On Texel Island in the Netherlands, the beloved beach pavilion known as ‘Paal 17 Aan Zee’ has been successfully shifted 23 metres closer to the sea. This relocation was undertaken to support the preservation of local sand dunes, vital for safeguarding the coastline from erosion and the impacts of rising sea levels.
Local authorities recommended the move to allow the dunes room to expand and reinforce. The heavy lifting company Mammoet managed the operation on behalf of JLD Contracting BV. Remarkably, despite the scale and complexity of the task, the entire pavilion was relocated in just ten minutes following only a few weeks of preparation. The unique process was live-streamed on YouTube, offering the public a chance to witness this extraordinary event.
Given that the pavilion is constructed from timber, special precautions were taken to prevent any damage. Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs) were utilised to transport the building in one piece, ensuring it remained intact without bending or deforming. This marked the first time such a relocation had been carried out in the Netherlands.
Prior to the move, JLD Contracting BV installed new, longer pilings designed to withstand future beach erosion. Additionally, robust steel beams were placed beneath the pavilion to provide extra support. After disconnecting all utilities, including gas, water, and electricity, Mammoet carefully lifted and transported the pavilion to its new location.