ENERGYEFFICIENCY
Exemplary in terms of comfort , energy efficiency and design
NESTLÉ ’ S GLOBAL HEADQUARTERS IN SWITZERLAND ARE FITTED WITH SAGEGLASS SMART GLAZING
» AT ITS GLOBAL HEADQUARTERS * IN Vevey , Switzerland , Nestlé has renovated building B , a 258,333 sq . ft extension built in 1977 , to make it a benchmark in energy efficiency . Electrochromic SageGlass glazing , which regulates both heat and light in the building , was the product of choice for the project management team , architects Brönnimann et Gottreux Architectes SA and facade consultants Buri Müller Partner GmbH . This innovative solution resolves three key challenges for projects of this scale : optimizing employee comfort , improving the energy efficiency of the aging building and respecting the appearance of the original shell , which reflects the neighboring structure and on which no external shading could be fitted .
“ SageGlass glazing can be used in both new buildings and those undergoing renovation . For this project , their innovative technology enabled us to respect the look of the existing shell while bringing the building up to date with the latest energy standards . It also solved the issue of protection from the sun and of the architectural appearance ,” says Joël Brönnimann , associate architect .
47,361 sq . ft of smart glass was installed by facade specialists Hevron SA . The work was carried out in two stages . Renovation of the south wing ( L : 278 ft x H : 77 ft ), which runs alongside Lake Geneva , was completed in 2019 . The north wing ( L : 240 ft x H : 77 ft ), facing Avenue Nestlé , followed in 2021 .
OPTIMISING EMPLOYEE COMFORT
The SageGlass solution chosen was LightZone ® glazing . It comprises three independent tinted areas for targeted and fine-tuned control of sunlight in the interior . Throughout the day , the amount of natural light and heat entering the building is regulated automatically . Employees are protected from glare and benefit from ideal working conditions . They can also manually tint the glazing in the meeting rooms — for example , when they want to project a presentation .
Even when tinted , the SageGlass glazing remains transparent and maintains a visual connection with the outdoors . Nestlé employees therefore benefit from a beautiful view of Lake Geneva and the surrounding mountains , no matter what the weather .
MAXIMISING ENERGY EFFICIENCY
SageGlass smart glazing regulates the amount of heat and light that enters the building , thereby reducing the need for air conditioning and artificial lighting . In conjunction with other centralised building management systems , the glazing reduces energy bills .
RESPECTING THE LOOK OF THE ORIGINAL SHELL
The Jean Tschumi building ( A ), which is opposite this renovation , is listed as a Swiss cultural property of national importance . The new facade on building B therefore had to use the original architectural concept to retain the character of the site . The architects were not allowed to fit it with blinds or a doubleskin facade . They incorporated the SageGlass glazing while still maintaining the 47 in . grid and the aluminum structure of vertical and horizontal elements .
A Bright Silver coating was applied to the SageGlass glazing to maintain the reflective aspect of the original shell , mirroring the neighboring structure and the surrounding landscape . The color matches the solid parts beneath the windows and the facade of the adjoining building .
A LONG TESTING PHASE AND ADVANCED PROGRAMING
During the evaluation phase , the main contractor and the project managers ran various trials before opting for the SageGlass solution , having observed the interior light quality , the impact on employees and energy simulations in a test room .
Numerous parameters are taken into consideration to precisely control the glazing , including the glazing ’ s different tinting zones , the configuration of spaces , when rooms are occupied , the profile of the surrounding mountains and buildings , and data from sensors on the facades . The glazing is also linked to the building management system .
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CLEARVIEW-UK . COM » NOV 2021 » 59