Just before the construction vacations, the new company building of Kusters Precision Parts, a supplier of high-quality precision mechanical components in a variety of metal and plastic types, was completed. The ultramodern building on Vorstengrafdonk industrial estate in Oss provides space for offices and production areas, including a multifunctional clean room for research, manufacturing and testing. On the outside, the new office section is entirely fitted with perforated metal facade panels, in combination with RGBW Wall Washers from Tronix Lighting. This stylishly extends the DNA of Kusters Precision Parts to the facade.
Responsible for the lighting in and around the new building is Van Santvoort Enovatieve Installaties, which also realized the power installations, burglar alarm, camera installation, data installation and access control system. Sustainability, technical lifespan and maintenance were expressly taken into account.
"The entire roof of the new building is equipped with PV panels," says Jos van Schijndel, general manager of Van Santvoort Enovative Installations. "In addition, EV charging stations have been installed on the site. All lighting in and around the new building is implemented in LED and is smartly switched by a KNX system. Thanks to an efficient linking of the access control system, alarm system and lighting, energy waste due to unnecessary lighting is prevented."
The aesthetic design for the new building was created by Elemans-Vedder Architectuur en Bouwtechniek BNA. "The architect designed an all-sided building with large glass areas and perforated metal facade panels, where RGB lighting was to provide an extra dimension," says Van Schijndel. "Because integrating the lighting into this design was very labor intensive, I asked if I could work out an alternative solution. I then approached Maarten Verbruggen, Managing Director of Tronix Lighting, with whom I have a very good and long relationship. I know that Tronix has the knowledge and skills to execute projects like this properly. Besides: together you get further and sharing is multiplying. In this project, this came to fruition perfectly."
In close cooperation with Tronix, the (interior) architect and the client, Van Santvoort Enovative Installations created a new design for the façade lighting. "It was very pleasant that at Tronix's location in Uden a test setup with a few facade panels could be placed, in which various fixtures, lenses, positions, reflections and backgrounds were tested at leisure. We examined how much energy is needed to get the right output, but also how many fixtures could be connected to one power supply."
Based on all tests, the Tronix RGBW Wall Washers, which can be switched in an infinite number of colors, Verbruggen explains. "Because the premises are located directly on the A59 freeway, the risk of glare had to be completely avoided. Not only the right lenses for the RGBW Wall Washers, but also lighting the facade elements from top to bottom contributes to this. An additional advantage of this position is that dirt and dust accumulate less on the fixtures. Moreover, the fixtures are even more resistant to moisture and rain. This makes a huge difference in lifespan and maintenance."
Following the lighting, the structure of the perforations was also optimized, in close cooperation with Burobas and VPT Versteeg. "We really looked for the very best result at the detail level, which could count on the respect of all parties involved. The result is a striking play of light and color that makes the building a real eye-catcher. At any time of day."
A total of 203 1-meter-long Tronix RGBW Wall Washers were incorporated into the façade panels, as well as 57 50-centimeter fixtures. The Wall Washers were supplied with two mounting brackets. Van Schijndel: "The back wall of the façade was engineered in such a way that all the fixtures could be fixed in exactly the right position. This, in combination with a sophisticated perforation and fastening of the façade panels, ensures an even light distribution. Pluggable connections enabled simple and fast connection of the lighting."
The Tronix RGBW Wall Washers each have 4 LEDs (Red, Green, Blue and White), with which any desired color can be mixed, says Verbruggen. "A universal DMX protocol was chosen to control the lighting, which Van Santvoort Enovatieve Installaties linked to the KNX building management system. By default, the installation burns at 25% of its power (at night: 20%). If desired, Kusters Precision Parts can easily switch the lighting per layer, which means that an optimal lighting effect, minimal light pollution and minimal energy consumption go perfectly hand in hand."
SHEET OF PROJECT
Client: Kusters Precision Parts
Architect: Elemans-Vedder Architecture and Construction Technology BNA
Façade design: Burobas
Metal cladding: VPT Versteeg
E-installer: Van Santvoort Enovative Installations
Façade lighting: Tronix Lighting