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lindabdirectOperatic overture

Dedication of the Copenhagen opera house

1/2005

Carl von Linné – always of interest

Lindab AgION™ – bacteria’s enemy in the ventilation duct

Hvide Sande – lightweight construction technology in a beautiful environment

Tropical Island – Caribbean atmosphere in Berlin

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the magazine from Lindab focusing on the indoor climate and construction systems of today and tomorrow www.lindab.com

Direct 1.2005.3_eng.xp 05-06-01 09.46 Sida 1

liHeading comes here

Lindab ABSE-269 82 BåstadSweden

Tel: 0431 850 00Fax: 0431 850 10web: www.lindab.com

Publisher:Lars Dahlström

Production: Repetera AB

© 2005 Lindab AB

Tropical IslandWhen the travel budget looks thin there’s an alternative to make it anyway, at least if

you’re in the vicinity of Berlin.The new “travel destination” Tropical Island located in

the world’s largest self-supporting structure presents you with the waters of the Seven

Seas and the Bali Lagoon, no less than seven restaurants, a tropical rain forrest and a

water temperature of 32°C.And beaches of course. Read more on pages 16-17.


Lindab ABSE-269 82 BåstadSweden

Tel +46 (0)431 850 00Fax +46 (0)431 850 10web www.lindab.com

Responsible publisher:Lars Dahlström

Production: Repetera AB

© 2005 Lindab AB

Lindab is an internationalgroup of companies thatdevelops, produces andmarkets sheet metal prod-ucts and system solutions inits Ventilation and Profilebusiness areas.

The Ventilation business areatargets the ventilation indus-try with everything fromventilation components tocomplete indoor climatesolutions.

The Profile business areaprovides the constructionindustry with an extensiverange of building compo-nents and complete buildingsystems in steel for dwell-ings and commercial realestate.

The Lindab group has over4,000 employees in 26countries and had a turnoverof SEK 5,477 million in

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Premiere for Copenhagen’s new opera house

Carl von Linné – always of interest

DTU – world leader in climate research

Lindab AgION™ – bacteria’s enemy in the duct

contents

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Hvide Sande – lightweight in a beautiful environment14

Tropical Island – Caribbean atmosphere in Berlin16

Group news5

Ventilation news20

14

Profile news22

Celo – the architect’s invisible dream18

1/2005the magazine from Lindab focusing on the indoor climate and construction systems of today and tomorrow


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Hannu Paitula, new business area manager for Ventilation, has avast international background, which will be quite useful for ourcontinued geographic expansion in the business area.

On 1 January, 2005 Hannu Paitulawas appointed new manager of the Ventilationbusiness area. Hannu Paitula has been active inthe ventilation industry since 1985, gaining vastexperience. “I’ve spent most of this time workingfor Fläkt, ABB and then FläktWoods”, explainsHannu

Paitula, left his position as CEO ofFläktWoods Group in 2003 to run his own man-agement consulting company. There is noresisting the call of the ventilation industry, sowhen Lindab was searching for a new businessarea manager in autumn 2004, Hannu Paitulawas high on the list of possible candidates.

“It was a bit surprising to receive this offerso soon after deciding to run my own busi-ness,” continues Hannu Paitula. “The offer,however, was hard to refuse. So, after contactsand meetings with the Lindab group manage-

ment, the matter was settled in practically notime.”

With quick decisions and straight answers,Lindab played Hannu Paitula’s song. “Neatnessand order and down to earth are two ofLindab’s core values. They were able to bringthis to life directly,” he continues. “Keepingthings clear and simple is an extremely impor-tant part of successful business. That’s why it’simportant to always look at the whole picturebefore going down to the detail level.” HannuPaitula was impressed by the entrepreneurialspirit and enthusiasm that Lindab greeted himwith. “Here, everyone has a great desire foractivity. It is now my role to make sure that weare all striving toward common goals at a goodpace.”

New business area manager for Ventilation

Even better solutions to many more

Ventilation

Solutions that are really adapted to cus-tomer needs are essential to Lindab and busi-ness area Ventilation. Lindab has a businessstructure and work method that creates rathergood conditions for delivering customer-orientedsolutions that are really in demand in the market.Listening to what the customers want and main-taining a running dialogue on what we canchange and improve generates success for bothour customers and us at Lindab. This is some-thing we give the highest priority.

If we can give more companies in morecountries access to the solutions we offer in ourproduct areas Air Duct Systems, Comfort (tech-nical air products) and Machinery (equipment for

the manufacture of circular ducts and compo-nents), we can spread our ideas on simplifiedconstruction to a broader clientele.

These three product areas are a visibleembodiment of our new organisation, in placesince the beginning of 2005. It places a clearer,more natural focus on our core product – circu-lar duct systems – and aims to improve our tar-get-group focused service and support withinthese three product areas.

In the Central and Eastern European mar-kets, we shall clearly intensify our efforts, with amore goal-oriented presence in these growingmarkets. By using the experiences and infra-structure established by business area Profile,

we shall reach new customers and spread thebenefits of circular duct systems to more mar-kets.

Parallel with such, the work of encouragingthe traditional ventilation markets towardsincreased utilisation of circular duct systemscontinues. Better and simpler solutions for all ofour customers, delivered with neatness andorder through a close and reliable relationship issomething we believe strongly in.

From no product to key product

Profile

Ten years ago, the building system (prefab-ricated steel buildings) was just a small fraction ofLindab sales. Today, it accounts for one-fifth ofsales in the Profile business area. And no one ispredicting a reduction in that number. The expla-nation for this development is twofold. As always,it is the needs of the market that drive demandand development. These types of cost-efficient,quickly established buildings are gaining a lot ofground. In addition, as a component manufac-turer in the construction industry, Lindab was wellsuited to design complete package solutions anddevelop the area Building Systems. When weestablished ourselves in Central and EasternEurope, we quickly realised that there was a greatneed for building systems as a product, but withcompletely different requirements than those of

the simpler steel halls we delivered previously. After the acquisition of Butler Europe in

2002 – with a great number of years behind usas exclusive supplier of lightweight girders toButler – Lindab took a definitive step up into ahigher division. We are now a leading supplierwithin the segment industrial and commercialsteel buildings. The total European market forthis segment is expected to reach approximatelySEK 40 billion. We and other suppliers of prefab-ricated steel building systems currently accountfor approx. 5% of this market – a share that iscontinually growing.

Surveys have shown that product quality,short construction times, flexibility, lower totalcost, short capital tie-up through quicker accessand cost efficient design possibilities are the

benefits that customers associate with steelbuilding systems. Added to this is the impor-tance of a strong, well known brand.

Lindab’s product area Building Systems iscurrently one of our key products, providingthese benefits to builders and property ownersthroughout Europe. Our strong growth in thearea also continually increases our ability to fur-ther improve on how we satisfy these demands.This is always our main driving force – beingable to provide our customers market leadingsolutions. We shall continue along this path ofsuccess.

