Automation in the company building

Large window façades were the biggest architectural challenge for the new Elsner building, situated in an exposed location with a view of forests and meadows on the edge of the Schwarzwald, the Black Forest. The task was to ensure that the beautiful surroundings would also be visible from the inside.

However, power consumption still had to be as low as possible.

The solution was achieved by using sun position and indoor temperature controlled shading, night-time re-cooling and smart temperature regulation.

The entire automation system in this building was implemented based on the KNX fieldbus system KNX control systems from Elsner Elektronik were mostly used, combined with systems and solutions from other manufacturers.

Media systems and safety and monitoring functionalities were also integrated besides the air-conditioning, air-handling and shading elements.

Automatic functions ensure efficient energy use. The central function is performed by the room controller Corlo Touch KNX that controls many A/C functions and offers high user convenience as the control unit in the different offices thanks to its touch-screen.

It is the smart user interface to the building and employees can use it to select the room temperature and other parameters. In the process, the ventilation and air-conditioning systems are well aligned. When a window is opened, the heating or cooling output is reduced to building-safeguard-mode.

Night-time ventilation through roof windows in the summer minimises the cooling load.

Presence detectors recognise whether people are present in toilets and corridors and control the lighting in an energy efficient manner.

The combined sensor Sewi KNX controls not only the room lighting based on light intensity and movement, but also reads the ambient climate data.

Via the Corlo Touch KNX display, or the switches in the same design, light is activated or dimmed individually in all offices.

Media systems in the conference rooms are also controlled on the display. The beamer, screen and sound can be controlled via the Corlo Mobile App on a smartphone or tablet.

The safety topic had an essential role in the design. Different scenarios such as fire and intrusion were taken into account.

For example, in the event of fire, smoke detectors start a safety program via the KNX fieldbus. It drives down the fire curtain in the gallery of the office complex, drives up all shutters and opens the access gates.

Appointed individuals then receive a phone all with a pre-recorded message.