Architects love steel façades for their slim profiles, high spans and robustness. Jansen AG has an impressive track record of iconic references worldwide. At the Future Façade ‘25 the Swiss system supplier will present a lesser known aspect of the system. It’s longevity and signature feature, the unique VISS groove. This fixing channel has never been changed since its introduction 55 years ago and therefore offers a unique possibility to upgrade the system to new standards.
This ability to adapt over time and change the performance level, has opened up new possibilities. Whatever the actual situation of the steel curtain wall system in a building, it will always offer upgrades on site, or a new use cycle after disassembly.
Jansen was challenged by architects and master students to find upgradable solutions for their existing projects. Driven by curiosity, Jansen accepted the challenge. This led to new insights, as the system is now fit for circular projects. As architects today design for reuse, a small connecting piece triggered them also: The universal T-Connector, designed to connect standard steel transoms and mullions, while maintaining the unique properties of the façade. The curtain wall becomes a very flexible, transformable and highly reversible façade and completely prepared for the next use cycles.
This is exactly what regulations (i.e. EU Taxonomy) and guidelines promote. Reuse, rather than recycle. In a society where “take, make, use and dispose” used to be the adagio, this is where steel and Jansen VISS curtain walls make a difference in controlling the carbon footprint. And when “Green Steel” will be used in their already “best in class” EPD’s for VISS, that will be the next game changer.
Photo 1 & 2 – Same steel facades profiles, different era.
