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European market leader De Ceuster Meststoffen (DCM) produces organic fertilizers based on residual streams from the food industry. This sustainable approach translates into their new low-energy headquarters in Grobbendonk (BE). All contemporary techniques of sustainable building are integrated: concrete core activation, solar panels, thorough insulation and architectural shading. The perfect combination of functionality and design of the DucoSun Wing louvers convinced both the client and the firm of Schellen Architects.
Dynamism in design and finish; that's what DCM's headquarters exudes. The triangular building with an area of 2,800 m² makes maximum use of the shape of the plot. In addition, the design responds to the southwest orientation and the relief present. The building is, as it were, embedded in a slope and therefore anchored in its surroundings. The main role in this story is the relationship between inside and outside, with much attention to plants and nature in itself. Logical, given that DCM is active in the horticultural sector.
This project not only houses the central services, but also serves as a conference center. A task that architect Reginald Schellen looks back on with pleasure: "The ideal symbiosis between the building and its surroundings makes this project truly unique. The building is embedded in nature so it reflects the company's green philosophy."
"The south-facing glass facade and central terrace allow a sea of light into the building," Schellen continued. "The glass facades also connect to the greenery, hills, water feature and plantings. Glass facades that are sun-oriented easily allow the interior space to overheat during hot, sunny periods. In an energy-efficient office building, the trick is to bring in lots of light during the winter, but to keep the solar heat out during the summer."
"To prevent the summer sun from becoming the enemy of home comfort, structural exterior sun protection is indispensable," Schellen emphasizes. "Hence the choice of the uniquely shaped slats DucoSun Wing. We know from experience with other offices that it is best to place the slats horizontally on a south-facing facade because the sun is high. The architectural added value of the slats on the spacious south facade cannot be underestimated. Both financially and technically, Duco came out of the comparison as the best. Just think of the specific shape and suspension of the slats. Together we searched for the ideal warm color."
"The DucoSun Wing is perforated, providing perfect harmony between sun protection and shading," says Pieter Decat, technical-commercial consultant. "The wing-shaped slat has an urban design and can rotate with the sun, allowing the incidence of light to be controlled. This offers the possibility for more atmosphere in the room. The position of the slats can be controlled almost infinitely. In this way, there is no annoying incidence of light on the work floor, no matter how the sun shines in. The structural blinds at DCM not only efficiently shield the sun's rays, they also guarantee a drop in the average indoor temperature to 12% in the fight against overheating." Schellen concludes, "This is a project we can be justifiably proud of."
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