-
Use
Facade -
Applications
Commercial building -
Characteristics
Natural lighting, energy efficient, durable, flame-retardant
3 General Catalogs
3 General Catalogs
To address the issue of craft businesses migrating from urban areas, the concept of Handwerkerhöfe (Craftsmen's Yards) was introduced in Schleswig-Holstein. These are collaborative spaces where small and medium-sized craft businesses work together in a modern workshop center. The latest implementation of this concept can be seen in Wedel, where the third such facility has been successfully established.
Project Implementation
The hallmark of these buildings is their translucent facade, constructed using Rodeca's polycarbonate panels, specifically the PC 2550-10 model. These panels serve not only as a visually appealing and functional building envelope but also enhance the working environment by providing natural lighting, which helps integrate the interior and exterior spaces seamlessly.
![]() |
Innovative Building Elements: Two-Tone Light Construction Elements
The building envelope of the Handwerkerhöfe is composed of PC 2550-10 panels in the DuoColor variant. For consistency across all Handwerkerhöfe, a thermally separated profile with a high insertion depth was utilized, coated in RAL 7016 (anthracite gray). A total of 1,650 square meters of these light construction elements, each 50 millimeters thick and 495 millimeters wide, were installed.
The light construction elements by Rodeca consist of ten layers. The outer five layers feature an intelligent Heatbloc design, preventing heat build-up within the building. This allows daylight to penetrate while selectively reflecting and stopping IR heat rays, maintaining a cooler indoor climate and ensuring a pleasant year-round working environment.
The inner five layers are clear, offering a light transmission value of 48 percent. This ensures glare-free daylight inside and provides privacy from the outside. Additionally, the panels' excellent thermal insulation properties benefit building users. When installed vertically, the panels achieve a thermal transmittance coefficient of U = 0.90 watts per square meter per Kelvin. According to the European standard DIN EN 13501, these light construction elements are flame-retardant, with polycarbonate's ignition temperature around 450 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, the coextruded UV protection applied during manufacturing ensures the facade's durability against weather conditions.
Impact and Benefits
The translucent facade has proven to be a critical element in the success of the Handwerkerhöfe in Wedel. By providing natural lighting, efficient thermal regulation, and energy savings, the facade creates a superior working environment that attracts and retains craft businesses in urban areas. This innovative solution helps maintain the presence of skilled trades in cities, fostering a vibrant and sustainable community.
Product