Controllable Shadoglass louvres
The Suva insurance company has constructed a striking new hospital, in the Swiss Canton of Valais, to the highest possible standards. Of particular importance for the design was that views of the surrounding mountains would be as completely unhindered as possible, whilst summer heat gains would also be kept to a minimum. In this mountain Canton there are great differences in temperature between day and night, in summer and winter, and the building's glass facade had to be able to respond to these changing weather conditions.
Colt provided 3,400 mē of controllable tinted glass louvre to meet these challenges. The louvre system is completely automated and responds effectively to changes in the weather. The function of the glass louvre is to regulate the internal temperature of the building, protecting it from the weather. However, the louvre has additionally enhanced the visual impact of the building. This has been achieved in dynamic fashion: as the louvre moves up and down the mood of the facade changes.