Hannu Paitula,

Business Area Manager Ventilation

Peter Andsberg,

Business Area Manager Profile


Operating profit for the year was inabsolute terms the best ever for Lindab with anEBITA of SEK 374 million (305). “During the year,we gradually improved profitability, with betterearnings in each individual quarter compared tothe previous year,” says Nils-Johan Andersson,CFO of Lindab. Adjusted for exchange rate dif-ferences and acquisitions, organic growth was6.5 percent and amounted to SEK 5,477 million(5,302), insignificantly below the group’s long-

term target. “A major part of the improvement infinancial results for the year can be attributed tostrong margins as a result of focused pricingefforts,” continues Nils-Johan Andersson. “As aresult, the group is in a strong financial positionwith an equity/assets ratio of 45 percent andstable cash flow.”

General market development is weaker thananticipated. Nonetheless, the Scandinavia oper-ations were able to maintain their market posi-tions. The markets in Central and Eastern Europedeveloped strongly for the Profile business area,giving Lindab a stable platform and strongmarket position in this region. Sales of core prod-ucts Rainline and Building Systems haveincreased and contributed to the improvedresult.

Lindab’s new European production facility inPrague was put into operation last year. Thisinvestment was done on budget and on time,reached productivity goals and created goodcapacity for increased growth. Positioning itselfcloser to the markets of growth has givenLindab new business opportunities andincreased its competitiveness.

group news

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Good resultsfor Lindab

Customer-oriented solutions aresomething every serious-minded company musthave high on its list of priorities. A natural part ofthis are unified, up-to-date and well functioningwebsites.

Sitebuilder is a tool usedin a collaborative projectbetween Lindab Denmark andLindab Sweden in order tocreate even better nationalwebsites. “A good websitemust be adapted to the indi-vidual needs of the customersand users but at the sametime be easy to update andsupplement,” says TorbenPhilippsen, head of Lindab Denmark’s webdevelopment.” “Sitebuilder’s CMS system(Content Management System) has enabled usto create a website concept that is directlyaimed at Lindab’s various target groups andprovides individual routes to the sought-afterinformation. An architect and an installer havequite different information needs. Now, they can

select “their” path directly from the start pageand go right to the areas of interest to them.”

Lindab Denmark has just launched theirnew website www.lindab.dk.Now the private individual,sheet metal worker or archi-tect can choose their pathdirectly. “We think our userswill appreciate this targetgroup adaptation. This com-bines ‘several’ websites intoone,” says Torben Philippsen.“The saying goes that it’s notabout gathering information,its about getting rid of the un-

necessary information. That’s just what our newwebsite does.”

March saw the launch of Lindab Hungary’snew website completely based on this concept.Next in line is Lindab Sweden followed by sev-eral other countries.

Lindab’s new target group focused website concept

Many websites in one

Lindab’s large exhibition conceptis now in its 3rd year and has been put to greatuse. It has been seen at the ISH trade fair in Ger-many, Padova and Mostra Convegno in Italy,Hilsa in Switzerland, Nordbygg in Sweden, Inter-build in England, VVS-dagene in Norway andFinnbuild in Finland. The concept was mostrecently used in the spring at ISH 2005 in Ger-many.

“It works well, lives up to our graphic pro-file and gives great opportunities to show ourproducts installed and running,” says LarsDahlström, communications manager atLindab. But, if you need small, simple dis-plays it does not really work well. Then bothtransports and display assembly becomecostly since the display constructor of theindividual trade fair must carry out the work.

That’s why there is a new, supplementalexhibition concept named “light” for smallerareas up to approx. 50 m2. “Light” comprises acarpet, information desk, table and chairs,brochure display, lighting and individual frameswith support columns that form airy “walls”though graphics mounted in each frame viamagnets. “It gives an impression that falls in linewith the large concept,” says Mårten Edorsson,project manager at Molins, which was respon-sible for designing the concept. “The biggestadvantage is that now Lindab’s own personnelcan quickly and easily carry out assemblybased on simple instructions. And no trade fairvisitor will miss that it is Lindab – the companythat “has the solution” – that is on display.

Light exhibition concept

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Lindab’s new exhibition con-

cept “Light” has been success-

fully used in the spring at trade

fairs in both Romania and

Hungary.

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albeit with very, very artistic characteristics. Thusa project of this type is based on very uniquesolutions that are of a totally differing nature.The architectural ambitions were extremelyhigh. In turn, this placed great demands on alltechnical solutions – from facade facing to theair supply system in the main auditorium.

The opera house was built on old mudmasses, which required that the entire buildingbe built in a waterproof retainer extending 14meters below ground. “It cost millions just toreach ground level,” explains Jørn Treldal, “andamong all the other rather exceptional technicalrequirements, the sound requirements for themain auditorium were anything but simple.”British Arup Acoustics, who handled all acousticissues, set the acoustic standard to an exactingPNC 15. “This is an acoustic standard that placesgreat demands on soundproofing, especially forlow frequencies. This acoustic level is so low thatit cannot be heard by the human ear. Evenmeasurement can be difficult.”

Extreme acoustic standardsThese rather extreme acoustic standards put thepressure on not just Rambøll but also the sup-pliers of the sound generating equipment. “Sincethe diffusers themselves always generate noise,this was one of the products that was criticalfrom an acoustic standpoint,” explains JørnTreldal. “Not only did we have to fulfil PNC 15,but we had to combine this with the architect’sspecific vision of the design and appearance ofthe diffusers themselves.” All of the diffusers inthe main auditorium are supplied air from thelarge pressure chamber beneath the seats. Thispressure chamber is connected to the fan unitvia a duct system and soundproofing.

new national stage was inaugurated through aRoyal Command Performance on 15 Januaryand its first spring season opened with Verdi’sAïda on 26 January.

The opera house, which covers 41,000 m2

and has over 1,000 rooms and 14 stories (5 ofwhich are subterranean), has received a lot ofattention. Designed by Danish architectHenning Larsen, it comprises two stages: theMain Stage and Takkelloftet, the experimentalstage. The Main Stage seats an audience of up to1,703, has an orchestra pit for 110 musicians andhas so many possibilities as regards technology

and space that it is without a doubt one of theworld’s most modern opera houses.

Extremely complicated projectNordic consultant Rambøll together withHenning Larsen’s architecture firm was respon-sible for project planning for the opera house aswell as for advising on the project’s intricatetechnical installations. Engineer Jørn Treldal ofRambøll was responsible for all HVAC installa-tions. “The opera house has probably been themost complicated project I’ve been involved in,”he says. “You have to think of an opera house asa machine, where activities are almost industrial,

nce again Denmark and Copen-hagen, added another architecturallandmark to the already long list of

beautiful, spectacular and typically Danishbuildings. Of course, it is not the regard for thebuilding that is of utmost importance. It is whatis behind the arched glass facade, which bendsout toward the harbour entrance. Copenhagenhas now gotten its new opera house, the roots ofwhich extend back to the middle of the 13thcentury and King Christian II’s Royal TrumpetEnsemble, predecessor to the Royal DanishTheatre’s orchestra.

The new opera house, located on the island ofHolmen opposite The Little Mermaid, will notbe a replacement for the old on KungensNytorv. It will instead give the Royal DanishTheatre two stages to host the repertoire ofopera and ballet that has been its trademarksince the end of the 1800s.

