Breitenwang Community Centre

Against the impressive backdrop of the Alps, the community centre, designed by Barbist Architektur, also offers a public space, which does not compete with the traditional town centre around the church. Rather, it supplements the community by creating a secular town centre, offering Breitenwang a generously dimensioned, multi-use open space. Wood, stone, and window slats in the colours of the municipal coat of arms connect the building to the alpine location and the topography of Breitenwang. What is remarkable is the energetic conception of the building, which offers the employees an uncommon form of comfort, particularly on the ground floor. The transparency of the ground floor does not necessitate cold window areas or sun-heated interiors. Triple glazing keeps the interior surface of the glass from feeling cold – it’s almost room temperature. A total of 54 vertically placed louvres made of powder coated aluminium in front of the façade ensure that the interior space is comfortable. Measuring 2.80 metres high and 70 cm wide and with a biconvex shape, these louvres (Reynaers Brise Soleil 100) were made to the architect’s specifications. Sun protection, antiglare protection, daylight redirection, and burglary protection: the louvres fulfil a number of functions. It is worth mentioning that both automatic and manual operation can be achieved through a single control system, allowing the comfort level at the individual workplaces to be optimised. At any season or time of day, regardless of the weather, the system ensures the optimum values for heat regulation, shade, angle of light and degree of light. The twelve motors do more than just adjust the louvers according to the position of the sun, they position them so that the heat and light conditions in the interior are optimal. Every change in the exterior weather conditions is picked up by a weather sensor; based on its information the software automatically adjusts the louvres to the best position. The municipal employees appreciate the comfort this offers, especially because they can always change the position of the louvres using manual controls. After one hour the automatic controls are reactivated. During the weekend the façade is completely closed off, which also benefits security. The ability to redirect daylight significantly contributes to the comfortable atmosphere in the offices and semi-public spaces.