'A BUILDING MUST BREATHE'

One of the founders, Herbert Holtgreife, had been working in the windows & facade industry for many years when, in 1983, he and his then business partner were looking for a new concept to make the facade industry energetically sustainable. And that led them to the idea of folding facades instead of sliding ones. Initially conceived for balconies. Thus, depending on the weather conditions, the folding parts could be flexibly opened or closed to use the balcony all year round. With the added advantage that the double facade acts as an insulation buffer and saves energy. 

FLEXIBLE GLASS FACADE OPENINGS

"The elaboration of the idea at the time has proven itself on many fronts and this thinking is super topical at the moment," said new branch manager Ivar Homma of Solarlux Nederland BV. "In the run-up to BENG, the construction industry is working on smart buildings with a healthy climate and energy-saving effect. As part of sustainable building, architecture is becoming more open and transparent. Passive solar energy is being used more and more and we have the perfect products for this. The large glass surfaces provide plenty of daylighting and the generous opening options allow for natural ventilation." 

Over the years, Solarlux has built up a high-profile product portfolio that includes many patents and has been awarded several Awards. Characteristic of the German family-owned company, they focus on concepts with large-scale, flexible glass facade openings. "In this niche market, we have already worked with world-renowned architects and big names in the Netherlands, such as Herman Hertzberger and Winny Maas of architecture firm MVRDV, architect of the sensational building The Valley on the Zuidas in Amsterdam. Our innovative strength is anchored in the open corporate culture, where we want to realize extraordinary concepts together with our building partners. Everything is customized and we deliver tested top quality, produced in the new state-of-the-art production halls in Melle (near Osnabrück D)."

EVOLUTION OF CITY LIFE

The evolution of city life involves working on concepts where people can live, work and enjoy city life. The Valley project is a good example where offices, culture, retail units, parking facilities and residential apartments come together. Smart and healthy buildings that can "breathe" and where design, functionality and sustainable quality are the starting points. Flexible, transparent facade openings provide plenty of daylight and fresh air, reducing the need for energy. Embedding lots of greenery enriches urban biodiversity. And another beautiful project with Solarlux folding walls on the Zuidas is The George building by Dok architects, nominated as residential building of the year. 

COMFORT OFFICE

Showing new energy-saving perspectives: that was also the starting point for the design of Solarlux Netherlands' new headquarters in 2010. In cooperation with TU Delft, a concept was developed that refrained as much as possible from technical climate control and artificial workplace lighting. The result is a building with a sustainable climate concept, characterized by transparency and openness. With the SL Co2mfort façade, the building meets the challenges of the office of the future, focusing on the user and reducing energy consumption and Co_² -emissions are minimized.

READY FOR THE FUTURE

Solarlux is convinced that with its product portfolio and know-how it is ready to meet the demands of modern building. The consultancy office in the Netherlands has all the knowledge to provide architects, property developers and construction companies with appropriate advice and construction guidance.