Heads in the clouds toward new products and innovations
Issue 01-2019:
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Digitization presents new challenges. A large software developer from the Rhine Neckar metropolitan area is approaching these challenges on several levels at the same time and is moving forward toward the cloud, not only when it comes to people and technology, but also architecture.
The client approached architects, planners and integrators with a challenging-sounding task in 2016: they wanted to create a transparent, light-flooded building with its own character, offering a great deal of scope for communication, with an extremely flexible space utilisation concept. At the same time, the increasing need to preserve resources, promote energy efficiency, optimize life cycle costs and safeguard value had to be taken into account.
Overall, the construction project offers jobs for more than 700 employees. As well as work stations in a mixed spatial structure, the premises also include project rooms, communication zones and meeting options, thus also creating alternative sites for ongoing modernisation at the site.
LAE Engineering GmbH of Wiesloch proved to be the ideal partner for implementing the demanding detailed planning and building automation involved in the project, thanks to both its 25 years of experience and its spatial proximity.
Integral planning is the key
Based on the integral planning process, LAE brought all the responsible parties to the table from the architects and operators through to the technical planners for process technology, electrical systems and outdoor facilities – this had the advantage of allowing all required functions across all trades to be defined at an early stage. The result was a list of all financial, environmental and sociological goals as well as customer requirements which needed to be taken into account.
Efficient and flexible
In order to use the previously optimized resources of the concept efficiently, LAE and the client opted to use demand-based controls for the air-conditioning system pursuant to DIN EN 15232 during the planning process. LAE also fulfilled the requirements for the greatest possible degree of flexibility in order to make future changes to utilisation easily and cost-effectively.
Therefore, EnOcean technology was implemented across the board for complete room automation. Components with integrated EnOcean wireless receivers ensure the requisite freedom of design when positioning wireless temperature sensors and operating elements – due to the large amount of glass in the building, this is an advantage which is not to be underestimated in the operational phase!
The consistent use of EnOcean technology throughout the building meant that it was possible to think about certain areas and their utilization only at the end for furnishing purposes. At the same time, the single-room controls ensure a positive indoor environment and therefore directly contribute to a pleasant working environment and productive working.
Benefits across the board
In addition to the spatial proximity, there were great benefits to be had, particularly as a result of the integral planning. The interface optimization, as well as the direct alignment of specifications through planning and execution, significantly shortens the planning and development process, reduces the number of changes made to the plan, reduces costs and increases the quality of the building and its energy performance as a whole.
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