Automated Solar Façade Control from Somfy

Solutions for Bioclimatic Façades

Case Study: Queensland University of Technology
Science & Engineering Centre
Somfy's animeo KNX provided the perfect façade management system
for this project and is the first of its kind in Australia

Located next to the Brisbane River and the Botanic Gardens, QUT Gardens Point is Brisbane's inner-city university campus. The $230 million development of their Science and Engineering Centre has created a world-leading model for teaching and research in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The dynamic new centre was designed to dramatically re-engage both the community and students and houses more than 1,200 staff and students in the centre.

At the heart of the Science and Engineering Centre's redevelopment is The Cube, one of the world's largest digital interactive learning and display spaces. It soars across two levels and is designed to support interactive displays using advanced digital technology. Focusing on sustainable and secure infrastructure, the centre aims to reduce greenhouse emissions and energy consumption with integrated systems and sensor technologies. A perfect match for Somfy's range of façade control options for commercial buildings.

In keeping with the high level of technology used throughout the project, along with the goal of enhancing the occupant's thermal and visual comfort, a sophisticated system for a high performance façade was crucial. Somfy's animeo KNX provided the perfect façade management system for this project and is the first of its kind in Australia. The fully automated system is intuitive and provides simplified programming of all functions, including sun tracking. It also provides the option of manual override at a room level.