SOMBRA – An Ode to the Sun – The Making of SOMBRA

SOMBRA – An Ode to the Sun – The Making of SOMBRA – Presentation by Metadecor, MVRDV, Alumet, Van Rossum Raadgevend Ingenieurs and Kersten Europe – Its form inspired by the path of the sun around the earth, SOMBRA is carefully designed, engineered, constructed and its surface treated with state of the art engineering and technology, addressing many topics of sustainable architecture.

Speaker 1: Wilco Pelgröm – Metadecor

After gaining a BSc in Civil Engineering and a MSc in Construction Technology, Wilco started working at Ballast Nedam to learn the construction industry. He worked on various large utility construction projects, in which he saw all facets from shell construction to the last finishing details. At a certain point, Wilco felt the desire to specialize more in a specific area, where Metadecor came along quite coincidentally. The principle of specializing in combination with unique projects appealed.

Since starting in 2015 at Metadecor, Wilco was able to build an extensive knowledge of all the ins and outs of projects in the façade industry, which led to his appointment as CEO in 2020. Metadecor is growing company, focused on unique and challenging (and therefore controversial) façades all over the world. As the CEO, Wilco has shown the ability to form strong teams within the company and in collaborations with renowned international partners, to further the growth and development of not only the people and the company, but the knowledge about sustainable, innovative façades as well.

Speaker 2: Gijs Rikken – MVRDV

Associate Design Director and Architect, Gijs Rikken (NL), joined MVRDV in 2007 after completing his Master of Architecture at the Eindhoven University of Technology. As Design Director for Studio 8, he drives design direction for the development and execution of a wide variety of projects in the Netherlands and abroad, ranging from large-scale, complex buildings to detailed innovative materials research. Rikken’s core strengths lie in the translation of the brief into a design underpinned by intrinsic MVRDV values. His technical background influences his fascination for materials and (innovative) materials research, which he applies to support the office’s theoretical ambitions.

Rikken is currently responsible for the development and construction of Valley, a 75,000m2 mixed- use building in Amsterdam, which boasts three residential, green-covered towers and a publicly accessible, vertical park. Other key projects include the Glass Farm in Schijndel, The Crystal Houses in Amsterdam, and the Balancing Barn in Suffolk, England. Definitive works consist of the winning design for the Urban Hybrid in Emmen, the Coral Tower in Sydney, and the Theater aan de Parade in Den Bosch.

Speaker 3: Jaap Heemskerk – Metadecor

Jaap is a BSc in Mechanical Engineering and a technical draftsman at Metadecor, where he details facade designs to the last bolt and panel corner. Apart from the ‘usual’ façade systems Metadecor, Jaap has been working on innovative combinations of solar and greenwall design and the development of responsive faade systems. With his background in mechanical engineering, he focuses on the technical efficiency while co-creating stunning architectural designs.

Speaker 4: Bram Top – Kersten Group

Bram started as a field sales representative at Kersten in 2013 after finishing his bachelor education in Industrial Management. With the combination of both technical and commercial topics in his bachelor, Bram started with a steady base to embark on a career in the construction industry. In his first years at Kersten, Bram collaborated with existing customers and found new clientele for a wide spread of products and projects.

Recently, Bram has been specializing in bent and machined products for architectural applications in steel and aluminium. With the  experience of more than a decade at Kersten, Bram is your go-to-guy when it comes to architectural projects with bent shapes.

Speaker 5: Remco Baartmans – Alumet

Remco Baartmans is the director and owner of Alumet, a family-owned company based in Etten-Leur, the Netherlands. Since taking over the company, he has transformed Alumet into an innovative market leader in the anodizing industry. His vision focuses on sustainable product development and creating unique finishes that inspire architects worldwide.

Founded in 1967 by Remco’s grandfather, Alumet originally started with the production of aluminum hair combs. Under Remco’s leadership, the company has evolved into a specialist in anodized aluminum for architectural cladding and design projects. With a broad range of colors and finishes, Alumet has distinguished itself in the international market, contributing to prestigious projects such as the Philharmonie in Paris and the Oman Across Ages Museum.

In 2019, Remco invested €12 million in a fully automated anodizing line to meet growing demand and ensure the highest quality standards. His commitment to innovation led to another milestone in 2024: a €1 million investment in the production of Double Anodized panels under the Panelox brand. This strategic move expands the possibilities of anodizing, providing architects and designers with even more creative freedom.

Beyond aesthetic advancements, Remco also focuses on functional anodizing technologies. One key example is AluGuard, a next-generation anodized coating that offers enhanced protection and durability. AluGuard combines the aesthetic benefits of anodizing with exceptional resistance to wear, corrosion, and chemical exposure. This makes it ideal for extreme environments and a major focus for Alumet’s future developments.

Remco’s expertise extends beyond Alumet itself. For over ten years, he has been an active member of Qualanod, serving on both the Technical Committee and the Executive Committee. In this role, he contributes to setting global quality standards for anodized aluminum in architecture. His involvement in Qualanod underscores not only his deep knowledge of the anodizing process but also his commitment to innovation and ensuring the highest industry standards.

Sustainability remains a core value for Remco. He actively promotes environmentally friendly production processes and aims for a minimal ecological footprint within Alumet. Under his leadership, the company continues to evolve, maintaining a strong focus on innovation, quality, and the future of anodizing in architecture.

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