DLW linoleum and fibre-bonded flooring in the H2 Office in
Duisburg
Harbour skyline with a sustainable landmark
The office complexes of the H2 Office in Duisburg’s inner
harbour look like two giant catamarans. They were designed by
the architects BRT Architekten (Bothe Richter Teherani) and are
already an architectural highlight of the harbour skyline.
However, the second phase of construction, which was
completed at the end of 2010, is also a model of sustainability. It
received a pre-certificate for the DGNB (German Sustainable
Building Council) gold seal of approval. The green building built
by Ed. Züblin AG is distinguished by, among other things, its use
of geothermal and solar energy, continuous sun-protecting and
noise-reducing glass as well as intelligent building technologies.
And the floors are even sustainable. DLW linoleum and DLW
bonded-fibre floor coverings are easy and environmentally safe
to clean, wear-resistant and durable even with high foot traffic.
Like two giant gates the buildings open toward the harbour
among historic warehouses, new residential and office buildings
as well as parks. With the second phase of construction, the
final hole in the construction zone conceived by Norman Foster
was filled. The modern office complex contains about 10,500
square meters of office and conference space as well as an
additional 1500 square meters for restaurants and stores. Its Hshaped floor plan guarantees flexible utilization – its five floors
allow it to be set up as individual offices, offices and cubicles
and also a large open office space to meet individual
requirements.
The energy for cooling and heating the pre-certified building is
primarily derived through geothermal means. 230 of the
structurally necessary foundation piles assume the role of
geothermal heat exchangers. The geothermal system is
combined with concrete core activation in the ceilings of the
offices. The combination with the photovoltaic system and the
intelligent regulation of the building utilities via a BUS system
keeps the renters’ utility costs low. In the final analysis, the H2
Office is a model of environmental preservation and promotes
the efficient use of energy as well as the responsible
management of resources. The renters also benefit from hightech comfort, the always pleasant indoor climate and naturally
the unique view of Duisburg‘s harbour.
DGNB certification considers the entire life cycle of the building,
therefore special emphasis is placed on the usage phase.
Criteria such as durability and ease of care were paramount in
the selection of the flooring. DLW linoleum stood out because of
its raw materials. Even today the main ingredients are still
predominately natural; up to 80% is even renewable: linseed oil,
sawdust, limestone, resin and jute. It is easy to clean, hygienic,
robust and has also been awarded the Blauer Engel. The
characteristic marbled DLW linoleum from Armstrong in jet
black, light gray and blue covers the kitchens and the employee
break areas in the H2 Office.
Because of its noise-reducing properties, DLW fibre-bonded
flooring is ideal for office spaces. The Fussboden König
company from Olpe skilfully laid about 5600 square meters in
basalt grey in the H2 Office as well as another 1700 square
meters in onyx grey, which on the surface appears jet black. The
floor covering is extremely durable, has very little friction
resistance and is suitable for double floors and raised floor
systems. By using Dorix-brand fibres and the fibre protection
agent Floor Protect, DLW bonded-fibre flooring is also resistant
to dirt and the formation of ruts or residual imprints.
As a result of their eco-friendly production and their long
lifespan, DLW linoleum and DLW fibre-bonded floorings are
recommended for sustainable construction, as certified by
DGNB or LEED for example. For all DLW floor coverings,
Armstrong has developed a comprehensive colour system,
mostly with a variety of colour nuances in various shades, so
that the various collections can be easily combined.
More information
www.armstrong.eu.
is
available
on
the
Internet
at
Pictures:
Armstrong H2 Office_1.jpg
The two office complexes of
the H2 Office are an
architectural
highlight
of
Duisburg’s inner harbour.
Armstrong H2 Office_2.jpg
The
recently
completed
second phase of construction
has received a pre-certificate
for the DGNB gold seal of
approval.
Armstrong H2 Office_3.jpg
The bevelled architecture,
which taken as a whole is
reminiscent of a catamaran,
also creates refined effects in
the interior. Dark DLW fibrebonded flooring contrasts
with the white surfaces to
enhance
the
elegant
atmosphere.
Armstrong H2 Office_4.jpg
DLW linoleum fits perfectly
into the sustainable building
concept because it is not only
easy to maintain but is also
eco-friendly due to its natural
components.
Armstrong H2 Office_5.jpg
The kitchens and break areas
in the H2 Office are covered
with jet black marbled DLW
linoleum from Armstrong.
Armstrong H2 Office_6.jpg
For the office space and
halls, noise-reducing DLW
fibre-bonded flooring was
selected, in large measure
because of its extreme
durability as well as its easy
cleaning and care.
Photos: Armstrong/ Friedhelm Krischer