The Renson fabric Topfix VMS sun protection system is the perfect complement to Velux modular skylights. The skylights on shed roofs, gable roofs and atriums, which have been available since 2013, constitute a new product range for the roof window specialist. As project partner, Renson geared its Topfix system to the control protocol of the Velux building management system and developed special mounting brackets for it, so that the system could be constructed in a high quality fashion.
Light solution with that little bit more The new modular skylights were used in the conversion of a warehouse into a modern loft office in Detmold. As well as the exceptional design and the innovative fitting out of the loft, the most modern technology was chosen for the essential aspect of light ingress and the overall lighting within the building. In doing so, architect Andre Rohde of Detmold opted not only for a new glass façade over the entire surface, but above all, also included sky-lights for optimal lighting of the new office areas. The client for this project, which is worth millions, is the Wortmann-Gruppe of Detmold, one of the largest shoe manufacturers in Europe, especially with its brand Tamaris. Due to the continued growth of the company, office space had been increasingly limited in recent years, which led to the decision to convert the former warehouse into a representative office complex with 174 workstations. This architectural concept is unparalleled in this region and was therefore put forward as an outstanding reference for successful conversion projects.
In an effort to preserve the original features and charm of the old storage area as much as possible, the undecorated ceilings, the ventilation ducts and the steel beams and supports were retained. These create striking accents in the modern overall picture. The key element in the innovative loft, however, is the interior architectural concept, which is based on grandeur, communication and creativity. Rohde had a total of 18 skylights built into the roof and due to the weight of these elements, the roof construction had to be strengthened. Because of the additional built-in double-T steel beams, the total skylight area came to be 65 cm higher, which created a pleasant height and a loft-like atmosphere in the galleries on the second floor of the building. In addition to this, the modern office landscape is characterised by glass balustrades and modular communication zones, which serve as meeting rooms. The acoustic trapezoidal plates and the floor rugs also assist in providing excellent acoustics in the building.
Neutral colour and not blinding With such significant daylight infiltration, profes-sional sun protection for the large skylights was of the utmost importance – particularly as a large number of workplaces with monitors would be installed directly under the skylights. However attractive the direct view of the sky may be, distracting reflections in the monitors were to be avoided at all costs. Together with its commercial partner, Helioswerken of Hedern in Lower Saxony, Renson therefore recommended a suitable material that could be used for the sun protection. The polyester fabric Soltis S92-2046 aluminium/silk colour guarantees a clear and mostly neutral coloured sun protection with a fabric surface that can be closed to 92%. On the other hand, it is a fact that this material allows barely 8% of the sunlight to pass through it. This fabric has a light appearance, but at the same time provides suitable protection. With its impressive G-value of only 0.07, this pleasantly translucent, externally fitted sun protection limits energy ingress by way of the skylights to only 8% of the original value, which means that this solution also provides excellent protection from heat in the summer.
Resistant to hurricanes and aesthetic A central feature of the externally fitted Top-fix sun protection with Zip-technology and fabric tension system is the fact that this solution, in any position and at any angle of inclination of the roof surface (from 0 to 90°), can withstand wind speeds of up to 120 km/hr, so this solution can also resist the force of hurricanes. The requirements of EN 13561 in connection with the performance and safety features of sun screens (wind resistance class 3) are easily exceeded, so that the tearing loose of screens is a thing of the past. In this material, high strength and outstanding aesthetic qualities are perfectly combined. The narrow screen cassette, the aluminium guiding system and mounting supports are both technically and optically geared to the Velux modular skylight system and are also visually pleasing.
The automatic monitoring system for the position of the sun is linked with the integrated SHEV system in the new offices in Detmold and by and large operates autonomously. Before the sun can cause a nuisance, the screens are placed in a position where they provide optimal protection. After the successful conversion, the client was able to receive its first visitors to the new loft offices with a great deal of pride.
