Three benefits of the automated dimmable, electrochromic solar control glazing were of crucial importance for real estate developer Extensa: its ease of use, the avoidance of disruptive solar control elements on the historic facade as well as its integration within the Circular Economy Concept. The development of the 30 ha «Tour et Taxis» site in Brussels is a work in progress.
A new living neighbourhood
Built at the beginning of the 20th century, the «Tour et Taxis» site was one of the most important freight handling centres in Europe with warehouses, offices und customs buildings. Belgian real estate developer Extensa has set itself the ambitious task of preserving the authentic character of these gems of Belgian industrial architecture, while simultaneously transposing them to the modern age. The seven interconnected halls cover an area of more than 40,000 m2 and are up to 23m in height. Fortunately, it has been possible to retain the well-preserved, historic supporting structure made of metal cross beams. In conjunction with the use of a great deal of wood, brick floors and glass, a modern and light-filled district has been created beneath it, where people work, go shopping, eat and spend their free time.
Switchable glass for more comfort
In order to prevent overheating and to minimise glare during periods of intense sunshine, Extensa opted to install a total of 1,633 m2 of sensor-controlled dimmable Halio panels.
Did you know how switchable liquid crystal glass works?
A total of 600 triple-glazed insulating glass units with low-e coating embedded in narrow steel frames will be installed. Mechanical solar control was dismissed at the very start of the project, as we didn’t want to change the overall impression of this wonderful, century old facade through the addition of more elements, explains Extensa COO Peter de Durpel, “its ease of use also won us over.“
A third, but hardly insignificant reason for opting for Halio was the positive contribution it made towards Extensa’s sustainability strategy. The project developer is pursuing a circular economy concept that has unnecessary material avoidance and a positive carbon footprint as its primary targets. “We are immensely proud to be involved as partners in this urban flagship project,” declared General Manager of Halio International, Benoît Domercq. “The Gare Maritime will become a modern Smart City with an irresistible, historical charm. Our Halio glass system contributes towards a pleasant and vibrant daylight atmosphere while keeping the energy consumption levels for solar control and air conditioning technology to a minimum.”
See also this article: Intelligent daylight management in health-care facilities
About Halio International
Halio is the exclusive supplier of Halio products and services to the building industry. The joint venture between AGC, the world’s largest flat glass manufacturer and Kinestral Technologies, Inc., developer and manufacturer of the Halio smart-tinting technologies, consists of the two business entities: Halio North America and Halio International. This partnership leverages the partners’ respective strengths and expertise: AGC’s reputation and 100+ years of experience in glass technologies and Kinestral’s innovative and patented smart-tinting technologies. For more information visit halioglass.com or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.
