PRESS RELEASE
January 2012
Schüco ALB large louvre blades in an historic project
Harmony and change
The Norrlandsgatan 20 project in Stockholm is proof that a
variable, high-tech solar shading system with an ultra modern
look can even be integrated elegantly into an historic building.
Here, a solution has been developed for a curved roof façade
which meets the latest energy efficiency requirements, whilst
simultaneously integrating and reinterpreting the design
features of the existing façade. One special feature is that the
elliptical Schüco ALB large louvre blades on two levels have
been shaped by a specialist company to harmonise with the
curved design of the roof.
In large international projects, solar shading with large louvre blades
has now established itself as a form of innovative façade design.
Renowned architectural firms, such as Foster + Partners, GMP, JSK
and Sauerbruch Hutton, demonstrate how creatively these functional
units can be used in façades by combining vertical and horizontal
arrangements. They also vary the shape, colour and material of the
louvre blade units, which can be fabricated from aluminium and other
high-grade metal sheets, or even glass. As the solar shading is
externally mounted, it often defines the style of the façade design.
These solar shading solutions achieve a high level of efficiency due to
their electric control which adapts to the position of the sun and light
conditions. High quality systems are extremely durable and they are
guaranteed to function in all weathers (see Technology box).
Challenging design task
If too harsh a stylistic and material contrast is undesirable, the
integration of large louvre blades into historic projects seems to be
quite a challenge from a design perspective. The architectural firm
Koncept Stockholm AB demonstrated that there is a solution to this
challenge whilst renovating and modifying a mixed-use building in
Stockholm. The Norrlandsgatan 20 project is a former four-storey
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building from the late 19th Century, built by the architect Kasper
Salin. Facing the street, the building is characterised by its expressive
stucco façade, the first and second floors of which are also adorned
with horizontal brick stripes. The urban corner building is situated in
an exclusive city location where there are traffic calming measures in
place. It was therefore the perfect candidate to have its function
extended and appearance enhanced as part of an extensive
renovation project. The mix of retail stores on the ground floor and
office space (or living accommodation) on the upper floors precisely
mirrors how the building was originally used, as is still represented by
many historic buildings in the close vicinity of the project in the heart
of Stockholm.
Renovation and high quality roof conversion
Architect Johan Larsson went about the task of renovating
Norrlandsgatan 20 with the due level of respect for historic
architecture. The renovation included a roof storey with a completely
new design to extend the attractive office space on offer. In the
context of contemporary architecture, attractive is understood to
mean a combination of transparency, generously proportioned,
flexible rooms, as well as cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency
using modern façade, material and building technology. Green
Building principles and requirements for biodynamic construction
require an intelligent and flexible approach to the issue of
transparency. This is particularly true of the roof area, where the
problem of possible overheating in summer is particularly acute. If the
option of reducing the proportion of glazed areas to deprive the room
of light is excluded, such a task can only be adequately performed by
a dynamic, externally mounted solar shading system. In this way, it is
possible to block up to 95% of the unwanted energy that comes into
the building through the glass façade, particularly in summer. The
indoor climate can be kept at acceptable temperatures for work areas
with little or no air conditioning.
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Larsson's design for the roof storey succeeds in harmoniously
integrating a modern façade appearance and technology in historic
surroundings. Due to its subtle, understated form - a rounded
mansard roof to all intents and purposes - the newly added top office
floor is intentionally unobtrusive in the façade appearance, but still
interacts with the style features of the historic façade. The architect
incorporated the dominant horizontal features of the historic façade
into the main template for the solar shading system. These features
are expressed in the intermediate floor areas, the stucco fret-work
and the horizontal strips of clinker bricks. Arranged horizontally, the
aluminium louvre blades are a modern adaptation of some of the
dominant features of the original architecture.
Individually fabricated large louvre blades
In around three quarters of all projects equipped with large louvre
blade constructions, the solar shading system is a customised,
system-based solution. This means that the trained metal fabricator
must adapt the numerous components of the system to the specific
design. In the case of the Norrlandsgatan 20 project, in particular the
rounded design of the roof and the dome-like curve in the corner
area, this task presented a particular challenge to the Swedish
fabricator Fasadglas AB. In the corner area, each individual louvre
blade had to be a different shape and size to create the beautiful
curved design. A satisfactory result was only achievable by bending
the louvre blades on two levels. The system manufacturer Schüco
offered its expertise in technical consultancy, profile manufacture and
in bending/installation processes to ensure that the final result stayed
true to the design. Thanks to the collaboration with Seacon
Umformtechnik GmbH in Salzwedel, the only specialist company able
to perform the task of bending the profiles and large louvre blades on
two levels, the solution was implemented to the satisfaction of the
design architect.
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Box 1, solar shading
External shading with louvre blade system:
Versatile, both visually and technically
Externally mounted shading systems are able to block up to 95% of
unwanted solar radiation. Even in buildings with generously glazed
façades, the energy used for air conditioning can be reduced to a
minimum or, in certain circumstances, no energy is required for this
purpose at all. "Biodynamically active" systems achieve the highest
levels of efficiency. Their geometrically optimised and active louvre
blades are able to automatically adjust to the position of the sun, the
time of year and the rotation of the earth, regardless of the weather
(wind and snow). On account of these features, louvre blade systems
for solar shading have become established in large projects around
the world and are the product of choice for architectural firms. High
quality systems will last as long as the actual façade. The alignment,
spacing between the louvre blades and the system design ensure
that the façade behind the system is easy to clean.
