Modular construction is on the rise

Innovative shading solutions add value to buildings

In contemporary architecture and facade construction, solar shading plays a crucial role. Durability, energy efficiency and comfort are central to this. Warema, a renowned German manufacturer of high-quality sun protection systems, has occupied a leading position within this field for many years. Their wide range of innovative sun protection solutions not only add value to the functionality of buildings, but also enhance their aesthetic value.

Founded in 1955 as a small family business, Germany's Warema then grew into the renowned sun protection manufacturer it is today, with global sales of 750 million euros and 5,500 employees at sites in the Benelux countries, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France and Italy. Over the years, the company has also increasingly become a defining player within architecture and facade construction. 

BENG requirements

Warema plays a particularly prominent role in sustainable and climate-adaptive construction projects. Architects increasingly see solar shading as an integral part of façade designs that harness passive solar energy and prevent overheating. Warema's smart solutions help achieve high scores within sustainability labels such as BREEAM and LEED. "Also in view of the BENG requirements - for Nearly Energy Neutral Building - we are very much concerned with CO2 reduction," says Roelof Rozema, Managing Director of Warema Benelux BV. "For example, we support architects in making BENG calculations to reduce BENG 1 with the help of solar shading. For example, on hot summer days, exterior blinds can keep out much of the sun's heat, significantly reducing a building's cooling load and improving the indoor climate." 

Solar sun protection

A sustainable solution that Warema is also increasingly focusing on is that of solar awnings, in which integrated solar panels generate electricity. "Ideal for situations where no external power supply is available and also energy-saving," says Rozema. "Because no wiring is required, our SolarKits for roller shutters, outdoor blinds and screens are easy to install and therefore also well suited for renovation projects or monumental buildings." 

One of Warema's innovations to prevent buildings from overheating is a curtain wall construction with integrated shading, in the form of a screen or exterior blind. "After all, you can't hang separate sun protection products on a curtain wall, which is why they are integrated into it," Rozema explains. "This type of custom modular solution, which we at Warema are increasingly capitalizing on, fits perfectly into the current trend of modular construction. In this construction method, which is on the rise especially in our German eastern neighbors, building elements - including, for example, curtain walls - are prefabricated in the factory hall and only assembled on the construction site according to the modular principle. In this way, we have already contributed to numerous modular construction projects with our integrated shading solutions." 

Rozema expects modular construction to become increasingly important in the Netherlands as well, especially in inner-city construction projects. "Because with the advent of zero-emission zones, many inner-city construction projects will need to limit the number of logistical movements as much as possible. A modular construction method then offers a solution." 

Aesthetic

Thanks to an extensive choice of materials, colors and designs, Warema architects also have much to offer aesthetically. Its shading solutions can be seamlessly integrated into both modern and classic façade designs. Warema's systems allow facades to be visually interesting without compromising functionality. "This enables architects to create distinctive designs that are not only technically advanced but also visually convincing," Rozema says.

This much is clear: contemporary shading solutions from Warema are much more than a facade accessory, but an integral part of a building design. Thanks to its innovative products, Warema offers architects not only practical solutions but also new opportunities to make buildings more sustainable, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.