The new "experience world" of the Allgäu-based building element dealer Linara in Kaufbeuren, a 100 percent subsidiary of the Solarlux Group, continues a series of architecturally high-quality industrial buildings of the group of companies. Following an administrative building for the Dutch branch in Nijverdal in 2010, the new construction of the Swiss subsidiary in 2012, and the Solarlux headquarters in Melle, Lower Saxony, in 2016, this is already the fourth new build that has been consistently realized with sustainability in mind.

As with the previous locations, this one is also intended to reflect an essential component of the corporate philosophy: transparency and openness to the outside world, combined with resource-efficient construction and optimal working conditions for the employees.

Taking ecological responsibility starts with open space planning – not a matter of course for industrial buildings in commercial areas close to cities, where the focus is usually on increasing productivity, efficient use of land, and keeping construction costs as low as possible. In Kaufbeuren, at the building element dealer Linara, a different approach was taken: The elongated structure, consisting of three clearly defined building sections for the showroom with office space, logistics hall, and workshop, which are grouped around a central staircase, follows the existing terrain and thus blends gently into the landscape.

For architect Dr. Peter Kuczia, the optimal effect of the PV modules was decisive for the design process, which could be achieved through the longitudinal orientation of the building from north to south. This way, the low sun on the west and east façades in the morning and evening optimally meets the building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). Since the modules are at an angle of 142 degrees to each other, the active PV area increases by another seven percent.

750 PV modules generate a total output of around 145 kWp on an area of 850 square meters. Moreover, the frameless, matte module panels protrude from the facade, making it appear visually shorter and at the same time more dynamic.

As an architectural feature, the building's shell in the office landscape is designed as a double-skin facade, which enables individual and manual control of the indoor climate.

The outer, uninsulated and the inner, highly thermally insulated glass levels form a walkable façade corridor. If both levels are completely closed, they offer maximum thermal insulation. At the same time, this shell acts as a solar-air collector. Architect Peter Kuczia on the concept developed by Solarlux: "Depending on the weather, employees can unfold the glass bi-folding doors inside and let the preheated fresh air flow into their workspaces. This is especially beneficial on colder days. At high outside temperatures, only the outer sliding-turning elements are fully opened. This avoids heat build-up."

The topics of transparency and openness also played an essential role in the large exhibition hall. Architect Peter Kuczia: "The Megaline glass folding wall system, which has been integrated into the mullion-transom facade on the south side, offers visitors a generous transition to the outdoor exhibits. The individual folding elements of the six-part system are an impressive 4.90 m high and 1 m wide. Nevertheless, they are easy to open and close."

Designed as an open and modern office landscape, the new build offers around 40 ergonomically designed workplaces on two floors with very good acoustics, natural ventilation, and plenty of daylight. In addition, there are retreat and communication zones as well as a cafeteria on the ground floor, which serves both as a meeting place for employees and the first point of contact for guests.