Sun Control Window Film in Markthal | 3M

Markthal, a striking addition to the city of Rotterdam, was designed by architecture firm MVRDV in 2014. The building hybridizes residential and commercial programs, with shops, markets, and other public amenities located on the lower levels, topped by apartments on the upper floors. With a unique form, programmatic organization, and material applications, Markthal has become an iconic building in the heart of Rotterdam.

Design Concept

One of the primary goals of the architecture group MVRDV was to create a space that is simultaneously open to the public and private for the residents. Thus, the Markthal apartments are designed with outward-facing balconies for individual living spaces. While half of the apartments have windows toward the market, these are triple-glazed to prevent sound or smell transfer. For the communal sections, a striking glass facade with cable nets is implemented to allow access and light throughout the entire space.

Sustainable Features

Markthal prioritizes sustainability with passive systems which provide natural ventilation and lighting. For the extensive glass facade, one of the design issues revolved around ensuring comfortable interior temperatures without using excessive mechanical heating or cooling devices. To solve this, 3M™'s Sun Control Window Film was applied on the large glass facade to prevent uncomfortable heating in Rotterdam's climate.

Using an impressive 1,200 sq meters of film from 3M™'s Prestige Series was used to stabilize interior temperatures while allowing transparency and maintaining the facade's open feeling. The Sun Control Window Film provided the Markthal with various sustainable benefits including:

• Enhanced comfort and protection by reflecting 97% of infrared light and maintaining cool temperatures indoors
• Low interior and exterior reflectivity allows attractive views from both inside and outside
• Prestige Series Films are non-metalized to prevent corrosion from humidity and signal interference on electronic devices
• Significantly blocks UV rays
• Prestige Series Films can become carbon negative only six months after installation

Project Details