The Bundesministerium der Justiz (BMJ) is situated right in the centre of Berlin, adjacent to the Gendermenmarktes, one of the most attractive squares of the city. The Justice Ministry measures 117m x 77m and is spread over four separate buildings.

The project involved renovating three older buildings and providing two large atrium roofs, each with an integrated canopy of steel and glass. On this canopy has been installed a high quality solar shading system so as to control temperature and daylight levels within each atrium.

It took four years for the architect, engineering office and Colt International to agree to a common design. Colt provided three different initial options for the glazed solar shading system. A further investigation led to the decision to install a photovoltaic (PV) louvre system that has a multifunctional character: control of the temperature within the atrium, provision of pleasant levels of daylight and energy generation of electricity. The fact that the louvre elements are transparent also gives a feeling of well-being to those who are inside who can see the sun and the sky through the solar shading system.

The glass louvres are semi transparent, and deal with the problems with solar energy through the whole year.

Photovoltaic cells provide an added value solution by producing electrical power.

The louvre system has been controlled with absolute precision by an intelligent control system so that the louvres are always positioned towards the sun.

At the BMJ the glass louvres provide a highly transparent view to the outside with the potential to modify both daylight and solar heat gain levels. The high specification of the building demanded an atrium with high visual impact, and that has been achieved by this installation.

Owner: BMJ, The Justice Ministry, German Government
Architect: Eller & Eller
Detailed Planning: Schmidt Reuter Partner