A. Lange & Söhne Watch Manufactory, Glashütte, Germany

Object Type
Production

Client
A. Lange & Söhne Manufaktur, Glashütte

Architects
jessen + vollenweider Architektur, Basel

Completion
2015

Expertises
Thermal Insulation & Energy Performance Calculation
Sound Isolation
Construction Dynamics

When it was inaugurated in 2015, the new A. Lange & Söhne manufacturing building in Glashütte was expressly highlighted as a model project for sustainability and energy-efficient construction. A central component of this resource-saving energy concept is Saxony's largest geothermal plant with a total of 55 geothermal probes, which is used to both heat and cool the building. According to the operator, this plant covers the heating and cooling requirements of the new building with geothermal energy, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to conventional systems.

The layout of the building is based on the very different requirements: while the watchmaker's studios need quiet, precise lighting conditions, and clean indoor air, the production and machine areas require higher technical and often noisier conditions. During the planning stage, attention was therefore paid to clear functional zoning. The double facade — especially in front of the workshops — provides a thermal buffer zone against the outside climate and at the same time improves acoustic protection from the railway line, which runs directly in front of the building. Similarly, reports on the building mention “excellent air conditioning” provided by the facade, which encompasses both climate control and indoor air quality.

Image Copyright
1 Hans-Joachim Krumnow
2 Hans-Joachim Krumnow