The HiLo unit on the NEST building of ETH Zurich demonstrates an innovative façade concept that combines lightweight construction, adaptive solar technology and precisely executed fire protection solutions. Tailor-made CONTRAFLAM 30 CLIMATOP triple glazing ensures reliable protection where it is required due to the proximity to the building, while at the same time supporting the project goal of demonstrating "High Performance-Low Emissions" in practice.
Project Overview
HiLo is an experimental building module that exemplifies future façade solutions: lightweight construction, adaptive solar technology and technically sophisticated fire protection combine to form a high-performance overall system. As part of ETH Zurich's NEST research platform, the project shows how high safety requirements and ecological responsibility can be seamlessly combined.
The façade consists of individually manufactured CONTRAFLAM 30 CLIMATOP elements, which have been precisely adapted to the curved roofline and the special geometries of the lightweight construction.
Due to the small distances to surrounding components of the NEST platform, EI 30 glazing was integrated into the façade surfaces to ensure safe compartmentalization and compliance with fire protection requirements.
The triple structure provides excellent thermal properties while preserving views, transparency and daylight, crucial for a research-driven environment with a focus on energy-efficient comfort.
HiLo consistently follows the principle of "High Performance – Low Emissions". The combination of material-efficient lightweight construction, intelligent building technology and adaptive solar façade significantly reduces energy requirements and emissions. Dynamically tintable SageGlass serves as sun and heat protection, while fire-resistant glazing is only used where it is structurally necessary, for minimal material and operating loads. Thanks to their multifunctionality, the fire-resistant glazing used can be supplemented with further performance features such as energy efficiency, comfort or safety functions.
Zentrale Vorteile auf einen Blick
- Custom-made fire-resistant glazing for complex and curved façade geometries
- Reliable EI30Fire protection with small building distances and high architectural freedom
- Excellent thermal insulation with full transparency thanks to triple glazing
- "High Performance – Low Emissions" concept through material-efficient lightweight construction and adaptive solar technology
Multifunctional solution that combines safety, energy efficiency and comfort
