According to those responsible, the TEmotion NG project study is intended to set new standards in energy efficiency and sustainability. Up to 72 % energy savings thanks to an innovative concept, according to the developers.
TEmotion NG combines several technologies to realise CO₂-neutral or actually climate-positive facades. The centrepiece is insulating glazing with a circulating layer of water, which has a positive influence on heat radiation.
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‘TEmotion NG not only insulates, but also absorbs radiant heat, which accounts for two thirds of the transferred energy. In summer, the heat is absorbed before it enters the building, and in winter, before it escapes outside,’ explains Matyas Gutai, Associate Professor at Loughborough University (UK) and co-founder of Water-Filled Glass Ltd.
The energy efficiency of the system is supported by an intelligent storage function: In summer, profit can be used elsewhere in the building, while in winter the heat escaping through the glass is absorbed.
The energy gained in this way can be reused for heating and hot water. Compared to conventional double glazing, up to 72 % energy can be saved. Additional benefits include improved acoustics (up to 15 % more sound insulation) and optimised use of daylight for maximum thermal comfort and better indoor air quality.
Optionally, the opaque facade elements can be combined with building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) to create an energy-positive building envelope.
Exciting: also as a retrofit solution for existing buildings
TEmotion NG offers an advantageous option not only for new buildings, but also for time- and cost-efficient construction in existing buildings: as an intelligent retrofit solution, the system can be installed ‘minimally invasively’ from the inside by the metal construction company in the form of a second skin - leaving the existing facade untouched.
Marco Theisinger, project manager at Wicona, explains: ‘This saves up to 30 % of the replacement costs, as no time-consuming dismantling work, scaffolding or permits are required. What's more, work can be carried out during ongoing operations - without any tenant relocations.’
Driving decarbonisation - up to 66 kg less CO₂ per m² of facade
Last but not least, Wicona is driving decarbonisation in the construction industry with TEmotion NG. The facade elements are made of the aluminium alloy Hydro Circal with an end-of-life aluminium content of up to 100 %. Ideally, the glazing is also made from CO₂-reduced glass, and seals and insulating bars should also be made from recycled materials.
This choice of material significantly reduces the CO₂ footprint right from the production stage. Compared to standard double glazing, up to 66 kg of CO₂ can be saved per m² of facade surface.
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The system is currently being further optimised so that it can be flexibly adapted to different project requirements.
Marco Theisinger emphasises: ‘The response at BAU was overwhelming. We are now looking for strategic pilot projects to successfully establish TEmotion NG on the market.’ A mock-up of the system will be exhibited at the ‘Future Facade’ international facade conference in Utrecht on 7 and 8 May 2025.
