Sustainable Pumping Station Gemaal Leenders in Wanneperveen

The new Gemaal Leenders pumping station in Wanneperveen is a showcase of sustainable infrastructure and innovative design. It was built in 2022 to replace an older pump that lacked capacity, ensuring the region can handle future extreme weather – from heavy downpours to prolonged droughts. This modern pump station not only protects the surrounding area from flooding with a capacity of 165,000 liters per minute, but it also does so with an eye towards environmental sustainability and regional heritage.

A Landmark Design for Future Resilience

Unlike traditional pump stations that fade into the landscape, Gemaal Leenders was conceived as a visible landmark that celebrates its function. Designed by a local Meppel architect, the station’s industrial purpose is reflected in its architecture. Semi-transparent facades with round openings, brickwork ribs, twin chimneys, and a zinc roof give it a character that fits the area’s history while standing out as a contemporary monument.

After sunset, colored LED lights illuminate the building from within. These lights aren’t just for show – they indicate the pump status: the entire facade glows red when all three pumps are running at full capacity, green when only one pump is active, and shifts through yellow or orange for intermediate flow rates.
Watch the RTV Drenthe feature on this “light‑emitting” station: Lichtgevend gemaal bij Meppel (in Dutch)

This unique “light-emitting” pump station has become an informative beacon in the night, visually communicating its operation to locals and visitors.

Equally important, the design accounts for local ecology. The station’s three massive pumps are equipped with fish-friendly impellers so that fish can pass safely through the system. An existing discharge pipeline was repurposed as a separate fish passage, allowing fish to swim around the station unhindered – a feature that greatly benefits fish migration and local populations. Even birds find a home here: nest boxes have been installed in the partially open sections of the facade, inviting swallows and other birds to roost and contributing to biodiversity. In short, Gemaal Leenders is future-proof – protecting the community (“dry feet” for Meppel and environs) while fostering a healthier ecosystem.

Innovative Sustainable Materials

Sustainability was a driving force in this project’s construction. The water authority (Waterschap Drents Overijsselse Delta) insisted on a robust building with a very long lifespan built with materials that minimize environmental impact. One major step was the use of cementless concrete, also known as geopolymer concrete, in the structure. By opting for cement-free concrete and prefabricated components, the project significantly reduced CO₂ emissions associated with construction and shortened the build time. Every element, from the foundation to the facade, was chosen to lower the carbon footprint without sacrificing strength.

AllShield Blue Façade Panels – Sustainable & Strong

A highlight of the sustainable approach is found in the facade panels. Rather than using conventional polyester-based composites, the project team utilized special prefab panels reinforced with glass fiber and AllShield Blue coating. AllShield Blue is an innovative mineral-based binder that serves as a full-fledged alternative to polyester but with a much lower environmental impact. The facade sections were manufactured by our partner Exclusieve Schoorstenen in Ede, using AllShield Blue to create durable glass-fiber-reinforced panels. These panels boast exceptional strength at a low weight, which not only made construction easier but also contributes to a significant reduction in the building’s overall CO₂ footprint. In other words, AllShield’s technology enabled a facade that is both lightweight and extremely durable, without the heavy environmental cost of traditional materials.

By integrating AllShield Blue into the prefab cladding, Gemaal Leenders gained a façade that is high-performance and eco-friendly. The AllShield Blue composite is free of harmful organic solvents and petrochemical resins, aligning perfectly with the project's sustainable ethos. Additionally, because AllShield’s coatings are mineral and non-combustible in nature, the panels add inherent fire safety to the building – a valuable bonus for infrastructure like pump stations. The result is a cutting-edge exterior that protects the structure from weather and wear, while meeting strict sustainability criteria set by the water authority.

Outcome: A Future-Ready, Sustainable Pump Station

Completed and commissioned in late 2022, Gemaal Leenders now stands as a future-ready pumping station that merges technology, sustainability, and design. It has been praised as a “beautiful and unique project” by its architects and recognized for enhancing climate resilience and liveability in the region. The station ensures better water level management for northwest Meppel and surrounding polders, keeping homes and farms safe from flooding even as climate change brings more extreme rainfall. At the same time, it serves as a model for how critical infrastructure can contribute positively to the environment – from its fish-friendly operation to the low-carbon materials that went into its construction.

AllShield Coatings is proud to have contributed to Gemaal Leenders’ success. This project demonstrates how our AllShield Blue product can help public infrastructure meet ambitious sustainability goals without compromising on quality or performance. By choosing AllShield’s advanced coating technology for the facade, the project partners achieved a landmark building that will stand the test of time both functionally and environmentally.

Ready to make your next construction project more sustainable? Feel free to contact AllShield for more information about our innovative coatings and how they can improve your products and projects. We are eager to help you create durable, fire-safe, and eco-friendly solutions for buildings and infrastructure.

With AllShield Blue, we achieved a truly sustainable façade for Gemaal Leenders – significantly lowering environmental impact while ensuring long-term durability and preserving the station’s bold design.