The benefits of natural light and how to achieve it in your factory

Posted by Paul Langford on 31/01/17 13:00

Studies have shown that exposure to natural light can dramatically increase mental alertness, productivity and psychological well-being.  

In addition, optimising the use of daylight can lead to significant energy savings. These are all compelling reasons to incorporate good day lighting in the design of your factory, but how do you achieve this?

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Topics: Productivity, Energy saving, Solar Shading

Green micro-algae façade becomes reality in Hamburg

Posted by Paul Compton on 27/03/13 12:21

Last September we wrote about a project to develop a bioreactive façade using micro-algae: this is now a reality at the BIQ house, the world’s first pilot project to showcase a bioreactive façade at the International Building Exhibition (IBA) in Hamburg.

From theory to practice: the micro-algae façade is in place

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Topics: Energy saving, sustainability, Solar Shading

How micro-algae can help create green buildings

Posted by Paul Compton on 20/09/12 09:56

How long will it be until buildings consume no energy? Judging by a current project in Germany, it won’t be long at all. As part of the development of the BIQ House for the International Building Exhibition (IBA) in Hamburg, micro-algae are being used to create a so-called bio-adaptive facade. Such a system will provide both solar shading and generate renewable energy using a novel application of an established technology.  

How does the technology work?

The bio-adaptive facade comprises bio-reactors filled with live micro-algae. When the sun shines more strongly, the algae grow at a faster rate, which in turn provides more shading for the building. Thus photosynthesis enables the facade to react dynamically to changes in solar intensity.

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Topics: Energy saving, sustainability, Solar Shading