ArchShowcase Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. NRGi Head Office in Aarhus, Denmark by schmidt hammer lassen architectsJune 19th, 2014 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: schmidt hammer lassen architects With its distinctive form and a façade composed of a geometrical pattern of triangular aluminium and glass panels, the new headquarters building for NRGi, one of Denmark’s biggest electricity suppliers, has become a striking landmark on the outskirts of Aarhus.
Since NRGi actively advises its customers on energy conservation, it was particularly important to deliver an exemplar piece of architecture that would communicate the company’s core values. The building’s orientation and form maximise natural solar protection and minimise heat radiation. The angled façade provides additional shading and during winter months residual heat is used to warm outdoor access ramps, preventing an accumulation of snow and ice. The atrium skylight is made of Foiltech, a lightweight material which can be inflated with air to offer increased thermal insulation, deflecting solar heat away from the interior space. NRGi wanted their new headquarters to become a landmark for their company, using unusual and challenging architecture combined with energy-efficient solutions and technologies. NRGi was the first office building in Denmark to respond specifically to new and more rigorous energy efficiency legislation introduced in Denmark in 2007. Sustainability Energy The office building is highly energy-efficient due to its careful orientation, as well as the energy-efficient lighting systems specified and well insulated wall panels. Ventilation In addition to mechanical ventilation, the scheme uses a system of hybrid ventilation which ensures night-cooling by means of openable windows located around the rim of the atrium roof. Form and function The building’s orientation and form maximise natural solar protection and minimise heat radiation. Equally, by adding more air to the inflated Foiltech covering the atrium skylight, the building’s thermal insulation can adapt efficiently to the outside weather conditions. Daylight The highly transparent skin minimises the need for electric lightning, while the printed patterning on the Foiltech skylight works as an additional sunscreen, mitigating solar ingress. Noise A special soundproof glass-construction shields the building from the noise of the busy road outside. People The central atrium creates strong visual connections between employees on every level. Contact schmidt hammer lassen architects
Categories: Headquarters, Offices |