Hot technology and cool walls

Baumschlager Eberle Architekten designed the 2226 Emmenweid project in a historical industrial quarter in Emmenbrücke, Switzerland. The name comes from the structural engineering concept that generates a stable indoor temperature between 22 and 26 degrees Celsius using building techniques alone.

2226 Emmenweid. Brick Award 22 Category "Working together". Baumschlager Eberle Architekten. Photo of building — © René Dürr

Sophisticated brick technology

A pleasant temperature of 22 to 26 degrees Celsius in the office all year round without incurring extortionate electricity bills? Baumschlager Eberle Architekten have solved this conundrum by using sophisticated brick technology. The new building has a 560 m2 footprint and pale lime plaster. Its generous windows are set deep in the walls and give the façade a regular structure. A hipped roof without flush edges completes the appearance and emphasises the bulk of the building. A recessed section in the façade creates a striking horizontal line that establishes a relationship with the neighbouring buildings and references the previous building.

Thick bricks, perfect temperature

The architectural concept of the four-storey building is simple and designed to allow a wide variety of uses. The inner core contains stairs, sanitary facilities and kitchenettes. This is surrounded by a broad multipurpose area with no load-bearing partition walls that can be flexibly configured as needed. The wall structure regulates the indoor temperature.

The walls consist of two layers of bricks, each 36.5 cm thick; one as a load-bearing and insulating wall, the other as insulation alone. Unfilled large brick blocks were used. These provide efficient vapour diffusion and have a high thermal mass that stabilises the indoor climate without any need for heating or cooling systems. The exposed concrete ceilings also serve as thermal mass. The fact that no additional technology is needed makes the construction particularly durable.

Simple yet sustainable

The windows also contribute to the simple yet sustainable overall concept. Deep window reveals define the building’s distinctive external appearance and shade the interior. The window sills are made of precast concrete elements and form 2-cm deep troughs. Rainwater can collect here and evaporate, which should prevent rainwater damage. The ventilation system regulates the indoor fresh air content and humidity and is the only sensor-controlled component in the building.

In addition to its spatial and climatic qualities, 2226 Emmenweid demonstrates that innovative principles can be applied to commercial office construction, a philosophy that highlights the importance of constancy as we leave the era of mechanical building services behind us. The result is a building that will stand the test of time and provide a steady indoor climate around the clock and in all seasons.