NCC - Not 'good enough', but really good

At the National Climbing Center (NCC), our builders show that things can be done differently: not “good enough is good enough”, but building from vision, design and experience.

We spoke to Victor Meulendijks and Arlen Strengers from SET routesetting. Both responsible for the design and implementation of perhaps the most important facilities within the NCC, the climbing routes and walls!

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At the National Climbing Center (NCC), our builders show that things can be done differently: not “good enough is good enough”, but building from vision, design and experience.‍

“For me, a climbing gym has always been like a second home. I hope this will be a location that can also fulfill this function for many people” - Arlen Strengers

We spoke to Victor Meulendijks and Arlen Strengers from SET route setting. Both responsible for the design and implementation of perhaps the most important facilities within the NCC, the climbing routes and walls!

From kids to Olympic athletes: one location for all levels

The hall was designed to a wide range of climbers to serve, from kids and absolute beginners to para climbers and professional athletes preparing for the Olympics. The route that a visitor follows through the building has been deliberately designed so that you can develop your level and discipline at your own pace as a climber.

“In principle, you can come to us as a beginner and develop yourself into an Olympic athlete, all under the same roof with the same subscription.” - Victor Meulendijks

A good example is the bouldering facilities. For example, an intro boulder will be installed with around 40 to 50 accessible ones, beginner-friendly routes, which are perfect for getting acquainted with the sport. Next, we have the two large bouldering areas including a training room with kilterboards to be able to continue training.

Olympic ambitions or global level? Then we have the simulation wall. It is being built for TeamNL so that we can set boulders here for the highest level.

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Creative freedom

To make this possible, a lot of attention is paid to the balance between functional use of space and aesthetic design. The walls were deliberately designed with large, open surfaces and minimal fixed angles, so that route builders have maximum creative freedom, says Arlen Strengers.

“It's not that you'll never climb a corner, but we just want to make sure it's not the same corner all the time.” - Arlen Strengers

This creative freedom can be given by using unique wooden modules in specific colors. To do this, we engaged the Canadian brand FitVolumes to produce the modules for the NCC. These specific modules ensure that the routes stand out visually, but are also technically challenging, without sacrificing design.

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NCC and Innovation

All climbers can also get creative themselves. An interactive climbing wall will also be installed in the lead hall. Using the interactive climbing wall produced by Clift Climbing, climbers can 'build' their own routes using climbing grips with LED integration. Of course, this concept is already found in a large number of bouldering halls, but the NCC will be the first place in the Netherlands where it will be applied to the large wall.

In combination with an autobelay, it will be possible to train independently here on a self-made, or pre-set, route.

There is also attention for innovation outside the wall. Opportunities are currently still being explored for offering dry tooling, and outdoor climbing courses to complete the picture.

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Stay up to date

In this way, the NCC is setting a new standard in the Netherlands, and we are happy to share that. Every month, we release a newsletter where we delve deeper into one particular theme and take you into the latest construction progress. Be the first to receive the latest news about NCC? You can register via the button below!

Burning question or curious about a specific topic? DM us on our Instagram @mountainnetworknieuwegein, maybe we'll include him in the next newsletter!

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