Straight to the point with glass façades 18 March 2021

The KINDL – Centre for Contemporary Art has had an extension with a structural point façade developed in cooperation by fischer.

The new structural point façade developed in cooperation by fischer, GIP GLAZING GmbH and BGT Bischoff Glastechnik AG provided the basis for the façade. Glass blades were used as supporting structures. These are transparent reinforcing elements as vertical glass posts with extremely slender cross-sections and high rigidity.

They are unsupported and were installed from floor to ceiling. Combined with fischer’s minimalist Zykon glass point holder FZP-G, the use of these glass blades instead of metal posts creates a flowing, organic cubature. This technology makes the large-scale glazing appear to be a single transparent surface allowing a wide uninterrupted panoramic view across Berlin. The special undercut technology with corresponding drill holes in the glass means that the anchors are not penetrating the front side of the glass panel while securely and firmly fastening the glass elements to the supporting structure.

62 free-form elements (custom built) made out of laminated safety glass were used as glazing. The laminated glass was made out of two BI-Tensit model toughened glass types by BGT Bischoff Glastechnik. This fully thermally tempered glass is particularly resistant to impacts, blows and bending, as well as to thermal stress.

Old and new elements are combined with cunning ingenuity without dominating one another thanks to a sense of architectural awareness. Innovative façade technology makes the discreetly elegant and futuristic extension become a reality with its large format glass panel that is set before the brick wall like a second skin.

Claire Aldridge Deputy Editor t: +44 (0) 1727 743 889

Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.

Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.