With the Volksbank Forum newbuild in Wendlingen, Volksbank Mittlerer Neckar eG has worked together with architectural practice Muffler Architekten, main contractor Ed. Züblin AG and consulting company Drees & Sommer to create a prime example of sustainable and forward-thinking construction. A key element of the energy-efficient, low carbon building operation is the 900 m2 of Building integrated photovoltaics from Schüco.
| Type of Building | Districts and mixed use buildings |
| Product areas | Windows Doors Facades Fire and smoke protection BIPV |
| Schüco Systems | ERC 50 FWS 50.SI ADS 75 HD.HI ADS 50 FWS 50 BIPV |
| Features | New build Decarbonization Energy efficiency Fire protection Smoke protection |
| Location | Wendlingen am Neckar, Baden-Württemberg |
| Completion | 2024 |
| Architects | Ed. Züblin AG,Muffler Architekten |
| Specialist company | Siegfried Wölz Stahl- und Metallbau GmbH & Co. KG |
| Picture credits | © Brigida Gonzales / Muffler Architekten |
Thanks to around 400 integrated photovoltaic panels with a total output of 176 kWp, the building envelope of the three-part office complex acts as its own energy supplier. Combined with additional PV modules on the roof, the energy required for heating and cooling is almost completely covered by what the building itself produces. Under the German energy-saving regulations (EnEV), the electricity generated by the building can be subtracted from the calculated energy requirements, meaning the primary energy requirement is exceptionally low. This reduces operating costs and ensures low carbon emissions in the operating phase. The energy and sustainability concept developed by Drees & Sommer also stipulates the use of a geothermal energy system: heating and cooling is achieved with the help of a brine water heat pump, so that the newbuild meets the challenging energy-efficiency standards of a KfW Efficiency House 40.
“We supported the architects with the planning of the BIPV modules and supplied calculations of yields and an inverter layout, for example, to ensure optimal performance of the BIPV modules. The office complex can now be operated in summer with almost no need for external energy. A building equipped in such as way becomes its own energy supplier and makes a lasting contribution to a positive carbon footprint during operation.”
Marco Schech, Projektmanager BIPV bei Schüco
Volksbank Mittlerer Neckar has invested more than 80 million euros in their new administrative complex and they are hoping to use this newbuild to make a statement about sustainability. The BIPV modules make a significant contribution to this: those involved in the building project can expect an annual yield of approximately 167,600 kWh. However, the BIPV modules do much more than just generate energy. They fulfil several other important functions, including weather resistance, thermal insulation, sun shading and screening, sound reduction and protection against fire and break-ins. In this way, they also help the building to feel safer and more comfortable.
With its three distinctive structures, the multifunctional office building offers an innovative working environment. The usable spaces of the Volksbank are located in the four-storey and five-storey structures. Volksbank Mittlerer Neckar eG have brought all of the internal departments that were previously spread across eight different locations in the region together in one place. A section of the 18,370 square metre total floor area has been rented out. Office areas that have been rented externally are located in the eight-storey building structure, along with a police station.
