Slatted doors and cladding give EnergyVille2 complex expressive character

A sleek and uniform facade; that shows the research center on alternative and renewable energy 'EnergyVille 2' in Genk . A green image, which is also linked to the ventilation and sun protection manufacturer Duco. The facade image is due in part to the slatted doors and walls, known respectively as DucoDoor and DucoWall. A fine example of technology combined with architecture.

The third and most recent building in Thorpark, with an area of 5,000 m², came about on the former mining site. In EnergyVille2, research is being done on how to make PV systems and storage systems more efficient and cheaper. That green character fits perfectly with Duco's vision. The manufacturer ensured that the complex has an aesthetic and expressive character, thanks to the DucoDoor Grille and DucoWall Classic 50Z as cladding.

Speaking is Bart Debusschere, General Manager of Duco Projects: 'The DucoDoor Grille was used on the ground floor. As a freestanding entrance door, it is excellent for walls that are not constructed of slats, but in this project, however, there is a unique application. Around the DucoDoor Grille, which is made up of Solid slats, there are other grilles with slats of the same type. These grilles have both closed non-punched and punched slats. The result is an architecturally attractive façade shell, in which uniformity speaks for itself'.

Burglar-proof solution
"The staff can sleep on both ears," Debuscchere continues, "because the DucoDoor Grille doors were applied in a burglar-proof manner. In terms of burglar resistance, the DucoDoor Grille, with its RC2-certified version, scores highly. In addition, the Solid slats make every version vandalism-proof. 'After all, some rooms in the Genk research center serve as storage areas. Thanks to the DucoDoor Grille, everything houses safely under lock and key.'

In addition, insect protection was applied to one door, and then special filter cloths to the other. 'A nice plus of these DucoDoor doors is that the differences between them are aesthetically not visible on the outside of the doors.'

DucoDoor: vessel full of possibilities
The DucoDoor Grille in itself offers many possibilities. For example, the slatted door can be made completely draft-free. By installing hinges on the side, a large, useful width is realized. In this way, the door can be opened 180°. In addition, all DucoDoor doors are made to measure and are available up to a maximum of 3 meters useful height and width.

Slat wall for larger areas
'In addition to the DucoDoor Grille, the application of the DucoWall Classic 50Z was also used for intensive ventilation,' Debusschere continues. This is specifically a slat wall that was built into the façade on site for the larger areas. The slats give EnergyVille2 a contemporary architectural look.

Smooth cooperation
Debusschere concludes: 'Duco worked here on behalf of the company Houben, which gave them the responsibility of working out the technical elements around everything concerning ventilation doors and ventilation grilles. Partly due to the good consultation between the technical teams and the smooth cooperation, together we have ensured a beautiful end result here in Genk.'