GLASS FOR FACADE 2022

GLASS FOR FAÇADE - EDITION 2022 - 41 40 - GLASS FOR FAÇADE - EDITION 2022 North of Frankfurt Airport, the architectural firm KSP Engel has realised the sustainable business complex FLOW EUROPA-CENTER Frankfurt Gateway Gardens, which includes 31,500 m 2 of office and 800 m 2 of restaurant and retail space - with solar control glass from Saint-Gobain Glass. Thanks to the sustainability concept, the development has already received a DGNB pre-certificate in gold. In addition to ecological aspects, this certification system also evaluates questions of user-friendliness. COMMERCIAL OFFICES FLOW EUROPA-CENTER GOES WITH THE FLOW Location Frankfurt, DE Architect KSP ENGEL Glass processor Vandaglas GmbH, Radeburg Photos ©Conné Van D’Grachten The name says it all at FLOW EUROPA-CENTER Frankfurt Gateway Gardens: everything seems to be in a state of flux. When you approach the complex, the first thing you notice is the curved shape of the buildings. The comprehensive sustainability concept includes a number of different factors. For example, the planting emphasises the link between the buildings and nature and makes it possible to experience them in seasonal changes. The building materials were selected for their environmental friendliness, high potential for reuse and recyclability. Both the element and the material level played a role. In terms of design, dark window strips on the upper floors create a rich contrast to the iridescent white, three-dimensionally shaped façade panels. On the ground floor, floor-to- ceiling glazing in the form of a mullion and transom construction opens up the view into the building and to the outside. Due to the location near the airport, a special structure of the glass façades was necessary. On the standard storeys, a so-called impact pane construction with triple glazing units CLIMATOP® with COOL-LITE® SKN 176 II solar control coating from Saint-Gobain Glass is placed in front of the actual façade. The baffle panes ensure very good sound insulation. Designed as laminated safety glass, they also have a fall-preventing effect. While the windows of the façade with CLIMATOP® PLANITHERM® XN triple glazing are arranged polygonally at the corners of the building, rounded glass in the baffle panes reinforces the dynamic effect of the façade. Thanks to the high proportion of window area, the users of the buildings enjoy optimal natural lighting right into the depths of the rooms. But the views from the offices and the possibility to open the windows also contribute to the feeling of well-being inside the building. Excellent solar and thermal protection ensures energy-efficient operation of the building ensemble. The glass used thus plays a decisive role in the sustainability concept. A total of 4,146 panes for 8,217 m 2 of glass surface were manufactured and supplied by CLIMAplusSECURIT partner Vandaglas GmbH from Radeburg.