Modern possibilitiesOn 1 October 2004, shipowner Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller, on behalf of the A.P. Møller andChastine Mc-Kinney Møller Foundation, turnedover Copenhagen’s new opera house to PrimeMinister Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the Danishpeople and, above all, the Royal Theatre. The

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opera house

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The diffusers in the balconies of the newopera house are all specially tailored to thecurvature of the low wall behind each seat.

Copenhagen’s newPremiere for

When someone says “opera” one’s thoughts quickly turn to artistic and vocal expression, perhaps in Italian or

German. But opera is also an extremely complicated undertaking in which lots of activities must go on without dis-

rupting one another.This is also the case for Copenhagen’s new opera house, where over 1,000 rooms clearly speak

the language of great activity.The most important of these rooms is the Main Stage in which a full house in the spring

will enjoy Aïda – and the air supply streaming from the diffusers supplied by Lindab.

The Royal Danish Opera Photo: Martin Mydtskov Rønne

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*


“The architectural ambitions were extremely high. In turn, this placed

great demands on all technical solutions – from facade facing to the

ventilation system in the main auditorium.”

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good that everything went so well from the full-scale test and adaptations to completed delivery.The expectations of both me and my colleagueswere completely fulfilled,” concludes JørnTreldal.

Complicated installationInstallation of the diffusers, duct system andother ventilation components was carried out byventilation contractor E. Klink, which has beena customer of Lindab for many years. “We man-ufacture both circular and rectangular ducts, butalways buy pressed duct components fromLindab,” explains engineer Kjeld Christensen ofE. Klink. “Lindab has a broad range and offersquick deliveries. Not to mention that one oftheir branches is literally around the corner.”

For E. Klink, the opera house was a veryinteresting yet very large prospect. “Installationhas taken about 2 years and was special in thatproject planning and installation were done inparallel on the construction site by bothHenning Larsens Tegnestue and Rambøll.Changes and adjustments were an everydayoccurrence during those 2 years,” continuesKjeld Christensen. “The most special was, how-ever, the acoustic standards since some rooms,like the main auditorium, were to have anextremely low acoustic level. Acoustic standardPCN 15 is something we have never workedwith before.” All Lindab diffusers were markedsince they were adapted to the curvature of theauditorium. Lindab also supplied diffusers to thefoyer and the rehearsal hall of the chorus.

“Construction of a new opera house in Oslo willsoon be underway,” concludes Frank JustLarsen. “We have thrown our hat into the ringand submitted a tender. Delivery to theCopenhagen Opera House has helped us fine-tune our solutions and measurement methodsfor large, extensive concert and opera houses.”

Frank Just Larsen and Jørgen SchmidtMadsen in the air laboratory inFarum.

explains Frank Just Larsen, sales engineer andLindab project manager for the opera house.

“After presenting the solution designed inFarum, Lindab was selected by a clear margin tobe the supplier of the opera house’s diffusers,”says Jørn Treldal. “We had the technically bestsolution. The physical proximity of Lindab inFarum was not a disadvantage either.”

A deciding factor for this type of purchasingis the accuracy of the measurements presentedby the supplier. “I am quite pleased with the col-laboration with Lindab representatives, such aslaboratory manager Jørgen Schmidt Madsen,”says Merethe Alder of Henning LarsensTegnestue, responsible for parts of the mainauditorium. “Lindab’s preparation with full-scale tests showed that it was possible to achievethe set acoustic standards. The design of the grillwas also of great importance since these devicesare so clearly exposed.”

Through the acoustic measurements takenby Arup Acoustics upon completion, one couldhappily establish that acoustic standard PNC 15could be achieved.

Good collaborationThe 1,700 diffusers delivered to the operahouse’s main auditorium are designed accordingto the displacement principle and consist of abox with perforated rear and a powder-paintedblack grill with a radius adapted to the curva-ture of the auditorium.

“I think we have had a very good, close col-laboration with Lindab. Since Rambøll suggest-ed Lindab as a possible supplier, it feels extra

Total solution“From an early stage we suggested to the pro-prietor that it was time to start selecting and siz-ing the ventilation fittings,” continues JørnTreldal. “The floor of the main auditorium itselfhas a very involved geometry since a clear viewfrom any seat must be guaranteed. That meansthat selection of diffuser came into play at thestage when the aesthetics, safety, climate comfortand construction techniques were being woventogether into a total solution.”

Positioning the supply air beneath the seat isnow a common practice in auditoriums of thistype. The diffuser can be positioned in the seatbody, in the floor beneath the seat or in theraised area that is sometimes found behind theseat. “For practical reasons, it is options two andthree that are most often utilised and that is thecase here,” says Jørn Treldal. “When we got thisfar, we were sure that a standard fitting couldnot satisfactorily meet the challenges posed bythe acoustics, construction techniques or aes-thetics. That’s why at this stage we invited twoleading suppliers, including Lindab, to proposesupply air solutions for the main auditorium.”

Clear marginLindab quickly decided to build two full-scalemodels of the opera house’s stalls and balconyinstallations in its laboratory in Farum. “Thisallowed us to perform all necessary and compre-hensive measurements and adaptations as wellas in the next stage present a functioning full-scale solution with verified measurement valuesto the proprietor, consultants and architect,”

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Full-scale test in FarumIn order to measure and develop a ventilation solution forCopenhagen’s new opera house, Lindab, under the leadershipof laboratory manager Jørgen Schmidt Madsen, built twocomplete, full-scale models of both the stalls and the balconywith a total of 24 diffusers. “This gave us full opportunity tomeasure and document air flows, acoustic pressure andpower requirement in a manner that was both efficient and trueto reality,” says Jørgen Schmidt Madsen. “It was also the keyto being awarded this important order and at the same time animportant tool in the developmental meetings the followed.”


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blessing of both the National Property Board ofSweden and the National Heritage Board,” ex-plains Lars Nexe. It was originally constructed inthe middle of the 1700s, but when Linné’s sontook over operation after his father’s death, itmet a different fate. It was turned into meetinghalls for Östgöta Nation of Uppsala Universityand currently conveys little of Linné’s spirit.“That is something our Orangery will have,”says Lars Nexe. “At the end of April, sixprospective horticulturists and landscape archi-tects from Alnarps Trädgårdsskola shall beginplanning the botanical garden, which shall pres-ent over 800 species of flowers, medicinal plantsand useful plants.” Linné is surely smiling downfrom heaven as he looks down on the events inhis native district.

The sheet metal crowning the roof of theOrangery was donated by Lindab Steel and laidby student sheet metal workers Henrik, Jonasand Alexander from Kattegattskolan in Halm-stad.

“I would like to express a warm word ofthanks to Lindab for their contribution to thiscultural project that is important to all ofSweden,” concludes Lars Nexe.

