The atrium roof as an energy source

Daylighting and energy generation come together in LAB42 atrium

An extraordinary new building will be inaugurated on the Amsterdam Science Park in September 2022: LAB42. In this sustainable and circular 'hub', entrepreneurs, researchers and education work together on tomorrow's tech issues. Meeting, knowledge sharing and cross-pollination are stimulated in numerous ways. Both between scientists, students, business and social partners, creating a unique ecosystem for Artificial Intelligence and digital innovations. The new building of approximately 12,000 m2 provides space for a large number of teaching spaces, study areas, workplaces and research areas. Also special is the large atrium, which promotes mutual interaction and harmonizes daylighting and energy generation.

The new building came about through a collaboration between the UvA, the municipality of Amsterdam and the business community. The design is by Benthem Crouwel Architects, Strackee, Deerns, Copper8 and DGMR, while Visser Smit Bouw BV, Kropman Installatietechniek BV and Unica Building Projects were responsible for the execution. On behalf of this construction team, Kingspan Light + Air realized 32 identical glass roofs in penthouse form. "The 3-by-3-meter glass roofs feature three solar control windows, which provide effective daylight and heat regulation," says Koen Akkermans, Utility Project Manager at Kingspan Light + Air. "Where daylight can flow far into the atrium, solar heat is efficiently blocked. Thanks to a daylight penetration of 50% and a solar heat penetration of only ± 24%, substantial savings can be made on cooling." The fourth pane involves a building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) pane, where solar cells are installed between the glass panes, says Bart van Langen, Manager of Operations Projects at Kingspan Light + Air. "In one pane there are 36 cells, which together account for an installed capacity of 5,100 Wp. Under ideal weather conditions, an annual yield of 4,700 kWh is possible! With the combined glass solution, we make an important contribution to LAB42's BREEAM-NL 'Excellent' ambition. Moreover, the sustainable ambition is clearly visible to all building users."

32 glass roofs in four days

The steel structure of the atrium has been given modular dimensions and is fully demountable, says Akkermans. "Our glass roofs blend harmoniously with this. The custom glass roof structures were fully pre-assembled in advance at Kingspan light + Air Nederland's factory, after which they were transported to the Amsterdam Science Park ready-made and just-in-time. Because we were able to do the assembly of the solar control glass, BIPV windows and cover frames and the sealing of the glass frames in advance, the assembly time on site was reduced from ten glass roofs per week to eight glass roofs per day. This enabled us to assemble all 32 glass roofs in just four days. Then the BIPV windows only needed to be connected to the inverter."

High quality, short lead time

According to Van Langen, the biggest advantage of pre-assembly in the factory is the shorter lead time on construction. "Moreover, the builders can carry out their work unhindered." Akkermans: "The glass roofs for LAB42 were assembled under the best labor and climate conditions, ensuring high quality. Our fitters were also able to perform their work at ground level. Safe and unhindered by wind, rain, high or low temperatures. Thus LAB42's sustainable ambition has also been carried through to the shop floor."