The GSW Headquarters, one of Berlin's most recognizable buildings, was renovated and extended with an outstanding architectural and urban solution while building upon an innovative mechanical engineering concept, based on natural ventilation. “This is a really exciting project. It uses high-tech and modern glass technology to create something sustainable in the context of the rooftops and textures of Berlin. Here you have an exciting façade that changes color according to the weather, the light and the wishes of the inhabitants of individual offices. The result is a very animated façade within the city. We often think of glass as transparent and even non- existent, visually. In this case the glass is playing an active role in exposing the activities of the building,” said the architect.
The design of the new structure was generated by a concern for the workplace in the city and by a commitment to an architecture that makes economical use of the natural resources and cares for the environment. This building offers a quintessential environment, which is ideal for work. It offers a receptive regulation of energy consumption and at the same time elucidates an architecture in which the value of sensuous space is re-evaluated. The double skin façade with blinds and a wind sail on top of the 81m high building are key visible features.
Its depth is designed narrow to maximize daylight use and natural ventilation; the facade is carefully shaded to reduce solar heating in summer. The most interesting device is the 'wind roof' into which the double walls feed. The roof assists natural ventilation by drawing air from the building when the wind is in the right direction, using the Venturi effect..
The overall aim of the mechanical design was to improve the building's sustainability rating by achieving energy savings of 30 to 40 per cent in comparison with an ordinary building. The western facade has a second glass skin, which ventilates and cools the building, carrying off hot and used air. The double façade also acts as a second shield for thermal and acoustic variations. The double-layered facade has been designed as deep convection element and creates a negative pressure to draw fresh air from east to west through the building. As a result, conventional mechanical ventilation is not required for most of the year.
The building's central management system (BMS) determines whether to turn on the mechanical ventilation, but occupants can select individual zones within a floor in either mechanical or natural ventilation mode by a simple wall-mounted zone controller. These comprise green and red lights which, when illuminated, indicate whether natural or mechanical ventilation is recommended by the BMS, and simple rocker switches to close and open the windows and shades. The occupants can choose either, irrespective of the BMS recommendation.
The building's high-rise facades are the most important elements of the architects' low-energy elements. The glass brings light, solar protection, aesthetic beauty and design freedom to the project. The use of glass in various hues for the façade is not only innovative and envisioning but it has brilliantly enhanced the visual appeal of the building.
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