The rapid growth of cities conceals many challenges which not only open up the urbanisation megatrend, but also new perspectives. In the second part of this series, we take a look at the urban life of the future which unities the potentials of nature and technology, for example, green facades improve air quality and regulate temperature, whilst smart buildings generate energy. The higher quality-of-life in cities is also expressed in the emotional quality of the buildings. With the colourful PRISMO und artCOLOR surface ranges, RHEINZINK is contributing to an urban, dynamic aesthetic which effectively complements the new green of the cities. However, absolutely in keeping with sustainability are also the various combination options of RHEINZINK titanium zinc with natural materials, such as wood or façade greening.
A feast for the eyes
Fresher and cooler air, new habitats for birds and insects, and a feast for the eyes – this is what a greener city can offer its inhabitants. One example of how well RHEINZINK titanium zinc harmonises with green is the Casa Hollywood, a residential building in Turin’s old town. The project developer wanted to not only combine unusual architecture with technical innovation, but also to create added value for the area in terms of construction culture. The architects were determined to use titanium zinc for the individual façade right from the beginning.
The south façade of the building is characterised by a large double-glazed area which floods the interior space with light whilst, at the same time, keeping noise out and ensuring that the rooms heat up less. Together with the highly-insulated north façade, the controlled ventilation system, including heat recovery, the solar thermal system for hot water production, and the use of rainwater for the green terraces, mean that the house has an average energy requirement of just under 30 kWh/m2 per year. Attractive, green and sustainable, the Casa Hollywood is a real, environmentally-friendly eye-catcher.
Colourful is beautiful
The RHEINZINK-PRISMO semi-transparent surface combines richness of colour with the naturalness of the material, whose zinc structure can be detected under the colour. Buildings thus attract attention and yet naturally still blend into their surroundings. A unique look is created which lives and depicts nature. In a harmonious combination with natural materials such as wood, RHEINZINK-PRISMO, in six impressive colours, lends every project that special something.
In addition, roofs and façades can be clad with RHEINZINK-artCOLOR in attractive colour compositions which convinces both visually and functionally convincing. The coloured accents liven up every building and give it a unique appearance. An example of this is the Mühlenwiesenzentrum in Bietigheim-Bissingen – this gleaming gold building stands out from its surroundings and can be seen, even from a distance, as a modern shopping centre due to its attractive metal façade. Over the glass entrance area, there is a dark façade which, in combination with the pearl-golden titanium zinc rhombi, creates an exciting contrast. UV-resistant and durable, thanks to a high-quality PVDF-coating, RHEINZINK-artCOLOR opens up contemporary and effective design possibilities for the city of tomorrow to architects, planners, craftsmen and building-owners.
