Schüco is making waves with a truly unique system solution. In the Middle East, several buildings have already been constructed using the characteristic triangular glass panels. At Future Facade, Schüco is presenting the system solution specifically to the European market. “The possibilities are endless.”
Andreas Bitter, Head of Sales Grid2Shell at Schüco in Bielefeld, Germany, explains via Teams: “Grid2Shell is a self-supporting system consisting of glass panels measuring up to 3 x 3 x 3 meters, along with aluminum profiles and connectors (which we call ‘nodes’). This system allows for the creation of facades and skylights, which can also be integrated into a single ‘building skin’ in the form of a fully glazed morphed structure. By using aluminum instead of steel, the system remains lightweight yet strong. No additional ad on substructure is required, no separate insulating layer is needed, and no welded (hot works) connections are necessary. This makes assembly simple, fast and safe.”
Design Freedom
Schüco colleague Thomas Fruhmann, Schüco Brand Ambassador G2S, joins the conversation from his office in Dubai: “We have been selling this solution for about 4 years now and delivering more than 35000 m2. In that time, predominately in the Schüco Middle East region, some stunning structures have been built. The major advantage of this system is the absolute design freedom it offers architects. When you consider that we can achieve spans of up to 100 meters, you realize that we can create enormous structures and canopies. These are made up of many thousands of glass panels, connectors, and nodes.”
Examples
Fruhmann displays several impressive examples on-screen of projects in United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Egypt. “With this system solution, it is possible to cover large skylight areas of shopping malls, clad stadiums, or airports. But you can also use it on office buildings. If you replace some of the glass panels with textile or other materials, new applications emerge. The aluminum profiles and connectors can be powder-coated in any RAL color. This opens up possibilities for creative expressions and offers branding opportunities.”
Schüco Support
In addition to the physical product, the Grid2Shell system solution includes a range of support options. Assistance is available at all stages, from the earliest conceptual design to the final construction. According to Bitter and Fruhmann, this is crucial to fully realizing the system’s potential. Bitter explains: “Once an architect understands what is possible, their imagination is sparked. This leads to the most beautiful and unique designs. The panels can also be supplied in square, rectangular, or other shapes. Since a project consists of a vast number of components, we number them individually and supply an easy to read installation plan. Once they arrive on-site, the components fall in place like a ‘jigsaw puzzle’ during assembly.”
Bringing a Mock-up
Bitter and Fruhmann are looking forward to Future Facade. Bitter states, “In Europe, our system is not yet widely known, so we are excited to have the opportunity to talk about it and showcase it. We are bringing a so-called ‘mock-up,’ a model that gives visitors an idea of the product. When we explain how the system works and show photos of completed projects, people understand what this system can do. But when they can see and touch the material themselves, it becomes even more tangible. That’s why we are setting up this XL model at our stand.”
Reserve Your Ticket
Are you an architect, engineer, facade builder, or otherwise professionally involved in the facade construction sector? Visit Future Facade, where groundbreaking solutions, innovative insights, and best practices take center stage. Future Facade will take place on Wednesday, the 7th of May, and Thursday, the 8th of May, at the Royal Jaarbeurs in Utrecht. Tickets are available at www.future-facade.com.
