Facts & Figures
| Location: | Berliner Spreeinsel, Germany |
| Architect: | Franco Stella |
| Client: | Humboldt Forum Foundation |
| Building type: | Public building, cultural and scientific centre |
| Completion: | 2021 |
| Window Manufacturers | a.o. WERTBAU GmbH, Langenwetzendorf |
Invisible window technology
The windows had to meet the optical requirements of the old palace façade from the 15th century. At the same time, they are equipped with state-of-the-art fire protection technology. So, the challenge was how to install chain drives, electric scissor stays and optical acoustic detectors in box windows up to six meters high, which open in an emergency to extract smoke, but whose technology should not be seen when closed?
The chain drives for the outer windows were integrated into the post in such a way that they are completely concealed when the window is closed. In addition, the SBS500 S electric scissor stays along with all visible mounting parts were not only supplied in the same RAL colours as the windows, but also with exactly the same gloss level.
Chain drives
Make the sashes move
First, the inner turn sashes open which are each moved by an SBS 500S electric scissor stay to an opening angle of almost 90°. Shortly thereafter, the outer turn sashes follow. These are turned by chain drives SKA20-600 in tandem version out to an opening angle of 45°.
Electric scissor stays & opto-acoustic detectors
Safety first
In order to be able to mount the electric scissor stays in the box, HAUTAU had to design special consoles and sash trestles. These require a special type of assembly so that the required ventilation cross-section is achieved. In combination with an additional locking drive for each inner sash, the required tightness and security requirements are met.
Opto-acoustic detectors (OAM) have also been integrated into the windows for anti-jam protection in accordance with the Machinery Directive.
Smoke-heat extraction systems
Smoke extraction
To control the motorised windows, a total of 53 smoke-heat-extraction module control panels were used in the company's own technical rooms. The skylight windows are controlled by a further 87 smoke & heat removal panels installed in floor tanks, which are used for smoke extraction after evacuation.
