Prestigious award iF product design award 2012 for three products from Schüco

The prestigious independent international iF product design award, a symbol of refined design and progressive thinking for over 50 years, has been awarded to products from Schüco, a leading player in the market for building envelopes and solar systems, in previous years. With an increasing number of applicants vying for this award, currently consisting of 1,605 candidates from 48 countries who have submitted 4,322 products, each new award is becoming increasingly valuable and significant for the winning companies. From Schüco's product range, the expert jury selected and awarded three innovative and design-forward system solutions that can proudly bear the "iF product design award 2012" label. These include the Schüco 2° System, a pioneering comprehensive solution for building envelopes, the new Schüco ASS 77 PD.SI aluminum sliding profile system, and the Schüco Door Control System (DCS), a modular control system for entry control.

Intelligent and energy-proactive building envelope system Schüco 2° System
Schüco 2° System, based on the functionality of individual sliding layers and their adaptability to changing conditions, derives its principles of adaptability to changes from nature itself. The aim of the system is to contribute to environmental protection and to prevent further global warming, specifically to support international efforts to limit warming to no more than 2° C. The system is operationally adaptable to changing climatic conditions, that is, to the current season or shifts throughout the day (night vs. day). The first main component of the system consists of sliding functional layers - glass, insulating, shading, and photovoltaic - that can be moved and efficiently utilized according to current conditions and demands. For example, if increased thermal insulation, privacy, and protection are needed in a room, an opaque insulating layer is moved in front of the glass fill. The shading layer, on sunny days, reduces air conditioning costs, while the photovoltaic layer produces enough energy for personal use and distribution back to the grid. The sliding panels are controlled and managed automatically through sensors and manually based on user requirements. The second important component of the system is the thermoactive wall. It can save heating/air conditioning expenses through an integrated ventilation unit with heat recovery and night cooling. The wall elements also include phase change materials for passive ventilation. The first reference project using the Schüco 2° System technology is being constructed in Schleswig, Germany.

Highly thermally insulated profile system for large sliding systems with maximum transparency Schüco ASS 77 PD.SI
The Schüco ASS 77 PD.SI sliding aluminum system, a new product expected to launch in the first quarter of 2012, is designed for the construction of large glass sliding systems for both private and commercial use. The profile features a refined elegant appearance characterized by a basic construction depth of just 77 mm, minimal visible width, and a frame element concealed within the construction. In addition to its perfect design, the profile boasts excellent thermal insulation properties (Uw from 0.8 W/m²K) and easy operation (opening, closing, locking) via a control panel. All sliding and additional control mechanisms are integrated directly into the profile, allowing for comfortable, quick, and silent operation of sliding walls weighing up to 500 kg. The large wings move on upgraded tracks, which, along with the threshold, are flush with the floor level to ensure barrier-free access.

Fully integrated control system Schüco Door Control System (DCS)
Schüco DCS represents a modular access control system fully integrated into door profiles, combining sophisticated design with the latest security technologies. In addition to the tinted glass surface, the system features an innovative installation concept, allowing for the assembly of individual components in the shortest possible time. Schüco DCS consists of optional access control systems and emergency security elements. The range of access control systems includes: card/chip readers, control buttons, video cameras, and biometric technologies (fingerprint readers). The security elements of the system include a key switch, emergency button, and appropriate safety signage. All elements are unified by a stylish design. The variability and different shapes allow for the installation of the control unit in both new and renovated office residential projects. Individual components will be introduced to the market in spring 2012.

More information about Schüco's systems can be found at www.schueco.cz. For information about the Schüco 2° System, visit www.schueco.de/2grad.