Cultural tourism“What we are creating in Linné’s native districtis a centre to spread knowledge of his accom-plishments, his great abilities in biology, mineral-ogy and zoology and, of course, about Carl vonLinné himself,” continues Lars Nexe. The core ofthe project is the experience facility withOrangery, Visitor Centre and Botanical Gardenwhich is being constructed in Möckelsnäs, astone’s throw from Linné’s birthplace in Råshultand near Stenbrohult and the church for which

his father wasvicar. “The goal isto not only makethe Linnédistrict ahub for genuinecultural tourisminvolving Linné,

but to also use education/research aimed espe-cially at children and youth to increase knowl-edge of the nature all around us.” There is alsoan ambitious web portal at www.linnaeus.nuwhich provides access to many facts on Linné.Approximately 2,200 pages are available forknowledge-thirsty friends of Linné.

Orangery“The Orangery that is now under constructionwas designed by Linné himself and received the

hen medicinæ doctoris Carlvon Linné published hisSystema Naturæ in 1735, he

generated world renown not only for himself,but also for the Kingdom of Sweden. In his trea-tise, Linné presented what would become thestandard system for classifying both plants andanimals in nature. By using two Latin names foreach animal and plant type, he created inSystema Naturæ the naming system that is stillin use by today’s botanists, ornithologists, culti-

vators and scientists. Born in Råshult in Små-land, Sweden in 1707 and died in Uppsala in1778, the 300th anniversary of his birth isapproaching. This is just one of the reasons that“Intellectual Project Linné” saw the light of dayin 1999 as a result of a collaboration in the so-called Linné district between Stenbrohult andthe municipality of Älmhult. “The goal is toincrease knowledge of Carl von Linné and hislife’s work,” explains Lars Nexe, project manag-er of Intellectual Project Linné.

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RKunskapsprojekt 2007 marks 300 years since the birth Carl von Linné.That’s not the only reason

that Sweden’s most famous scientist remains topical. He is still of interest

because the Linné system of classification, which he presented in Systema

Naturæ, is still used the world over. Soon Linné, the neglected Swedish icon,

shall be brought further into the limelight.

Linné

The Orangery in late autumn 2004 with the last sheet metal standing seam from Lindab about to be laid.

Highly topical


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Industry sponsors“As we are now into the second five-year peri-od, we are starting to see this funding graduallyreduce in preparation for its end in 4 years.Since DTU will not immediately take over thecosts of the projects we are running – and forthe 60 people tied to ICIEE – new financingforms have become more critical. We have, forexample, completed a number of research proj-ects for ASHRAE in USA and have receivedfinancial support from several industry spon-sors.”

We have also conducted industrial researchtotally financed by the company commissioningthe project. We are currently conducting climateresearch for an airplane manufacturer. For thispurpose, we have constructed a complete flightcabin in the institution’s laboratories so thattests can be carried on subjects over the fullrange of “flight” conditions.

Lindab has recently joined the ranks of ourindustry sponsors and now has good opportuni-ty to follow the research and results up close.“This collaboration gives us insight into theirresearch operations and access to new informa-tion in the area – something we place greatvalue on,” says Claus Topp, DevelopmentManager, airborne climate systems at LindabComfort. “Regular meetings with Bjarne Olesenand his team are definitely of great value.”

The human experience“Our research is always centred on how peopleperceive the indoor climate,” he continues. “Thatis why much of our work here is based on exten-sive laboratory trials. By varying parameters

(Laboratory for Heating and ClimateTechnology) has been around for more than ahundred years – making it Europe’s second old-est institution for heating and climate technolo-gy. The Herman Rittel institute in Berlin is justone week older. “Research on indoor climateand the human need for a good climate reallytook off at the end of the 1960s and beginningof the 1970s,” explains Bjarne Olesen. “That iswhen Professor Fanger wrote his dissertation onthermal comfort, after which he began his suc-cessful leadership of the institution.”

Six years ago marked the start of anextremely intense period for the institutionwhen after a competition the Danish govern-ment awarded DTU a grant from its scientifictechnology research fund in order to build up aleading international centre for indoor climateresearch over a ten-year period. “The first fiveyears were characterised by great efforts withintense research and completion of our climatechambers and laboratory facilities,” continuesBjarne Olesen.

This grant has done much to build the insti-tution’s reputation on an international level andhas provided the long-term conditions that arecritical to successful research. “Because of itslongevity, the research of the past six years,which primarily focused on air quality and venti-lation studies, has attracted researchers from thefour corners of the globe. There are now at least15 nationalities represented here,” says BjarneOlesen, switching at the blink of an eye betweenDanish, English and German when researchersand students need questions answered duringthe interview.

When you talk about indoor climates or ventilation systems, these terms sound so technical that you sometimes for-

get the human aspect.That’s something the world’s leading institution for indoor climate research – International

Centre for Indoor Environment and Energy – has not done. Here is where people’s experiences of ventilation and

indoor climate are put centre stage, with the entire research undertaking revolving around mapping out people’s

experiences and reactions to changes in temperature, air flows and other factors related to the indoor climate.

e are without a double theworld’s leading institution inour area – defining construc-

tion parameters and developing innovative solu-tions for the healthy, comfortable and produc-tive indoor climate,” says Bjarne Olesen, profes-sor and head of the Technical University ofDenmark’s (DTU) institution InternationalCentre for Indoor Environment and Energy(ICIEE). He can definitely justify this statementas the institution enjoys an extremely good rep-utation as both a research institute and stan-dardisation authority.

Professor Ole Fanger, a renowned indoorclimate researcher, is behind a great deal of theinstitution’s success and the palpable attractionindoor climate researchers the world over havefor DTU’s large campus north of Copenhagen.ICIEE is not just known for its method of con-ducting research based on people’s experiencesand needs, but also plays a great role in thedevelopment and definition of the standardisa-tion criteria for indoor climate and ventilationthat are emerging, partly due to the EnergyDirective of the EU Commission.

Since January 2004, ICIEE has been led byprofessor Bjarne Olesen. He was professorFanger’s first doctoral candidate at the institu-tion. After over 10 years in industry service, hewas drawn back to academics and returned toDTU.

Second oldest institutionThe International Centre for Indoor Environ-ment and Energy, previously known asLaboratoriet för värme- och klimatteknik

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World leadingindoor climate research

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International Centre for Indoor Environment and Energy


such as temperature, air speed, air turnover andair quality, we expose our subjects to the sameeffects they experience at the workplace, in thehome or in public environments. The differenceis that we do it in controlled forms. That way, wecan measure and map out the effects, see causal-ity and use these factors to establish guidelinesthat can be used by consultants when designingindoor climate systems.”

Contaminates in the air, indoor climate andventilation are the three primaryareas on which research atICIEE focuses. Testing is oftendone in laboratory environmentsthat simulate reality as much aspossible. Simulated office envi-ronments are quite common inthe institution’s large laboratoryfacilities and now there is a com-plete airplane cabin setup aswell. “In addition, we conductextensive research and testingout in the field,” explains Bjarne.“In all cases, questionnaires andpolls are important tools formapping out the experiences ofthe test subjects. Through use ofquestionnaires, we can see how the experiencesof the test subjects have been affected by chang-

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10% in the hopes it will save money will eat upthese savings many times over in the negativeeffect it has on drive and productivity. That iswhy research in this type of issue is vital andsomething in which we have invested greatly inrecent years. Results from both laboratory andfield trials indicate that an improved indoor cli-mate increases productivity by 2-6%. If onetakes this into account when making investmentdecisions, there is an entirely different financialforecast to base decisions on. That is when theargumentation becomes powerful.”

