Green architecture that promotes an atmosphere of productivity and inspiration: at ATMOS, the name says it all. A generously glazed façade, room heights of up to 3.5 metres, landscaped inner courtyards and numerous communication zones ensure a high level of user comfort. Featuring innovative technology to conserve resources, the building meets 50% of its energy needs from renewable sources. ATMOS has been certified Silver by the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB).

Measures to reduce CO₂ emissions

• Use of regional materials (shorter distances for transportation)
• Building materials free of PVC/CFCs/solvents
• Use of renewable energy sources (geothermal system)
• Active use of daylight thanks to a high ratio of glazing in the heat-insulating façade with solar shading and directed daylight
• Innovative HVAC technology with component activation
• Natural ventilation possible
• Presence detectors and energy-saving light bulbs
• Water-saving technology
• Rainwater infiltration
• Optimum location enables commuters to use public transport, cycle or walk to work (main station nearby)
  
  

A well-sealed façade
The façade is a high-quality construction of aluminium and glass incorporating heat-conserving glazing to ensure good natural light but minimal energy loss through transmission. Additional heat insulation is provided by a back-ventilated, clad exterior wall made of pre-cast concrete pillars. This cuts transmission heat loss – the figure that indicates the insulating performance of a building envelope – to 0.91 W/m²K, which is well below the 1.51 W/m²K required by the German regulations on energy saving in buildings (EnEV).

Natural light and ventilation
The main light source within ATMOS is the sun. Energy-saving light bulbs provide pleasant lighting when required while consuming minimal power. Every other façade axis features a floor-to-ceiling window that can be opened. The air conditioning only needs to be switched on when experiencing extreme temperatures because good natural ventilation is possible.

Solar shading with directed daylight
Automatically controlled, electric exterior window shades prevent the interior from heating up excessively when the sun is strong. The conference facilities and dining room in one of the rental areas can be blacked out entirely. The exterior solar shading system can be used to direct daylight, which further improves the natural light in the offices.

Component activation with thermoactive ceilings
Room temperature is regulated by way of a component activation system. Plastic capillary pipes are fitted in the ceilings and contain water as a heating or cooling medium. These thermoactive ceilings are self-regulating, thereby significantly reducing the investment in control technology. Mass flow and flow temperature are set so that the surface temperature is a constant 23°C. If the room temperature is higher, the thermoactive ceiling has a cooling effect, but it emits heat if the temperature is lower.

Energy-efficient heating and cooling using groundwater
The rental space at ATMOS is cooled and heated using groundwater. This means that ATMOS obtains its power from a geothermal system. This system draws 25 litres of groundwater per second from the ground, passes it through a heat exchanger and pumps it back into the subsurface. During the summer, this is enough to keep the cooling water at the right temperature. In winter, a heat pump is switched on to heat the water. This efficient system can be fine-tuned over time to meet tenant requirements.

Proactive energy-saving technology
Presence detectors register whether anyone is in the room while simultaneously measuring the intensity of the natural light. If a preset level of brightness is not met, the smallest movement will activate the lights. If there is adequate daylight or the motion sensors detect that a room is unoccupied, the artificial lighting is automatically switched off.

Water-saving sanitary fittings and monitoring to conserve resources
Smart water meters oversee the entire supply system. These meters forward consumption data to the supplier via a network and facilitate water management through timely, precision analysis, thereby boosting energy efficiency. Light beams on taps also reduce water consumption considerably.

Building materials that let occupants breathe easy
Systematic use was made of ecologically sound building materials at ATMOS. For example, the insulating material does not contain any ozone-depleting CFCs and all paints are solvent-free.

Short distances protect the environment
Transporting materials over short distances keeps CO₂ emissions low. Accordingly, preference was given to regional materials in the construction of ATMOS. The granite exterior paving was sourced from within Europe, the bricks were made in Germany and the Jura marble comes from Bavaria. The veneer for the interior doors consists of European timber. No tropical timber or Canadian maple was utilised.

A pleasanter working environment with more light, transparency and air
Recognition for ATMOS from the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) is partly due to its focus on light, transparency and well-being. The architecture is inspired by the idea of light, openness and airiness. Extensive glazing gives a feeling of spaciousness and lightness, with the agreeable atmosphere continuing inside. The atrium space comprises bright inner courtyards where trees, evergreen plants, ponds and gravel beds create a relaxing oasis in the heart of the city.

Flexibility for all types of team structures
The floor plates are extremely flexible and can be divided into cellular or team offices as required – or a combination of the two. Partition walls made of plasterboard can be installed directly on the hollow floors for extra flexibility. With a double covering on each side, the partition walls are 10 cm thick and attached to the façade using plasterboard fixings. Mobile partitions with tracks and a melamine resin coating are available as an option.

Green mobility and urban transport links
Environmentally friendly access was an important planning objective. The central location guarantees good integration into the regional network of cycle paths and excellent public transport links. ATMOS is also well integrated into its immediate neighbourhood and offers important urban qualities.