Deutsche Börse Eschborn – equipped with Viessmann Vitobloc 200

Design concept

The modern office complex consists of two L-shaped structures facing each other, connected by eight bridges and ten footbridges. These are grouped around an 83 metre high atrium spanned by a 1000 square metre glass roof with an aluminium substructure. The central area serves as an entrance hall, exhibition space, meeting point and communicative heart of the high-rise building. 

The spatial and circulation concept is designed so flexibly that each of the standard floors can be divided, if required, into as many as eight independent rental units, each with a direct connection to the central atrium. Individual single and double offices alternate with open-plan team spaces, meeting rooms and think pods for focused working. In keeping with the idea of transparency, all offices facing the hall and the corridors have full-height glazing; even the connecting routes have glass balustrades. Despite the spatial separation, this visually links the individual departments and creates many different visual perspectives. 

Faççade design

Thanks to its characteristic floor-to-ceiling box-type windows, the shell of the high-rise building also provides numerous views from both inside and out. The rear-ventilated faççade openings are constructed of aluminium and consist of triple-pane, argon-filled thermal glazing on the inside. On the outside, they are equipped with a wind deflector made of laminated safety glass. The ingenious, multi-level external wall construction provides sufficient protection against heat loss in winter, while in summer –– and despite the extensive use of glass –– it protects the interior from overheating. 

Holistic approach

In addition to its outstanding aesthetic, functional and social qualities, the modern building also meets the highest requirements in terms of ecology, economy and energy efficiency. Its sustainable building design and user friendliness ultimately earned it LEED Platinum certification from the US Green Building Council. The certification system assesses the quality of a building in six categories, namely sustainable location, efficient water usage, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, comfort and indoor climate, and innovation. The building was awarded a total of 58 points out of a possible 69, making it the first high-rise in Germany to achieve platinum status.

Viessmann complete solution for electricity, heating and hot water 

Two Vitobloc 200 combined heat and power (CHP) units, operated with biogas and installed on the roof of this high-rise building, supply around 60 percent of the building's power demand with their electrical output of 1600 kilowatts. The remaining 1200 kilowatts come from the public grid. At the same time the thermal output of the CHP units – a total of 1700 kilowatts – provides for the building's basic heat supply and thus for around 90 percent of the base heat load for space heating, ventilation systems and domestic hot water. Gas condensing boilers with an output of 2100 kilowatts are available to cover the peak load at times of increased heat demand, such as when temperatures are particularly low.

A 90 square metre solar thermal system with Vitosol 200-F flat-plate collectors installed on the roof of the building supplies around ten percent of the energy required for heating DHW. Waste heat from the CHP units that cannot be used immediately is stored temporarily and fed into the heating system as needed, thus ensuring that the solar energy obtained with the flat-plate collectors can be used as effectively as possible for central heating backup. As a result, on average up to 60 percent of the energy required annually for DHW heating can be saved.

Permanently sealed and well insulated

The all-round folded aluminium frame and seamless pane seal ensure permanent tightness and a highly stable collector. This reliably prevents the frame from freezing up through standing water in the joints between frame and glass. The back panel is puncture-proof and corrosion-resistant. Highly effective thermal insulation reduces potential heat losses, particularly in spring, autumn and winter.

Looking good

The collectors have an attractive design and can be inconspicuously incorporated into almost any roof. Upon request, the frame is also available in any RAL colour. Optional edge trims help to create a harmonious transition between the collector surface and the roof. The large flat-plate collector comes in bright aluminium, but can also be finished in any RAL colour.

Cooling, ventilation and lighting

The waste heat from the CHP units drives absorption refrigeration units that provide around 1000 kilowatts of cooling energy for room and process cooling. Electric refrigeration units with an output of 3100 kilowatts cover the peak cooling loads and also keep the IT centre operating smoothly.

A mechanical ventilation system supplies all work areas with fresh air. Thanks to integrated heat recovery, 80 percent of the energy content of the extract air can be used to preheat the cool outdoor air in winter. 

In summer, the same principle is applied to carry out pre-cooling. Heating and cooling surfaces in the ceiling area of the offices ensure temperatures of 22 degrees Celsius in winter and a maximum of 26 degrees Celsius in summer. In very hot weather, additional floor cooling on the ground floor guarantees a pleasant indoor environment; in winter, on the other hand, underfloor heating and heated façade profiles keep the hall space at a constant temperature of over 17 degrees Celsius.

Intelligent building automation

An intelligent building automation system regulates all energy flows within the office building according to demand and controls the use of sun protection and lighting. This saves energy and conserves natural resources.