Productivity measurements“When we measure productivity, it is vital to beas accurate as possible. Thus, the research envi-ronment must be as similar to the work environ-ment as possible and the production activitieswe measure must be actual, real and not fakeactivities,” explains Bjarne. “In the call centremeasurement, testing was conducting in thecompany’s own office environment. By measur-ing the number and length of calls, we couldmeasure the parameters that were directly tiedto productivity. Filter replacement and anincrease in the amount of ventilation each gen-erated a significant improvement in productivi-ty.”

The University of Singapore has come to

ing parameters such as air flow. We recently con-ducted a test in a call centre to see the effect offilter replacement in the ventilation unit. Wecould clearly see how call centre personnelexperienced an increased sense of well-beingwithout necessarily knowing what was changed.We also increased ventilation volume and couldthen establish that there was a marked improve-ment in the personnel’s sense of well-being.”

When the consultant or design engineerproposes a better dimensioned ven-tilation system or an indoor climateunit that makes better climate con-trol possible, hard arguments areoften needed to persuade investorsof the advantages of a more costlysolution.

Powerful argumentsAn increased sense of well-being isof course a good selling point forchanging and improving the venti-lation unit, but in commercialpremises, it is the argument“improved productivity” that getsattention.“Salary costs are typically 100 times

greater than energy costs,” continues Bjarne.“Reducing the output of the ventilation unit by

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One of the institution’s“models” used to map outair flow around the humanbody.

Professor Bjarne Olesen – here in one of the laboratory’s many testing environments – has focused his research primarily onthermal comfort, indoor air quality and ventilation.


the same conclusions in similar tests. Gettingthis knowledge and experience out to not onlyadvising consultants and design engineers butalso ventilation and climate equipment manu-facturers is of the utmost important, feels BjarneOlesen. “These are the players that must con-vince proprietors and investors of the advan-tages.” More and more investors already under-stand that a good indoor climate affects not onlythe rent one can receive but also improves thepossibilities of renting out the premises.“Backed by these research results, the outlookfor an improved indoor climate is lookingbright.”

Personal ventilationAnother important area in which the institutionhas played a leading role is research in “person-al ventilation.” “Because of the location of thediffusers, in most cases the air blends with exist-ing air before it reaches the user,” says BjarneOlesen. “What would happen if the diffuser isinstead positioned near the person – at the deskor directly above or at the work station – so thatthe supply air has the shortest possible route tothe user. Since the air could then be aimed moreprecisely, this would result in a reduction in airvolume and thereby energy costs. Analysis ofwhat occurs in the “inhalation zone” is thenquite significant since, for example, the individ-ual’s body temperature affects the air flow fromthe ‘personal’ diffuser.”

The institutions “models” are well known inthis part of the research world not only for theirappearance, but also for their ability to measureair flow around the body. “These mannequinsallow us to measure ‘skin temperature’ in 16 dif-ferent zones of the mannequin’s body. We canthen turn the process around and regulate tem-perature in these zones to see how air flow isaffected in a precise manner. Because they have‘lungs’ that they breath with through the noseand mouth, we can use trace gases to estimatethe likelihood that a person’s exhalation airreaches another person’s inhalation air. And,above all, we can measure how this is affectedbased on whether displacement ventilation ormixing ventilation is used. Naturally, this pro-vides interesting information for reduction inthe spread of germs and the like.”

Some are much more sensitive to a poorindoor climate than others. These individual dif-ferences that vary from person to person arejust one part of the significant results of theresearch conducted in this area. “This meansthat the idea of ‘personal ventilation’ is becom-ing more and more interesting. Especially as itmeans that each individual can affect their own‘microclimate’ in a better manner,” explainsBjarne. “A better microclimate makes it morelikely that one will spend more time at the workstation.”

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Now that the positive effects of “personal venti-lation” have been mapped out relatively well, allthat remains is to develop the technology andsolutions that make this possible in practice. Inthis context, collaboration with the industry willplay an important role.

Energy DirectiveThe institution’s research results are not onlyimportant as a selling point for better ventila-tion systems. “Just as important is that it allowsus to directly affect and develop that standardsgoverning usage and design of ventilation sys-tems. We are helping set the level of the differ-ent climate parameters that define an indoorenvironment in climate terms – temperature,humidity, air speed, number of particles, etc. –and use our research results to set suitable inter-vals for minimum/maximum values,” continuesBjarne Olesen.

1 January 2006 all European buildings musthave an energy declaration in accordance withthe Energy Directive. “Here, each country setsits own limits for the amount of energy that maybe consumed. Previously, requirements mostlyfocused on how walls, ceilings, windows anddoors were to be insulated. Now, a report on

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Research on “personal ventilation” is conducted in a large laboratory facility, giving full controlof all test parameters.

energy consumption and CO2 emissions shall begiven for the building as a whole and its installa-tions,” concludes Bjarne Olesen. “This puts awhole new focus on ventilation systems, theirdesign and energy consumption. For example,the directive lays out that no energy saving maybe implemented if it negatively impacts theindoor climate. From ICIEE, we participate witha group that is working to draw up the guide-lines, limits and calculation methods that are toapply for indoor climate requirements. Thatthese requirements are on the increase is quiteclear already today. We can see that people feelbetter and do better in a better indoor climate.”


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Natural componentsThe silver ions are released from the matrix inthe presence of other ions in the ambientmoisture in which bacteria and mould can liveand multiply. The released ions choke the oxy-gen supply to the cell, destroy the cell wallsand hinder the genetic reproductive abilitywithout affecting resistance. “It is important toemphasise that this is a natural and inorganiccomponent. With chemicals, there is a risk thatthe bacteria could mutate and become resistant.Laboratory trials have shown that bacteria can-not mutate and resist the effect of the silver ionssince AgION™ stops them in the three ways

mentioned previously,” continuesLars-Åke Mattsson.

AgION™ is owned by AmericanAgION Technologies Inc. and is aproduct developed as early as 1983. Itis currently used by a great number ofinternational companies in everythingfrom refrigerators to sports shoes.AgION™ has been approved by theU.S. Food and Drug Administration

(FDA) for contact with food. The EuropeanFood Safety Authority (EFSA) has given thesame type of approval for EU countries.

Demanding,sensitive environmentsHealthcare is one of the environments in whichthere is a need for the AgION™ coating in theventilation ducts. Some operating theatres arealready being painted with paint that includesAgION™. “For ventilation, however, there havenot been solutions that have lived up to thesame high demands, especially when systemoperation is disrupted,” says Torbjörn Bruzelius,Product Manager Air Duct Systems at Lindab.

