Minto Arcaden

Description of the project

Opened in 2015, the Minto centre’s facade was designed according to the plans of the Aachen office kadawittfeldarchitektur. The building is clad in floor-to-ceiling and inward-curved façade ribbons whose three-dimensional shape reacts differently to the urban surroundings. The soft curves of the vertical lamellar bands draw the attention of passers-by to the entrances, creating terraces and covered open spaces, thus addressing the function of the façade as an interface between the building and the urban space.

At the main entrance, a concave indentation of the façade strips creates a funnel effect, which helps to guide visitors into the building. The façades on the main entrance – and on all other entrances – are glazed over a large area, which further accentuates the main entrance.

The glass chosen for the curved facades is Guardian SunGuard SuperNeutral SN 62/34. This coated solar control glass combines great solar control with a high light transmission and a low U value of 1.0, to provide exceptional control over the temperature inside the building. This multifunctional coating minimises the need for artificial light and offers outstanding thermal insulation.