Optim Project Management Celebrates the Grand Opening of Hornbach Colentina – the 4th Successful Project Together

Today marks an exciting milestone as Hornbach officially opens its brand-new store in Colentina and Optim Project Management is proud to have been behind the scenes, making sure everything came together smoothly.

From the very start of the journey, Optim Project Management’s team has been there. Before Hornbach even bought the land, we carried out technical due diligence to make sure the investment was solid. Then we handled the general design – covering architecture, structure, MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) and road access – as well as permitting, project management, cost management and site inspections. In short: we guided the project from concept to delivery.

A long-term partnership with Hornbach

Hornbach Colentina is not our first collaboration with Hornbach. It’s the fourth store we’ve delivered together in Romania. Previously, we worked on stores in Oradea, Cluj-Napoca and Constanta. For three of these, Optim Project Management provided full services (general design, permitting and construction management). For one, we focused on managing the design and construction phases.

And our partnership continues to grow: right now, we’re getting ready to deliver a new Hornbach store in Timisoara, where we are again the general designer and also managing the permitting process.

Why Hornbach Colentina stands out

This new store is more than just a retail space. It is built with people and the planet in mind. Some highlights:

• Over 18,000 sqm of sales area packed with products and solutions for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike
• A 4,900 sqm Drive-In zone, perfect for picking up bulkier items with ease
• A 4,700 sqm Garden section, offering everything from plants to landscaping essentials
• Specialised spaces for Pet shop & Aquatics and Interior Design
• 515 parking spaces, including areas fitted with EV charging stations
• More than 14,700 sqm of green space carefully integrated into the site, including planted trees and landscaped areas around the car park

Built for a sustainable future

Hornbach Colentina is designed to meet the needs of today while protecting tomorrow. The store features:

• Photovoltaic panels generating renewable energy
• LED lighting throughout, ensuring lower energy consumption and a longer lifespan
• High-performance thermal insulation for the façade, roof and flooring
• High energy efficiency of the building at nZEB standards
• High energy efficiency for MEP installations
• Heat pumps that significantly reduce overall energy use
• Sustainable building materials chosen for low environmental impact
• Efficient waste management during construction to minimise landfill use

The result is a store that blends function with responsibility, making it easier for customers to shop while reducing environmental impact.

Paul Calin, Project Manager at Optim Project Management, shared:

“Managing the construction of Hornbach Colentina was both a challenge and a privilege. We had to coordinate multiple teams, keep everything on schedule and make sure the high sustainability standards were met. Walking through the finished store today and seeing customers already enjoying the space makes all the effort worthwhile. It is a reminder that every detail counts when you are building something that will serve the community for years to come.”

Impact on the community

Beyond its design, Hornbach Colentina is about community. With this opening, 120 new jobs have been created, offering local opportunities in a modern, forward-looking workplace.

This project also represents part of Hornbach’s wider story in Romania. With Colentina, Hornbach has now invested over €300 million in the country, opening 10 stores over 18 years, a clear sign of confidence in the local market and in the Romanian community of builders, creators and dreamers.

Optim Project Management’s perspective

"Our collaboration with Hornbach goes beyond building stores. It is about shaping spaces that inspire creativity and support communities. Colentina is a great example of how retail can be functional, sustainable and welcoming at the same time. Each new project we deliver together strengthens our partnership and our shared commitment to smarter, greener development in Romania. We are proud to have been Hornbach’s partner again and we’re already looking forward to delivering the next chapter in Timisoara," said David Evans, CEO of Optim Project Management.

Mihai Comnodean, Design Lead at Optim Project Management, reflected:

"Working on Hornbach Colentina was all about making a store that’s easy to use, friendly for the community, and kind to the environment. Every part of the design, from the layout to the green spaces and energy-saving systems, was planned carefully. Seeing it open today and knowing our work makes a difference is really rewarding."