Shadoglass louvre system - active glass louvres façade

Berlaymont, European Commission Headquarters, Brussels

Project location:

  • Brussels, Belgium

Project details:

  • Architects:
    Pierre Lalleman and Steven Beckers

Colt glass louvre systems at Berlaymont, European Commission Headquarters, Brussels

Colt provided approximately 20,000 m² of movable glass louvres for the Berlaymont building to provide solar shading, natural ventilation, reduction of external noise and protection from the elements.

Colt glass louvre system

This forms an active facade which responds to the changes in light intensity and temperature.

 
The active facade provides solar shading, natural ventilation and protection from the elements Detail of supporting structure

The glass louvre system not only reduces solar heat gain and therefore cooling loads, but also reduces glare whilst optimising the use of natural daylight, and also reduces the ingress of noise. In winter the louvres close thereby reducing heating bills. The primary energy consumption of the building was reduced to 218 kWh/m², 50% lower than a similar building as modelled.

 
The louvres track the sun An aesthetically pleasing result

Colt worked closely with the architects to create the impressive glass louvre façade. Colt provided not only the louvre system and supporting structure, but also the actuators and control system. 

Over 20,000m² of glass louvres