Windbreaks at Tata Steel

Collaboration and execution

Rijnstaal worked closely with Holland Scherm, which took on the full contract for Tata Steel’s windbreakers. Later, we also collaborated with the Hartenkamp Group and Spatzuiver.

The windbreaker itself consists of panels made up of six large cassettes each, with space left between the panels to accommodate temperature fluctuations. Standing at a height of 18 meters—divided into two sections of 9 meters each—and stretching over a total length of one kilometer, this screen is an impressive sight along the coastline.

The project required an efficient approach due to the size of the structure. Instead of the original 24 individual panels per section, we converted the design into six cassettes per section. This reduced the number of fastening points required, significantly saving time during assembly. In total, we installed 194 frames, with the first frame placed on March 26, 2024.

Innovative production and logistics

For this project, we rented a production facility in Uitgeest, where the folded steel plates were converted into cassettes. This approach ensured faster on-site assembly. In addition to steel production, logistics played a critical role in the project’s success. All components had to be galvanized, powder-coated, and transported to IJmuiden on time for assembly. While the fabrication process itself was relatively straightforward, meticulous logistical planning was essential to ensure the project progressed smoothly.

Another remarkable aspect of this project was the involvement of the Hartenkamp Group. Approximately ten individuals with barriers to employment participated in assembling the cassettes. Their tasks included riveting, drilling holes, and removing protective film from the panels, which was subsequently returned to the supplier for recycling. This collaboration not only contributed to the project’s success but also made a meaningful social impact.

A visual spectacle

The windbreakers for Tata Steel are visually striking, featuring an artwork on 10% of the screen. In Uitgeest, we built a dedicated spray booth where Spatzuiver applied a painting to the panels, visible from the seaside. This resulted in a screen with a unique aesthetic. The remaining 90% of the panels were painted in various colors, creating a stunning pixelated landscape visible from both sides of the screen.

Each panel was numbered before being transported to the site for installation. This ensured that all panels were mounted in the correct sequence, making assembly more efficient and bringing the pixel landscape to life as intended.

A windbreaker for the future

By collaborating with various partners, efficiently managing materials, and focusing on both technical and aesthetic details, we have delivered a project that is both functional and visually captivating.