Visual and technical options
Solar shading and façade design can be combined in a variety of
ways using the Schüco ALB large louvre blade system. Aside from
the classic elliptical profile made from aluminium and other highgrade metal sheets (brass, copper), the externally mounted solar
shading can also be designed as slimline needle blades, futuristic
"high-tech-look" louvre blades or as timelessly elegant glass louvre
blades. This flexibility in the louvre blade shape and material, which is
even further enhanced by the colour and printing options, means that
the design is able to harmonise with both modern and historic building
styles, as well as with any façade type.
Solar shading plus energy generation
The system can be configured to be either passive or active with a
linear drive or concealed drive. With a high level of prefabrication,
design flexibility is retained due to the comprehensive system
accessories. The integrated technical solutions include the controls
which are built into the louvre blade covers, the concealed drainage
of the louvre blades and the special bracket system which enables
glass louvre blades to be mounted free of any tension. Energy can
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also be actively generated by means of integrated photovoltaic
modules.
For more information, visit www.schueco.com
Box 2, brief interview with the architect
Functional link between old and new
Three questions for the Norrlandsgatan 20 architect, Johan
Larsson, from the architectural firm Koncept Stockholm AB
- What were the energy efficiency requirements that led to you
using the large louvre blade system from Schüco as a solution?
Johan Larsson: The building is classified in accordance with Green
Building Initiative requirements. The new roof construction therefore
also had to meet strict requirements in terms of thermal insulation,
solar shading and energy efficiency. To be certain of meeting these
requirements in view of the open office spaces, the large volume of
people traffic and the high proportion of glazed areas, the design was
subject to the most precise calculations in terms of preventing solar
radiation.
- In what way was the system technology qualified to bring to life
your unique design?
Johan Larsson: The technical challenge was most notably guiding
the large louvre blades elegantly around the corner of the roof façade
in a curved shape on two levels. There was fruitful cooperation
between the system manufacturer, the façade fabricator and a highly
specialist bending company, which led to this outstanding technical
and visual result. With the exception of these curved sections, the
system technology offered was able to meet all the design and
technical requirements.
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- What design ideas influenced your concept for the roof
structure?
Johan Larsson: Aside from the dominant horizontal lines of the
historic architecture, which we incorporated in the linear arrangement
of the large louvre blades, the shape and materials used in the zinc
roofs of Parisian buildings also inspired us. However, zinc louvre
blades in conjunction with the glass façade would have been
unacceptable due to the precipitation of the material. However, it was
also very important for us to create a balance between the historic
building style and complementary modern features, whilst meeting
the latest ecological and economical requirements in a sustainable
manner.
Schüco – Green Technology for the Blue Planet.
That means clean energy from solar products and windows. And the contribution that
Schüco makes to the environment with pioneering building envelopes. To be more
precise, with Energy3: saving energy – generating energy – networking energy.
Window and façade systems not only save energy due to optimum thermal
insulation, they also generate energy thanks to efficient solar solutions. This creates
an excess of energy which can be used by means of intelligent networking. For
building functions, as well as for everyday life. The result is a significant step towards
energy self-sufficiency – towards the sustainable conservation of natural resources.
And towards a secure future. With 5250 employees and 12,000 partner companies,
Schüco is active in 78 countries and achieved turnover of 2.38 billion euros in 2010.
Further information about publication:
Schüco International KG
Ulrike Krüger
Karolinenstr. 1 - 15
33609 Bielefeld, Germany
Tel.: +49 (0)521 783-803
Fax: +49 (0)521 783-657
e-mail: PR@schueco.com
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Project details
Project: Norrlandsgatan 20, Stockholm (Sweden), renovation
Use: retail stores on the first floor; offices from the first floor; newly
developed office space in the roof area
Architect: Johan Larsson, Koncept Stockholm AB
Fabricator: Fasadglas AB, Bromma (Sweden)
Bending specialist: Seacon Umformtechnik GmbH, Salzwedel
(Germany)
Solar shading system: Schüco ALB large louvre blades, classic
elliptical aluminium louvre blades, electrically operated
Façade system: Schüco FW 60+
Special features: curved corner design of the solar shading system
due to individual, location-specific bending of the large louvre blades
on two levels.
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Picture credits: Schüco International KG
The Norrlandsgatan 20 project in Stockholm after its renovation:
historic architecture from the 19th Century which has been brought up
to the latest standards in terms of energy efficiency and function.
Attractive offices have been created by completely redesigning the roof
area. The horizontal louvres of the solar shading system incorporate
the style of the horizontal lines on the historic stucco façade and the
brick stripes it contains.
One special feature of the solar shading system is the dome-like curve
in the corner area, which was created using louvre blades on two
levels. Each individual louvre blade was shaped by a specialist
company (Seacon Umformtechnik GmbH) according to its length and
position.
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Section detail of a Schüco ALB large louvre blade with attachment
details. The system offers a wide variety of options in terms of
appearance, technology integration and materials. In their most energy
efficient configuration, the motorised louvre blades adapt to the
position of the sun and time of year. Louvre blades with integrated
photovoltaic modules can further optimise the energy balance.
From an energy efficiency point of view, the fully glazed roof storey is
particularly problematic. To prevent the large open office spaces from
overheating and to be able to do without energy-intensive air
conditioning, the architect Johan Larsson opted for the large louvre
blade system from Schüco for the solar shading.