4000 years B.C. the Egyptians began storing their water in silver-lined vessels. In 16th century

China, the emperor ordered that tableware and cooking utensils made of silver were to be used

exclusively.Three hundred years later, a decree from the Vatican declared that all Communion

vessels were to be made of silver. Today, silver compounds with their well known antibacterial

effect are an important component of modern healthcare.With the new product program

Lindab AgION™ there is now also a duct system that makes use of silver’s ability to keep bacte-

ria and mould in check.A solution highly suitable when demands for hygiene are extra large.

ilver has been used for thousandsof years to reduce the risk ofspreading germs. It’s not by chance

that silverware came into use. As early as the6th century, people in China discovered that sil-ver was the most hygienic thing to put in yourmouth. Today silver is put to use such fields ashealthcare, where catheters, eye drops and burnsalves benefit from its antimicrobial properties.

In a ventilation system in which ducts andcomponents are maintained and cleaned regu-larly, there is usually no breeding ground forbacteria. But, in environments with extremelyhigh hygienic requirements – such as in pharma-ceutical and food production – astoppage due to poor air qualitycan quickly lead to great difficul-ties. For these environments, thereis now Lindab AgION™, a ductsystem that makes use of silver’swell known antimicrobial effect.

Second line ofdefense“We see AgION™ as a second line of defense.The first is keeping the ducts clean and dry andmaking sure that there is good air flow. For this,there are well established processes and rou-tines. At least in facilities in which the least littledecline in the quality of the air environmentconstitutes a business risk,” says Lars-ÅkeMattsson, R&D Manager Air Duct Systems atLindab. “The unexpected can still happen. Onemissed cleaning or a stoppage is enough forproblems to arise. But, with an AgION™ coat-ing, the risk is limited as bacteria growth isinhibited.”

The AgION™ coating consists of silver ionsencapsulated in a zeolite matrix.

Lindab AgION

“When air flow comes to a stop, bacteria growthcan become a reality, which could cause prob-lems in the process.”

Pharmaceutical production and the foodindustry are other areas in which demands arehigh for a second line of defense. Scientific trialshave shown that AgION™ inhibits the growthof bacteria types such as Legionella, E. coli andListeria.

It is seldom that the need applies to theentire ventilation system. It often applies tosmall parts of the ventilation system for whichthere are special hygiene requirements. That iswhen the properties of AgION™ show theiradvantages. “It is to a high degree a niche prod-uct aimed at certain applications. But more so, itis an important innovation in that is solves acustomer problem that until now could not besolved by the ventilation industry,” concludesLars-Åke Mattsson. “Now we have solved it.”

S

silver in the ventilation fights bacteria

Microbes

Sheet metal

AgION™

Released silver ions

With its unique properties, the AgION™ coating providesa new way to stop bacteria growth in ventilation systems.An innovation for areas such as the pharmaceutical andfood industries.

TM


was being turned into a municipal harbour, newopportunities suddenly opened for using theseareas in a way that benefited both the residentsand the tourists,” explains Henning Davidsen.

“From the tourist association’s part ofthings, we were quick to present ideas for a holi-day home project – Hvide Sande Sluse – inwhich local craftsmen would construct and buildthe facility. In the subsequent discussions involv-ing us, municipal representatives and othersinvolved, it was natural to try to involve theHvide Sande Skibs- og Baadebyggeri shipyardin the production of the buildings. Especiallywhen we decided that the project would be builtusing lightweight construction technology. Theshipyard had long, vast experience with bothsteel and wood. The puzzle pieces began to fallinto place,” continues Henning Davidsen.

Attractive lightweight construction technologyThrough contacts and trips to Sweden, HenningDavidsen had seen that this type of construction

Taking inspiration from the fjord’s old fisherman’s shacks, the new holiday homes in Hvide Sande

Sluse cast an eye out to the glittering water. Initiative, good ideas and lightweight construction

technology created not only more housing opportunities – on both land and water – for some of

the close to 60,000 tourists that choose to visit the west coast of Jutland.They also generated

more employment opportunities and new businesses for the old traditional shipyard.

Photo: Thomas Mølvig

oftly rippling white sand dunes, gen-tly billowing sand rye grass andterns flying playfully over a clear

blue, inviting North Sea. It sounds like some-where you would love to let both body and soulescape for awhile. Add a traditional Danish fish-ing area with black fisherman’s shacks and a tra-ditional boatyard in which the masts of the ren-ovated old boats proudly rise to meet the skyand the dream almost reaches perfection.Unfortunately, even dreams can have theirflaws.

The community of Hvide Sande on thesouthern west coast of Jutland with its 3,000inhabitants has all of the wonderful thingsdescribed, but also suffers from increasingunemployment as a result of the decline in thefishing industry. “This situation was rather trou-bling, but at the same time a challenge since weclearly saw great opportunities for our fantasticcoastal area. Each summer, the “population”swells to 60,000 if we include all of our touristsin the count,” says Henning Davidsen, projectmanager at Holmsland Klit Turistforening(tourist association) and the man behind thelarge and successful tourist undertaking withsummer cottages that is now entering its secondphase.

Protected harbour-side landWhen the tourist association was granted accessto a larger beach area on the side of HvideSande that faces Ringkøbing Fjord, an excitingproject could be put in motion. “There is an oldtradition in Denmark that areas belonging togovernment harbours may only be used for har-bour-related activities. But, since our harbour

On the beach and fjordholiday homes in lightweight construction technology generate new employment opportunities

technology was gaining a lot of ground andwould most likely be an excellent fit for theHvide Sande Sluse project. “If were could devel-op knowledge and expertise in this area inDenmark, there would be even greater opportu-nities,” continues Henning Davidsen. “At thattime, we contacted Lindab and, together withour architecture firm Cubo Arkitekter A/S,determined that lightweight, prefabricatedfacade and roof elements were the way to go.This prefabrication was done by the Seasightdepartment of Hvide Sande Skibs- og Baade-byggeri together with a local construction com-pany. This gave the community new, sought-afteremployment opportunities.”

Inspired by fisherman’s shacksSo far, 34 holiday homes have been constructedand sold to private individuals. The next phase isunderway. “Either the owners use the homesthemselves or we at Holmsland Klit Turist-forening help them rent out the homes,” contin-

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All building element prefabrication isdone at the shipyard, after which it is

transported a short bit down to thebeach for assembly.

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technology in focus – namely production ofhouseboats. “No one in Denmark had ever seri-ously considered houseboat production, but weconsidered it a vast, interesting market inDenmark, Sweden and Germany with all thechannels and exciting quay spots,” says HenningDavidsen. “The entire operation was run by thecompany Seasight, which is also situated in theold shipyard. I think it is a positive sign that wewere able to build up expertise and skills in twogrowing operations in a short amount of time.Lindab played an important part in this devel-opment. We have established an excellent col-laboration with them and built up a relationshipthat I think has a lot left to give. Lindab’sexpertise in lightweight construction technologycombined with the support and reliable deliver-ies they presented has been of great significance.There may still be hope for Hvide Sande,” heconcludes with a Danish smile on his lips.

