Serge Ferrari: 'Case study of a dynamic facade with a unique atmosphere'

QoQa's headquarters in Bussigny, near Lausanne combines a modern working environment with high requirements in terms of energy efficiency and ecology. To support the energy concept, Soltis Veozip from the Serge Ferrari Group was chosen as the sun protection fabric. According to Key Account Manager Benelux Dirk Driessen of Serge Ferrari, it turns out to impress with its performance. "Even in the desired, very light color and by its transparency that helps increase the well-being of employees." 

Building

Due to lack of space, QoQa, an e-commerce company working with Swissroc SA and Arveron SA, built a new 9,000-square-meter building close to the Bussigny train station to create office space for its own employees and several partner companies. 

The original purpose of the building was to solve the rapidly growing company's lack of space and bring all administrative and logistics staff together in one location. At the same time, they wanted to redefine the concept of coworking by promoting interaction between the various SMEs and startups on the site. 

The building was designed according to the American model, with great attention to employee comfort. It houses a restaurant, a gym, recording and video studios and a health center. In addition, part of the roofs have been designed as roof terraces. 

The new building aims to be a kind of blueprint of Silicon Valley and, according to clients and designers, should be seen as a place of exchange, paying attention to the well-being of everyone who works there. Therefore, the central courtyard with relaxation zones is the heart of the concept. A metal staircase integrated into the exterior facade allows access from the different levels and terraces. The third and fourth floors have terraces that can be used for events. 

Modern energetic concept

The increased insulation of the facades, with an overall U-value of less than 0.75 W/m2K, is an important element of the building's energy concept. This allowed the use of a low-power heating system combined with geothermal probes and heat pumps. Screen sunshades that effectively block sunlight contribute substantially to the climate control concept, both on the outside with the ceiling-high windows, and on facades facing the courtyard. The goal was effective sun protection while maintaining good visibility to the outside. 

Veozip cloth for zipscreens

For the VSe zipscreens used by Schenker Storen, Soltis Veozip awning fabric by Serge Ferrari, which was specially developed for this purpose, was chosen. "It is manufactured using Smart Yarn technology, in which high-quality polyester yarns are coated with PVC and then woven," explains Dirk Driessen. "This fabric is technically perfect for zipscreens. Thanks to the integration of natural fibers, Veozip also has a beautiful textile appearance." 

"A major advantage of Soltis Veozip is that it always adapts perfectly to the screen system in which it is applied," Driessen continued. "Uneven forces and deformations, which inevitably occur with repeated use, are absorbed. Consequently, the screen fabrics always remain taut and no waves are created along the side guides or creases perpendicular to the running direction." 

Windproof

Because the building is located at the edge of the site and on a slope, it was essential that the sun protection system be highly wind-resistant. Thanks to the special weave structure and a specially developed and manufactured high-quality polyester thread, Driessen says Soltis Veozip is particularly suitable for wind-sensitive locations. "It meets the high requirements for zipscreens, such as uniform tension and absorption and stability under wind loads." 

Energy Efficiency

A particular advantage of this special fabric for Zip installations is that these fabrics are particularly effective at reducing solar energy across the entire color spectrum, even with light colors, says Driessen. In contrast to the cinnamon-colored banisters of the outdoor staircases, the light Macadamia shade was chosen from the extensive collection of fifteen colors. The thermal protection efficiency of the entire Soltis Veozip color range, including the light colors, is confirmed with a value of only 3% according to ISO standard 52022-3 (type D glazing - method 2). The Soltis Veozip fabric in Macadamia color blocks up to 97% of solar energy. 

Another important criterion in choosing Soltis Veozip for the project in Bussigny was visual comfort for employees. A closed awning did not have to give a confined feeling: a wide view of the surroundings and high light transmission had to be maintained. "Thanks to its exceptional transparency, Soltis Veozip guarantees an almost unlimited view of the surrounding landscape," says Driessen. "At the same time, the fabric provides protection against glare, important because of the many screen workstations in the building." 

Environment and safety

Finally, the decision-makers also considered safety and ecological certifications when choosing the screen cloth. Soltis Veozip contains no phthalates and is also certified with Greenguard Gold, making the product suitable for use in, for example, nurseries, hospitals or retirement homes. In addition, the fabric has the Swiss Eco-Bau label, allowing it to be used in ecological Minergie construction. Fire protection is also guaranteed, as the fabric is classified as B-s2,d0 according to Euroclass EN 13501-1.