Within the scope of the cooperation with Lidl, the facades of more than 90 new stores in Germany have already been equipped with switchable SageGlass units. The first inner-city store of Lidl in Frankfurt/Main was the start. With state-of-the-art technology and an environmentally friendly approach to architecture, the building meets the highest sustainability standards and was planned and constructed in accordance with the requirements of a gold certification from the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB). The 465-square metre glass facade, which is spread over several storeys and encloses the building on two sides, was fitted with switchable solar control glass from SageGlass.
The aim was to combine a high-quality architectural facade appearance with the possibility of maximum utilisation of daylight. After the department for store construction had developed a concept for the use of smart glass, the switchable glass was tested in a first prototype store. Following the positive experience, the company decided to use the comfort glass SageGlass LightZone with three tinted zones in more new stores in Germany.
Why use SageGlass?
A decisive factor in the decision to use switchable glass was the optimal daylight utilisation with simultaneous glare protection, especially for the cashier workstations, as well as the modern appearance of a "smooth" facade without additional constructions. It was also important that the automated tinting process of the glass did not require any supporting actions by the store personnel nor call for additional maintenance or cleaning.
In addition to the very good energy values of the glass, the decision-makers also liked the fact that, to a certain degree of tinting, the view into the shops is retained as well as that the view out of the store was possible at all times, even when the glass was tinted to its fullest extent.
Cost-benefit analysis particularly convincing
Glatt
A cost-benefit calculation had been drawn up in advance by Lidl's store construction division and the glass system was compared with other glare and sun protection solutions. This also took into account the maintenance, cleaning and servicing costs. In addition, the possible reduction in energy consumption was also an important part of the considerations.
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According to experience so far, the glass reduces the need for air conditioning in the summer months and, due to its excellent thermal properties, reduces the amount of heat build-up inside the store at high outside temperatures. Recent readings in the Lidl stores have confirmed this.
Positive feedback on SageGlass from Lidl employees and customers
Ongoing operation in Lidl stores confirms the high level of comfort offered by the self-tinting SageGlass units. "We have received consistently positive feedback from our stores, both from staff and customers. Customers particularly like the modern look and the good colour rendering even with darkened windows," says Alexander Thurn, Managing Director Real Estate Project Development and Warehouse Expansion at Lidl Germany.
About SageGlass
The electronically tinted SageGlass products can be turned darker or lighter as required. They thus offer optimum daylight penetration as well as heat and glare protection at the same time, without the need for shutters or blinds.
Glass panes made of SageGlass ensure a pleasant room climate, increase the well-being of a building's users and make considerable energy savings possible. SageGlass is a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain.
