Green technology for the blue planet

Schüco is a worldwide leader for energy-efficient buildings, driven by the company’s competence in solar and façade technology combined with willingness to take responsibility for the environment. Julia Snow reports on the most recent developments.

Founded in 1951, Schüco is today Europe’s largest system supplier of doors, windows and façades. Operating with 5000 employees and 12,000 partner companies in 78 countries, the company has its global headquarters in Bielefeld, Germany and realised a turnover of €2.38 billion in 2010. A wide range of tailored solutions is provided for all market sectors – from private homes to commercial and industrial projects.

In spite of a drop of more than 50 per cent in the company’s core window business in Germany between 1996 and 2005, Schüco managed to increase turnover and growth, thanks to the right strategy. A solar department, founded in 1999, quickly developed into a core strength. Schüco was also first in its field to go global, targeting customised products towards various international markets. Today’s export share stands at 47.8 per cent, a testimony to the company’s product quality and marketing prowess. Thirdly, Schüco was not content with aiming for the ‘best windows in the world’, but developed other market leading products, like sun protection products or windows with integrated motors such as the TipTronic.

Reinvention as energy experts

It is not an exaggeration to say that Schüco has ‘reinvented’ itself, extending its expertise from simple building components for windows and doors to a full ‘building envelope specialist’ and leading developer of comprehensive systems for solar power and solar heating. Schüco’s window and façade systems not only save energy owing to their optimum thermal insulation, but also generate energy thanks to efficient solar solutions. The excess energy can then be used intelligently, for building functions as well as for everyday life. The result is a significant step towards energy selfsufficiency and the sustainable conservation of natural resources.

Up to date product portfolio

Schüco offers solar thermal and heat pumps for domestic hot water, as well as heating and photovoltaic installations that can make a clean and efficient power station out of every building. Whether it is for private homes, commer-

cial and industrial projects, or ground-mounted installations, Schüco offers solutions that combine technological expertise with a sense of responsibility.

The new generation of windows, Schüco AWS (Aluminum Window System), is a system that meets the highest standards in thermal insulation and integrated ventilation. Narrow face widths and concealed fittings are designfriendly and also offer a resistance to break-in of up to WK3, monitoring of opening and closing, and convenient integration within the building management system.

Doors must meet the highest requirements for thermal insulation, security, functionality, design and comfort, all of which the new Schüco ADS (Aluminum Door System) has achieved. With the benefit of excellent insulation values this system is easily integrated into the building automation system, by either biometric access control or video surveillance.

Impressive façades give buildings an unmistakable character. Today, energy-saving features are increasingly in demand, along with the need to harmonise technological and architectural requirements. Comprehensive, modular aluminum systems allow architects, developers and fabricators to achieve the highest standards of energy efficiency, security, automation and design – from mullion/ transom façades, steel and timber add-on constructions, through to structural glazing and unitised façades.

With the new Schüco ProSol TF façade module, the company has passed a milestone in the development of integrated solar modules. It achieves the highest standards in design and boasts an innovative combination of photovoltaic thin-film technology with

tried-and-tested Schüco window and façade systems. The result is extraordinary solar architecture, which sets new standards in terms of efficiency and design.

More news from 2012

Schüco impressed this year’s international jury of experts with the 2° System and the Schüco Door Control System (DCS), both of which won the red dot: design award. The new Schüco ASS 77 PD.SI sliding system was awarded the red dot: best of the best – the highest accolade from the largest design competition in the world.

Earlier in 2012, the company also launched a new generation of profiles for the conservation of historical buildings: slimline steel profiles with a profile chamber of just 10 mm. The thermally insulated Janisol Arte profiles are perfect for renovation projects in the industrial and loft glazing sector. These new profiles create a fine-lined framework around the glazing, as is characteristic of 20th century factory buildings.

Recently, Schüco’s E2 façade special construction with CTB high-performance solar shading was used in the prestigious new Brillux offices building in Muenster, Germany. Designed by Vervoorts & Schindler Architects, the tower dominates with a solid black façade, which intelligently combines the building services with the building envelope using the modules for decentralised ventilation technology, high performance solar shading and solar energy generation.

High global profile

Schüco underpins its high global profile by attending relevant international trade fairs and by sponsoring events like the Schüco Open, a high profile invitational golf tournament in July, as well as supporting local soccer team Arminia Bielefeld.

According to its mission statement, Schüco aims to provide the link between climate protection and commercial success – and it looks like one is leading to the other very nicely for the company. n