Houseboats with potentialSeasight is a department within Hvide SandeSkibs- og Baadebyggeri, which since 2002 hasbeen producing building elements for HvideSande Sluse and has been responsible for the

The holiday home project at Hvide Sande Sluse and Seasight’s houseboats have been a great success so far with sold out homes and boats. Happily, ithas also helped create more employment opportunities on the west coast of Jutland. Lindab’s lightweight construction technology plays a central role inboth the holiday homes and the houseboats.

industrial manufacture of houseboats for theNordic and Northern German markets. “Rightnow, we produce houseboat elements for severalother companies and shall soon begin produc-tion of elements for 20 new holiday homes,” saysNiels Møller, manager at Seasight.

There is currently a great interest in bothrenting and buying houseboats. The problem isfinding enough harbour spots. “There are cur-rently six sold houseboats here in Hvide Sandein a completed environment with jetties, gang-planks, parking spots and areas of land. Thismeans that we now have a good ‘model home’that can attract interested parties from areassuch as Northern Germany,” says Niels Møller.“The houseboats we make now are mainte-nance-free for 10 years before they must betaken to the shipyard for painting and mainte-nance. The largest houseboats we currently man-ufacture have about 145 m2 of living space, haveseveral terraces on different levels, can beequipped to meet the customer’s desires andare, of course, adapted to the Nordic climate.”

ues Henning Davidsen. “Since we are located soclose to the German border, this is a populararea for Germans, who rent several of thehomes.”

Through the architecture firm CuboArkitekter A/S, the holiday homes of the HvideSande Sluse project have been given a look thatties in well to the local construction tradition.“We took inspiration from the small blackshacks found at the fishing villages around Ring-købing Fjord. These are used by fishermen tostore tools and to live in once spring has come.The black colour naturally comes from the tarused for hawsers and nets. What was left overended up on the shacks’ facades,” says HelgeDavidsen, head architect at Cubo ArkitekterA/S (yes, he’s Henning’s brother). “The resultwas a small-scale settlement with long and nar-row buildings with window-less long sides whoselarge glass gables face the south and thesparkling fjord.”

New projectParallel to the Hvide Sande Sluse project, anadditional undertaking was initiated in HvideSande that also had lightweight construction


Just under the roof, at nearly 107 metersheight, you get an interesting view of

Tropical Island’s facility, with South Seas’water and beaches (to the left), the tropical

rain forest (middle) and the Bali Lagoon(right), with both waterfalls and grottoes.

over 66.000 m2 and an indoor temperature of 25to 28°C. The temperature of the water in theBali Lagoon is a delightful 32°C, while thosechoosing to swim in the South Seas have to con-tent themselves with a more modest 28°C! Addto that a humidity of about 50% and the resultis an attractive climate for both visitors and themore than 500 different species of tropic plantsthat are represented.

An average of around 4,500 visitors a dayhave come to Tropical Island since it opened onDecember 19. “We expected between 3,500 and4,500 visitors per day,” says Günter Mosler, proj-ect leader for Tropical Island. “During the win-ter, however, the number of visitors could reachas many as 9,000 on some days. The surveys weran to measure visitor appreciation of TropicalIsland have shown very good results. 46% givethe facility a rating of ’excellent’ and 47% rate itas ‘good’. You really can’t expect a better resultthan that, nor did we.”

Visitors stay an average of 5 to 6 hours, andhave access to the two large bathing lagoons,with sandy beaches and deck chairs, seven

When the basic idea itself was hammered out, itwas time to find a suitable place to put “theTropics”. In his quest for the right place, aGerman acquaintance tipped him off about theperfect solution. In Brand, just outside of Berlin,stood the enormous CargoLifter hangar, emptyever since that business became insolvent. Atthat site, once East Germany’s largest militaryairbase, CargoLifter had erected an enormoushangar for starting zeppelin production. “Webought the facility in 2002 from CargoLifter AG,and after investing nearly 70 million Euros viaAu Leisure Pte Ltd. and Tanjong PLC, we were

able to open the doors to Tropical Island inDecember, 2004, and invite in guests, the

press and employees to the 360-metrelong, 210-metre wide and 107-metre tall

dome,” says Colin Au. “They got to experiencenothing less that the heat, light and the completefeeling of a Caribbean island.”

Happy visitorsThe gigantic dome, which is the world’s largestself-supporting structure, has a floor area of

The famous legend of Mohammed and the mountain – “If the mountain won’t come to Mohammed, Mohammed will go to the

mountain” – deals with the need to accept the impossible, and also about finding new solutions to “insolvable” problems.When

Malaysian businessman Colin Au saw the need for tropical warmth and atmosphere in the cooler Europe, he simply brought the

tropics here and created Tropical Island – northern Germany’s new island in the sun and heat.

hat do you do with a zeppelinhangar that is big enough foreight (8) football pitches, tall

enough to stick the Statue of Liberty in standingup, and the Eiffel Tower lying down – if youdon’t own a zeppelin? Malaysian businessman,Colin Au, found the site just outside Berlin per-fect for building the world’s largest indoortheme park. Complete with sandy beaches, bun-galows, restaurants and an entire rainforest fullof flowers, birds and butterflies. “You know,Berlin is a bit cold nine months out of the year,and most of the people living in the area justcan’t fly off to Cuba for the weekend,” saysColin Au. His idea was “to do some-thing about” those gray days, the rainyweather and the grumpy moods thatare not at all untypical in Germany and Europe.“Germans often dream about travelling to tropi-cal lands with friendlier climates, higher temper-atures and a total absence of rain.” The problemis that most have neither the time nor money totravel abroad for expensive holidays. That’swhen I got the idea for Tropical Island,” saysColin Au.

“The Tropics”come to EuropeWith his experience from running Star Cruises,Asia’s leading cruise line, Colin Au simplyturned the cruise principle on it’s head. Insteadof shipping people to the tropics, he would nowship the tropics to the people.

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Tropical IslandSpectacular attraction in northern latitudes

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restaurants in the Tropical Village and severalamusement facilities. Those staying into theevening can enjoy the free spectacular “VivaBrazil” show, with 90 dancers and artists on themain stage.

Huge demands on indoor climateAll of this places huge demands on the indoorclimate system, but at the same time consider-able resources have been invested in the

advanced computerised ventilation and climate-zone system, which allow several different cli-matic zones within the dome itself. One side ofthe dome has been replaced with transparentmaterials which contribute to the right atmos-phere and provide ideal conditions for the tropi-cal vegetation. It will eventually encompass aclear facade of over 20.000 m2. “Technically, it

was a very complicated project,” adds GünterMosler. “Each solution, from the water purifica-tion system to the ventilation, was more or lessunique.”

Imtech München has carried out the com-plete building services, as well as mechanical,electrical, fire fighting and controls. In the top ofthe works there were more than 200 operatorsworking on this.

