Page 58 - Between light and shade
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between light and shade, TRANSPARENCy and reflection
This means that the building is “near zero
energy” (NZE) 51 while being fitted with virtually
transparent glazing, as the energy saving made
on electric lighting is far above that which could
have been achieved with more thermally efficient
but less transparent glazing.
White fabric blinds on the inside of the enve-
lope complete the system for managing lumi-
nance 52 and luminous contrast.
At night, the closed louvre slats (as well as the
blinds, if required) create a white surface that
reflects the artificial interior lighting, making
it more comfortable for occupants and impro-
ving the energy balance, whilst also providing
sideways views of the outside world.
The result is so convincing that, when visiting
the building in 2015, Jan Piet and Dirk De Nul
themselves effectively adopted the louvre slats for
their second new headquarters in Aalst [01/571,
Fig. 54].
The louvre slats can also be opaque, but at
the expense of light transmission, if there is also
a need for shade in addition to sun protection.
This is the system earmarked for the renovation,
transformation and extension of the Maison de
51 The NZE (Nearly Zero Energy) rating equates to a building, the
energy consumption of which is almost zero, without taking
account of the energy needed by equipment associated with
human activity.
52 1000 to 4000 Cd/m² for a window, 70 to 80 Cd/m² for white
paper at 300 Lux.
58
