A glowing kaleidoscope of colours
Functional and robust were two fundamental qualities that the SHL Automatisierungs-technik AG wanted to achieve with its new headquarters, completed at the end of 2008.
"The objective was to give industrial construction a new form for a new era," is how architect Rolf-Dieter Lehr describes the building. Automatisierungs-technik AG ranks amongst the world's most innovative companies in the field of automation technology. It develops industrial robots and the latest technology for modern manufacturing and production companies world-wide. |  |
The company wanted its high technology and dynamic approach to be on view to the outside world and reflected in the choice of construction material for the building. Included in the company’s new facility is a 6,000 square metre office area, an executive suite and conference area, evidence of the company’s approach to innovation and its plans for future expansion.
 | "The company`s state of the art products needed to be reflected in the appearance of its facility," said Lehr. A sweeping ellipse as the basic shape of the two-storey building symbolises the power of innovation and future technology. The curves present in the SHL company logo have been reflected in the architectural shape of the building. |
Simple to use and cost effective
Architect Rolf-Dieter Lehr gathered together testimonials for the Rockpanel products and then recommended Rockpanel Chameleon to his clients.
In addition to the cutting edge shape of the building, the striking finish of the facade provides a distinctive eye-catching design for this industrial building. Rockpanel Chameleon is an extravagant design finish yet the material is low cost, easy to install, weather-resistant and low maintenance. The Chameleon boards therefore score highly in terms of their high quality appearance and their inherent and unique properties. |  |
Vibrant, dynamic and striking
A major appeal of the building comes from the intensive colour vibrancy of the façade. A crystal effect layer on the boards makes the building glisten and shimmer in the light, and thus creates a constant play of colours for the viewer. The colours displayed are dependent on external factors such as light, time of day, humidity and also temperature.
 | "The response to light is one of the great qualities of Rockpanel Chameleon," says Rolf-Dieter Lehr. "We wanted to achieve through the building the central idea of an innovative company, and using Rockpanel Chameleon we have succeeded," says Lehr. “Even in bad weather and with a low degree of light reflection, the façade is striking through its intense colour range from a cool green-blue through to a sunny golden," emphasises the architect. |
And the façade also radiates at night. Floodlights in shades of yellow, green and blue provide a warm radiance, bright light or a cool glow and give the building and its façade a new and dynamic perspective.
