24. February 2020
“The Ticon building is an iconic, historical building that will now become a sustainable, high-profile part of the town’s skyline. Renovating and upgrading existing buildings plays an important role in reducing the climate impact of buildings and properties, and this project is an example of what can be done in practice”, says Berit Rype, Multiconsult’s regional Sales and Marketing Manager.
What is now known as the Ticon building was originally built as the headquarters for a bank in 1962. As a ten-storey building situated right beside the town bridge and railway station, the Ticon building has always been a prominent part of the townscape of Drammen, a city with 66 000 inhabitants, located near the capitol Oslo of Norway.
Energy-generating facade
In spite of the major renovation and modernisation project, the building will largely retain its original appearance, with a green facade and concrete sides. Since it is on Drammen town council’s list of protected buildings, the renovation is not allowed to change its appearance.
“The building is typical of the period when it was built, and its height and location make it an important part of Drammen’s townscape. As it is listed, it was a condition for the renovation project that the facade preserved a similar appearance”, explains Finn Lysnæs-Larsen, who is Multiconsult’s team leader for the project.
During 2019, floors 3-8 were modernised to the highest environmental and energy standards. The project involves the facade being replaced with solar panels and most of the interior being completely renovated. The aim is to certify the building under the BREEAM in-use standard.
Recycled aluminium
“The new green facade consists of solar panels and glass which is integrated into combined modules before installation. The windows have integrated solar shading which gets darker if there is strong daylight”, says Finn Lysnæs-Larsen.
The aluminium in the facades is made of 75 percent recycled materials and is supplied by Norsk Hydro. The raw materials include everything from old beer cans to old aluminium windows, greatly reducing the energy needed in the production process. The solar panels can generate close to 50 kW under favourable conditions. The energy they produce is mainly used for ventilation and cooling.
“The building will be highly energy-efficient, so there’s little need for extra heating. Most of the building’s energy consumption will therefore be for ventilation and cooling”, says Finn Lysnæs-Larsen.
He explains that when the building is not in use and needs heating, the solar shades will open to allow lots of sunlight in. Conversely, the shades will close when the building requires cooling.