02 February 2011
Wicona Facade Concept wins Major Award for Innovation at Bau 2011
Wicona has won a major award for innovation for its aluminium façade concept, TEmotion, at BAU 2011 - the world's leading event for architecture, materials and systems which takes place in Munich every two years.
The Award for Product Innovation was open to more than 1,900 exhibitors at BAU and recognises the very best products and designs used in the refurbishment, renovation and modernisation of existing buildings.
TEmotion, which won the prestigious award for 2011, is a pioneering, modular façade solution for a self-sustaining building envelope, which integrates all aspects of a building's mechanical and electrical services into the façade. It can incorporate a number of functions for creating a comfortable internal environment, including ventilation, air conditioning, solar shading, redirection of natural light and energy generation.
Uniquely, the prefabricated nature of TEmotion could allow the refurbishment of a building such as an office scheme without decanting and to a significantly reduced programme, depending on the overall design requirements. This highly innovative façade system can also be controlled using a centralised building services management system or by the user, and will even report possible maintenance requirements back to the control centre.
Commenting on this latest award, Bob Welsh, General Manager of Wicona in the UK said, "This is a major international accolade for Wicona and we are delighted with the achievement and the recognition it gives to our world-leading R&D team."
"The refurbishment of existing buildings is an essential part of sustainable development and the drive to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption both in the UK and globally."
"As a business, we are committed to developing new concepts, such as TEmotion, and economical, technically-advanced façade solutions, which are more sustainable, further reduce energy consumption, and have a positive impact on the complete lifecycle of a building - from planning and construction through to refurbishment and the end of a building's life."
"Our customers benefit from future-oriented product development, reaffirming Wicona's position as an international market leader in façade design."
Features of TEmotion - which has previously won a Batimat Gold Award - include:
- Energy generation - photovoltaic cells are arranged on pivoted slats, generating energy, which is supplied to the building services.
- Ventilation - decentralised ventilation systems exchange air to and from the interior of the building, over the shortest possible route. Natural ventilation through the opening of windows is also possible.
- Lighting - intelligent systems optimise the use of natural light. LEDs can be used to dramatic effect in a range of colours for the exterior of the building; there are anti-glare daylight controls, and artificial lighting is integrated into the façade. TEmotion also allows areas in the heart of the building to be well lit without the need for additional light sources.
- Sunshading - shading from the sun is automatically controlled by blinds for the glazed areas of the façade.
- Energy conservation - in contrast with conventional façades, TEmotion can save 40 to 50 per cent of the primary energy used for heating, cooling, ventilation and illumination.
- Modular construction - the façade modules can be installed individually, reducing time on site and disruption during construction or refurbishment.
For further information about Wicona's façade solutions, visit www.wicona.co.uk.
Editors' Notes
Hydro Building Systems is the largest supplier of aluminium glazing systems in Europe, which includes the Wicona brand. Wicona is the first façade specialist in the UK to design and oversee complex and unitised façade projects.
You can now follow Wicona on Twitter @WiconaUK .
