IMBA in Vienna renovates for improved energy usage with EControl dimmable glass

The dimmable solar control glass from EControl-Glas (Plauen, Germany) provides shading without stopping all the daylight from entering the building. And with solar factors below 10%, it also effectively protects against overheating in summer. It is equally suitable for new buildings and for (energetic) building renovation. In 2015, research institute IMBA in Vienna decided to exchange the single-pane glazing of the south façade for the dimmable glass ECONTROL (insulation glass type 45/8).

Large window fronts and all-glass façades offer impressive views and light-flooded spaces, thus increasing the occupants' feeling of well-being.

Fact File:
Project:	IMBA Institute for Molecular Biotechnology, Vienna
Metalwork:	Ing. A. Sauritsching Alu-Stahl-Glas GmbH, Industriestrasse 2, 9300 St. Veit / Glan, Austria
Overall design:	ATP architects and engineers, Vienna
Product:	Econtrol type smart® 45/8
Area:	approx. 770 sqm
Photographer:	Kurt Kaball

The disadvantage of large areas of glass: the solar energy input is often so high that, despite standard solar control glass, additional mechanical shades are needed to prevent the rooms from overheating. But then external or venetian blinds block the view.

EControl for pleasant room temperatures

The disadvantages of summer overheating were familiar to employees of IIMBA, the Vienna-based institute for molecular biotechnology. Behind the single-pane glass frontage of the building's south façade, the rooms became so hot in summer that concentrating on work became impossible. There was no way of shading the area, and in winter, the single glazing offered little insulation. So in 2015, around 10 years after the building was constructed, it was time for the façade to undergo energy efficiency renovation. The goal here was to retain the glass atrium, and thus the view of the outside. The planning for the renovation was done by architects from ATP Vienna.

A 770 sqm dimmable glass ECONTROL smart was chosen as it can either admit warming solar energy to the inside, or block it out depending on requirements and weather conditions. Its triple-glazed construction allows variation of daylight transmission between 45% (undimmed) and 9% (dimmed), so that adequate daylight is admitted to the building at all times. In winter, the very good solar factor (0.5 W/m2K in triple-glazed construction) prevents loss of heat, therefore, ensuring pleasant indoor conditions all year round.