BESTSELLER’s 155,000 square metre Logistics Center West in Lelystad on the Dutch Flevopolder, about 60 km east of Amsterdam, with crews working to build Europe’s largest timber building.
Designed by Henning Larsen, the centre features a 1.5 km façade that will use 23,600 cubic metres of mass timber and 40,900 square metres of straw wall panels, a deliberate attempt to integrate biogenic materials into industrial logistics while meeting operational performance requirements.
“Imagine one of Europe’s largest logistics centres built from timber and straw… sounds like a fairy tale, right? Well, it’s becoming a reality!” said Jakob Strømann‑Andersen, Director, Innovation and Sustainability at Henning Larsen who described the scheme as an experiment in low‑carbon building methods that delivers the durability and functionality required by large warehouse operations.
The team, which includes main contractor Bouwbedrijf L. van de Ven BV, as well as EcoCocon and Ramboll, who provided technical assistance, says straw wall panels are central to the approach. Henning Larsen, who has a comprehensive design guide for straw and reed, has addressed common concerns about the material. On fire risk, Strømann‑Andersen said: “Straw must be extremely flammable, right? No. Contrary to popular belief, straw resists fire remarkably well. When packed densely, it lacks the oxygen needed to sustain combustion and can withstand over two hours of 1050°C flames, as demonstrated by EcoCocon’s fire tests. Additionally, straw contains high levels of silica, a natural fire retardant.”
“Is moisture or mould a problem? Not if designed correctly,” he said. “The Nordic regions have a long tradition of using straw and reeds, particularly for roofing. Experience has shown that when proper natural ventilation is in place, moisture and mould issues are mitigated.” Whilst on pests: “Is straw a potential nesting ground for insects and rodents? No more than brick or concrete structures… However, in termite‑active areas, standard preventive measures should be taken — just as they would for any other building material.”
Speaking about the project earlier this year, Allan Kyhe Kjærgaard, Logistics Director at BESTSELLER, said the vision is to build a logistics centre that reaches outstanding global standards for design, sustainability, and efficiency, as well as being a best-in-class workspace for 600 colleagues who will work there. “The scale and ambition of the project mean we need to work with the best partners to succeed,” he said. “From those responsible for design and automation technology, down to those installing the wiring and plumbing. Gathering to mark the groundbreaking together with the partners is important, as we want to celebrate the commencement of this important project together with everyone involved in bringing the project to life.”
