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MAGYAR
POLSKI |
“Only a person who constantly changes remains true to himself” was one pearl of wisdom that Confucius bestowed on us. There is no philosophy which better suits the “dancing” façade of the Kiefer Technic showroom in Bad Gleichenberg, Austria. Changes are the most important element of this congenial construction!
If you were going to visit the Kiefer Technic company for just the second time, there is a distinct possibility that you would simply drive right on by – the appearance of the showroom façade can really change that much. But it is precisely this which makes it so interesting, as you will probably also discover something new on the inside. Kiefer Technic has dedicated itself to the high quality processing of stainless steel for functional areas, which are used in hospitals and pharmaceutical companies and thus have the most exacting of hygienic standards. The requirement couldn’t be higher as their aim is to offer the best products on the market. It is thus not so surprising that the new showroom on the plant site should reflect the same high-end quality. This was the moment when the Graz architect Ernst Giselbrecht appeared on the scene. More room for the presentation of the product range together with a high flexibility vis-à-vis the showroom space was the challenge he faced. The innovative strength of the company was also to be expressed in the design –“It was a challenge”, remembers Ernst Giselbrecht. “We found the solution in a polygonal glass façade, on which we secured stainless steel struts with vertical rails. The electric drive motors located in these move the perforated aluminium cassettes, which were also powder-coated afterwards, infinitely variably in three dimensions. The round perforation allows for a panoramic view of the park even when the façade is closed. The best lighting conditions thus always exist for the showroom.”
A world first, which fulfils all the requirements in terms of weather and wind resistance as well as fire and sun protection. Furthermore, it gives the overall architecture a rather poetic character.
“The origami character of the façade”, says Ernst Giselbrecht, “was developed well in advance. By means of computer animation and the construction of a prototype, we were able to carry out testing up to wind speeds of 100 km/h. In addition, we carried out load tests which simulated 20 years of operation. We thus know today how reliably the motors will work in the future, and this without bothersome noises. During construction, we were also able to take advantage of the fact that Kiefer Technic www.kiefertechnic.at produced the required components. The uncompromising high quality standard of the company solved every technical problem. To produce a form of sun protection with the filigree lightness of origami paper is, at the end of the day, no small feat.”
For Astrid Kiefer of Kiefer Technic and Ernst Giselbrecht, the adventure was well worth it. The showroom won the International Architecture Award 2008 for “Buildings, which show the way for future design” as well as the ZT Award 2009 (Civil Engineering Award) for innovative planning. To be in a constant state of flux and still remain true to oneself seems to be a worthwhile approach for extraordinary architecture.
You can also enjoy the dancing façade online at www.youtube.com – search term: Giselbrecht or Kiefer Technic.
