A rectangular atrium, 48 m long and 12 m wide, is covered by a glass roof. This is not just any atrium covering, but a bioclimatic glass roof that regulates the climate for an indoor garden. Here, people can meet, work, and relax in an environment where humans and nature thrive together.
Construction of the glass roof
The glass roof consists of arched trusses spanning 12 m. These trusses are placed every 6 m and connected by steel purlins. An aluminum grid is installed on top to support the double glazing.
Key features:
- The arched trusses are positioned 1 meter above the roof parapet. This space is filled with an automated glass louver façade for ventilation.
- Between the trusses, a shading system is installed, automatically controlled to provide the right level of shading for the barrel vault.
- An advanced climate control system manages the adjustable louvers and shading based on temperature, light, heat, and wind, ensuring a naturally regulated indoor climate.
We realized the curved metal supporting structure, fire-resistant coated, as well as the glazed vertical louvers on both sides, the water drainage system via gutters, and a lifeline for maintenance purposes. Additionally, we installed the solar shading system and climate control with integrated sensors.
A green lung for Willy Naessens
The Willy Naessens Group generates an annual turnover of approximately one billion euros. To support this growth, a new office building is being constructed at its headquarters in Wortegem-Petegem.
The existing office building no longer provides sufficient space, making expansion necessary. At the same time, Willy Naessens is committed to the greening of buildings. The new design integrates an indoor garden with real plants and mature native trees.
This indoor garden serves as the company’s green lung, a place where employees can meet informally, enjoy a coffee, and exchange ideas. Although the indoor garden is not part of the protected building volume, insulated glass was deliberately chosen. Thanks to a combination of natural ventilation and integrated solar shading, a comfortable and regulated indoor climate is achieved.
