“Pontsteiger” Screens in Amsterdam Move with SELVE Drives

Conceived and realized by the architectural firm Arons en Gelauff as a 26-story residential high-rise in the former timber harbor of Amsterdam, this project offers new perspectives on the city. The large-scale form of the Pontsteiger extends its visual impact far beyond the old town, providing exceptional views—not only for the residents of its horizontally spanning building section. The prominent structure accommodates over 300 apartments, making it a new landmark for the harbor city.

Impressive Structure

Beneath the seven-meter-elevated base of the building are pavilions for dining and other amenities. Above, the partially folded, open rectangular building—known as a block perimeter—features a concrete facade with varying hues.

This large-scale project comprises a six-story base measuring 85 by 85 meters, with two towers rising 11 stories each, connected by a nearly 50-meter-long structure containing eight additional floors. “This especially beautiful building in a prime location was realized by a large project team with various trades and suppliers involved,” says Geert Kersten, Operational Manager at Schellekens & Schellekens. The project received international recognition with the prestigious BIM Award, honoring the world’s most impressive construction projects.

Sun Protection Expertise

For Schellekens & Schellekens, headquartered in Beuningen, the innovative Pontsteiger is a standout reference project. With extensive experience and knowledge in planning sun protection systems, the company has established itself as a leading provider in the Dutch market. Since 2001, as part of the Hunter Douglas Group, Schellekens & Schellekens has been producing high-quality, customized sun protection solutions, offering a comprehensive range of services from installation to maintenance.

The company’s approximately 90 employees adhere to “high-quality standards” in all areas, according to Kersten. This commitment has made Schellekens & Schellekens a trusted partner of SELVE for many years. Numerous professional sun protection systems in hospitals, retirement homes, and apartment complexes are powered by drive technology from Lüdenscheid. For the Pontsteiger project, SELVE once again proved to be the “perfect partner,” says Kersten. He praises SELVE for delivering “exceptionally good products at the right time” and for its organizational strengths, characterized by short decision-making and fast delivery paths.

SE Plus Drives the Screens

Powerful SELVE technology is now motorizing Schellekens & Schellekens’ custom textile screens at the Pontsteiger. A total of 826 SE Plus drives ensure the convenient operation of the sun protection systems. This motor type is a versatile solution for various types of coverings, including shutters, awnings, roller blinds, and screens. All the benefits of SELVE’s standard drives with electronic limit switches are incorporated into the SE Plus, designed for easy installation.

The universal motor has been a long-standing choice for Schellekens & Schellekens and was the “perfect solution” for the Amsterdam project, according to Kersten. Its features meet the specific requirements of reliably raising and lowering screens, including those with heavy bottom rails.

About Selve

SELVE is a global market leader in the field of roller shutter belt winders and a sought-after specialist for drives and controls in the areas of roller shutters and textile sun protection. Based in Lüdenscheid, Sauerland, SELVE represents a high level of expertise in the development and production of roller shutter components as well as innovative drives and controls for sun protection as a medium-sized family-owned company. Founded over 150 years ago in 1866 at its current location, SELVE remains under the ownership of the founding family to this day.