World's Largest Installation of Curved Electrochromic Glass
When the Swedish Boverket builds its new headquarters in Karlskrona, they have literally not been cutting corners. The innovative design of the signature building features large glass sections with rounded edges – something that would prove to be somewhat of a challenge. With specially built glass cassettes equipped with an electrochromic foil, the Swedish prop-tech company ChromoGenics has tailored a world-unique solution for the project.
Situated right at the harbour inlet, the new property will stand as a new landmark in Karlskrona's already UNESCO-protected world heritage city. Aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability have been the guiding principles for the unique design created by the architectural firm Sandell Sandberg. Inspiration is drawn from the rounded shapes of "Blekinge-ekan" the signature boat of the shipyard city, giving rise to the curved, harmonious corners characterising the building.
- We are creating a new landmark in the city, a lighthouse that even people outside Karlskrona will associate with positive values. Internally, the office is built around a well of light that provides an overview, drives movement, and generates creative meetings – an open and flexible office where all spaces have access to natural light and beautiful views, says Thomas Sandell, Founder and Head architect at Sandell Sandberg.
Being able to design freely is something all architects dream of. However, what is technically feasible is another matter. Buildings with curved corners are nothing new, but succeeding with the latest technology in electrochromic glass on this scale has probably never been done before. As a European leader in dynamic glass, the task fell on Swedish ChromoGenics to help solve the challenge, where Greger Gregard, CTO and head of R&D, immediately began to craft a unique solution.
- For this project, we have used our product ConverLight 65. It is an electrochromic film that adapts to solar loads, creating a better indoor environment, reducing energy consumption, and having a low CO2 footprint in manufacturing. Since the foil is laminated onto the glass, we can deliver it in almost any shape or curvature desired by the architect – true design freedom without any compromises, explains Greger Gregard, CTO at ChromoGenics.
The property is divided into four floors with a distinctive glass belt on the third floor, further emphasising the curved shape. On behalf of SKANSKA, the contractor UBA has been responsible for constructing the advanced facade. The installation has proceeded according to plan and is expected to be completed in autumn 2024.
"Working with such an advanced product as ConverLight is exciting. For a more seamless esthetic façade we have used Schüco Structural Glazing facade system together with a dynamic solar control and sound-insulated triple-glazed IGU. Each window is connected through a special port and receives a separate place in the building's control system. In terms of installation, it has not entailed any major difference from regular windows and the work has proceeded very smoothly"
Fredrik Liliedahl, CEO at UBA.
The project sets a new standard for future sustainable office properties and demonstrates how Swedish innovations like ConverLight can play a crucial role in reducing the environmental impact of the construction sector.