Stedin: Houten switching station and transformer cells

About the Project

To meet the growing energy demands of residential, industrial, and agricultural users, Stedin asked us to support the realisation of a switching station on a greenfield site near Houten. The 50/21 kV switching station and its transformer cells also include space for connecting multiple solar panel arrays.
Specific challenges included the subsoil conditions, a nearby rubble crusher, and limited site accessibility.

Vicoma’s Role

What initially seemed like a straightforward task soon proved significantly more complex due to site-specific constraints. Because of dust and vibrations caused by the nearby rubble crusher, the station had to be relocated entirely during the design phase. While the weak-bearing soil posed no problems for the building itself, it did present challenges for the installation of primary systems and the transport of heavy equipment.

Although no detailed design was available for the primary installation and cable routes, our extensive experience with switching stations enabled us to develop a well-structured and practical design. Collaborating with a team of internal and external specialists, we created a pragmatic building layout providing sufficient space for the primary systems, their controls, and all associated installations.

Result

Nothing is as it seems. A seemingly simple request turned into a complex assignment. Together, we developed a design that addressed all key constraints. The choice of brickwork reflects the surrounding rural landscape, while the façade’s linear design was inspired by the flow of traffic and the current of electricity running through the station itself. The result: a robust, low-maintenance building that radiates calm through its simplicity.