High-quality building materials
Since late 2019, Smals has been active in the north and east of the Netherlands from Echten in Drenthe. Production in Echten is managed by Zandexploitatiemaatschappij VOF Echten, a partnership between Smals and Roelofs.
Since 2009, the sand extraction lake in Echten has been developing into a valuable lake with a water surface of approximately 40 hectares. Although the project will take over 25 years to complete, local residents notice little of the activities. Thoughtful landscape integration and smart planning ensure the scenery remains harmonious.
Attention to the surroundings
Even before extraction started, much attention was given to research, permits, and landscape design. Together with Buro Hollema, a vision was developed for how the sand extraction site should look in 25 years. The final design emphasises nature development, with the lake banks gradually taking on a natural form during extraction.
The area also contributes significantly to water storage. In heavy rainfall, the sand extraction lake can retain large volumes of water, keeping other areas, such as homes or roads, dry.
Smart traffic management
Traffic safety and minimising disruption for local residents have also been key priorities. A dedicated bridge over the Hoogeveense Vaart was constructed for trucks to access the sand extraction site. This ensures that trucks do not pass through the village of Echten but have direct access to the A28 via Willem Moesweg.
The bridge also includes a safe, segregated cycle path, preventing conflict between cyclists and truck traffic. Once sand extraction is complete, the bridge will remain exclusively for cyclists, providing lasting functional and recreational value to the area.
