Multi-functional glass facade

The glass facade of the Capricorn House in the Düsseldorf Medienhafen ranks as one of the most modern in Germany.

Through the integration of state-of-the-art technology, modern glass facades can assume diverse functions for the regulation of room climates or air-conditioning and considerably reduce the buildings’ energy requirements.

The planning and construction of innovative office and administrative buildings is today decisively determined by the requirement of maximum energy efficiency. In this connection the focus is on the development of architecturally attractive objects and facilities which combine minimum primary energy requirements with maximum user benefits and convenience. The application of high-function glass facades is of decisive significance in the implementation of the high requirements.
In the past however an unpleasant side-effect of large-dimension glazing was the frequent, excessive heat build-up in the buildings’ interiors. Despite the functional coating of the glass used, in objects and facilities without sufficient additional sun protection, in summer a great deal of energy has to be expended on cooling the interior. A further deficiency in many older building concepts with glass facades is the centrally controlled air-conditioning. It mostly prevents the user from individually regulating the room climate according to their needs and requirements.

Glass facades of the newest generation

A great deal more flexibility along with the highest degree of energy efficiency is provided by glass facades of the newest generation, in which transparent and opaque surfaces are combined and the technical equipment for the room air-conditioning and shade level is directly integrated in the facade elements. In addition to their weather-proof characteristics, these multi-functional facades also assume the functions of heating, cooling and ventilation. They guarantee good sound proofing and through the integration of light-directing and ventilation elements fitted with heat-recovery systems permanently contribute to the reduction of buildings’ energy requirements. In this context the user has various options to choose from. By opening the window casement, they can individually ventilate the room and position the shade facility according to their requirements.

Reference facility in Düsseldorf

An example of the successful application of this innovative facade concept is the Capricorn Haus in Düsseldorf’s Medienhafen (Media Port). Due to the use of newly-developed facade modules and other innovative heating and cooling technologies and systems, in terms of its primary energy requirements, the building designed by Cologne architects Gatermann and Schossig, is well below the required levels set for low-energy houses and buildings. In addition, the integration of plant and system engineering in the so-called i-modules of the element-façade also enables the building’s utility space to be optimized. In the construction phase the complete prefabrication of the facade modules at the plant also proved to be very advantageous. It enabled a very flexible and, as a result, cost-saving installation.

Innovations at glasstec 2008

The i-module façade, developed by German companies Schüco and Trox, and used in the Capricorn House completed in spring 2006, is only one example of how modern glass facades can be used to successfully meet the increased requirements placed on energy efficiency and user convenience in buildings. Numerous other trend-setting facade concepts as well as realized projects will be shown from 21 to 25 October 2008 at glasstec, the world's largest trade fair for the glass sector, and examined in the accompanying Architects’ Congress.