seele steel glass designs: superlative, unique façades with formidable complexity and long spans
In the hands of international façade construction specialist seele, steel and glass are turned into seemingly weightless building envelopes. seele designs and builds plate and shell structures in single- or double-curvature structures such as glazed roofs and atria, and curving roofs with amorphous forms. Or gridshells, cable net façades and tubular structures in complex forms with multiple glass infill panels. Fascinating free-form surfaces and maximum transparency are the hallmarks of such façade construction solutions. And it is not only their looks that set standards. seele’s designs also take care of interior climate functions, e.g. with highly complex glazing, integral ventilation flaps, movable louvres to redirect the incoming light or movable photovoltaic panels. On request, seele can also integrate lighting, heating, fire detection systems, drainage installations and moving elements plus their drive mechanisms.
Ideas for changing the world of architecture begin digital
Even the draft design phase can be called high-tech; steel glass designs are put together first as detailed, complex 3D models. The high level of engineering proficiency at seele serves to reduce the design radically to the minimum number of visible loadbearing members. Early stages of the design work involve combining forms, structural systems and materials to solve the client’s structural, architectural and aesthetic requirements in the best possible way. Parameterised data can be used to simulate scenarios and hence plan long spans without intervening columns.
Double glass façades by seele
seele can also supply bespoke solutions for double-leaf façades. One very good example is the hybrid double glass façade that was specially developed for the European Central Bank, which has three façade layers so the interior can be ventilated directly from outside. Opening elements are integrated into the outer façade in such a way that they do not disturb the purist lines of the façade. The advantages of the double skin over the single skin are better sound insulation and better thermal performance. In addition, there are benefits at very windy locations and sunshades can be incorporated in the cavity.
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