Construction update: Dynamic facade on Henning Larsen Architects' Kolding Campus

After winning first prize in a 2009 international competition, Henning Larsen Architects' Kolding Campus building for the University of Southern Denmark is full of sustainable features. One in particular is the recent construction of its facade, which is built with a solar shading system that maintains climate control throughout the day — and plus, the triangular shape of the solar shutters add a nifty-looking pattern for the structure.

Take a look at some construction images and read more about it below.

From Henning Larsen Architects' website:

"An innovative facade

The daylight changes and varies during the course of the day and year. Thus, Kolding Campus is fitted with dynamic solar shading, which adjusts to the specific climate conditions and user patterns and provides optimal daylight and a comfortable indoor climate spaces along the facade."

"The solar shading system consists of approx. 1,600 triangular shutters of perforated steel. They are mounted on the facade in a way which allows them to adjust to the changing daylight and desired inflow of light. When the shutters are closed, they lie flat along the facade, while they protrude from the facade when half-open or entirely open and provide the building with a very expressive appearance. The solar shading system is fitted with sensors which continuously measure light and heat levels and regulate the shutters mechanically by means of a small motor."

"The perforation of the huge shutters is a light, organic pattern of round holes, which provides a distinctive play in the facade on the outside as well as a dynamic play of light on the inside. The holes in the facade are designed and adapted to an opening angle of approx. 30 %. Engineers and architects have conducted analyses and calculations to establish this as the optimal opening angle in relation to the amount of light and energy let in and out of the building - while at the same time providing users with optimal views to the outside urban space."

"In the evening, the light from the inside will pour through the perforated pattern and make the facade appear more transparent. Passers-by or students on their way to or from the university will thus get an immediate sense of the interior activities of the campus. This interaction ensures a strong dialogue between the inner life of the building and the outside spectator."

Click here for more info.

Stay tuned for future updates on this project!

All images courtesy of Henning Larsen Architects.