Lindab has delivered the extensive duct-work system with dimensions up to 1,600 mm

and the special airdistribution nozzlefor the dome. Theinstallation was per-formed by ImtechMünchen. ImtechGermany is one ofLindab’s largest andmost important cus-tomers in Germany,and the nation’slargest provider fortotal technical solu-tion for buildingservices (installationcompany). “WhenImtech suggestedLindab as the sup-plier of the air deliv-ery system, I and

other representatives from Tropical Island, visit-ed their plant in Berlin,” explains GünterMosler,” and because we got such a positiveimpression of Lindab, the choice fell to them.From our perspective, the co-operation betweenImtech and Lindab has worked very well, andwe got the ventilation solution we were after.”

The installation included not only the domeitself, but the other buildings on the site as well.The work was carried out by installers hanginglike mountaineers from the dome’s trusses andthey mounted the factory-produced and pre-mounted duct system.

Natural choice“That we chose Lindab was completely natural,”says Michael Borgovan, one of the project man-agers at Imtech München. “Lindab is a marketleader of air delivery systems in Germany, main-tains a high quality product, and not least, hasthe ability to deliver extensive orders quickly. Inaddition, we have worked with Lindab on sever-al large projects with very good results, and haveestablished an excellent working relationship.The Tropical Island project was no exception;Lindab succeeded as usual to manage both thequality and delivery requirements. In just thiscase, we were very much in a hurry, as the wholeinstallation had to be done in about 8 weeks, sothat the work on the pools could begin by latesummer, 2004.”

The large ventilation system from Lindab has a length of about 1,140 metres and a capacity of nearly 200.000 m3/h. The air delivery system isresponsible not only for dehumidifying the rain forest and pools, but also for heating the dome during the cold seasons. The thermal capacity is2,630 kW and the specified air temperature is a whole 58°C. Imtech München was responsible for all technical installations.

Duct dimensions up to 1.6 m were part of the large deliveryfrom Lindab.


Simple coordinationCelo 22 is based on a well known, proven tech-nology from Lindab in that it is based on a half‘Professor’ baffle, one of Lindab’s more wellspread baffle products.

Combining the suspended ceiling, baffle,extractor unit, lighting, etc. into an integratedsystem, the all-important coordination becomessignificantly simpler. “Everyone involved – fromthe architect and client to project planner, pro-curement officer and installer – can now takepleasure in a complete suspended ceiling con-cept that creates both a good indoor climate andgood room acoustics. Through the use of Celo,technology and aesthetics can successfully worktogether,” says Jonas Holmberg, market coordi-nator for Lindab waterborne products.

a way that it is completely out of sight. Togetherwith Ecophon’s other Celo products, there isnow a complete system that fulfils the architect’sdesires in a new, exciting manner.

“This is our and Lindab’s first joint develop-ment project,” says Anna Jonason, developmentengineer at Ecophon. “We often ‘met’ at the sus-pended ceiling. There was much to be gained ifwe could together find solutions for better syn-chronisation of our respective products that alsoplease the architect. That was the starting pointof our collaboration and exactly what we wereable to achieve.” Ecophon contacted several baf-fle manufacturers in 2003. “But, since Lindabwas not only a leader in this technology but alsoshowed the greatest interest, the choice was sim-ple,” explains Anna Jonason.

In the autumn of 2004, Lindab presentedthese ideas at an international architectureforum in Seville. “All of the architects we wereable to talk to were fired up with enthusiasm,”explains Göran Hultmark. “Therefore webelieve there is great potential for the Celo con-cept. The initial phase for new products is, how-ever, quite long. It takes six months to a yearbefore you begin to see any movement in salesfigures.” During the development work,Ecophon also received confirmation of the greatinterest for the Celo concept via architect con-tacts.

Patent-pending technologyThe newly developed ventilation baffle Celo 22is positioned above the lowered Celo suspendedceiling. The technical solution for Celo 22 isbased on a unique patent-pending technology inwhich the cooled air is sent down through anoutlet column in the suspended ceiling along theentire wall and then on down to the floor. “Theair has a fan-shaped spread, resulting in low airspeeds in the occupancy zone,” explains GöranHultmark. “The air exchange efficiency in theroom is also good since the clean, cooled air isslowly sent down along the wall and downtoward the floor while the extractor unit islocated above the suspended ceiling.”

Clean, smooth surfaces without disruptive elements are with few exceptions high on the architect’s list for the

design of the suspended ceiling.The problem is that it is in this area that solutions for acoustics, ventilation, heat-

ing/cooling and lighting must share space.A bright idea from Lindab – and collaboration with acoustic ceiling manu-

facturer Ecophon – gave rise to an invisible solution.Technology and aesthetics in a unified concept – Celo.

rchitects often have definiteopinions on everything involvingtheir discipline. It would be

strange otherwise. Even if these opinions don’tcreate problems, they can create enormous chal-lenges for suppliers of components and solu-tions for modern building construction.

Take, for example, the suspended ceiling.Here is where equipment for ventilation, heat-ing/cooling, lighting and fire protection mustoften share space. “Architects often feel thatnothing should be seen, at least as regards venti-lation and heating/cooling,” explains GöranHultmark of Lindab Climate in Askim. “It mustbe aesthetically pleasing while completely meet-ing needs for lighting, ventilation, heating androom acoustics.”

Invisible solutions“When we met with suspended ceiling manufac-turer Ecophon in late autumn 2003 to bettersynchronise Lindab’s solutions for ventilationand heating with Ecophon’s suspended ceilingsystem, the desires of the architect were on theagenda. During the meeting, Ecophon designerJuha Huhtilainen continually returned to thearchitect’s desires for increased aesthetics,“invisible” technical installations and a smoothsuspended ceiling. During the meeting Ecophonalso presented its efforts in free-hanging units,i.e. where the suspended ceiling hangs downfreely from the wall and creates a columnbetween the ceiling and wall. That’s when Istarting wondering whether we actually couldmake our products more hidden.”

Fruitful collaborationThis was the start of an extremely fruitful jointdevelopment project between Lindab andEcophon which now, about 18 months later, hasresulted in the launch of the suspended ceilingsystem Celo. Celo is Latin for “hide or hidden”.That is exactly what the ventilation baffle Celo22 from Lindab is – completely invisible. By util-ising the column between the wall and suspend-ed ceiling and there release cooled air down intothe room, the baffle could be positioned in such

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Celo Celo Celo Celo Celoarchitect’s invisible suspended ceiling dream

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Biotech Center,Gothenburg

Architect: LILJEWALLarkitekter ab

Photo: Bert Leandersson

Photos from left to rightCeiling framework without installationsAll technology including climate systemCelo with air flow depicted


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Center,enburg

EWALLkter ab

dersson

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lindventilation news

HLD – high level displacement is anew type of perforated device for large amountsof air primarily developed for industrialapplications. 56 HLDs wererecently delivered and installedat Michelin’s facilities inRomania. “There was competi-tion with another supplier whowas already in place, but wesucceeded in bringing homethis interesting order,” explainsJesper Vartau Hansen ofLindab Denmark. “After beingcontacted here in Farum byAdrian Mocanu of LindabRomania with an inquiry as towhether we could produce adevice that could replace thatof the competitor, we quickly

developed the new product HLD.Thus, we can now offer a displacingdevice for industrial applications that

makes the supply oflarge amounts of airpossible. This is aproduct that is greatly indemand, simple and easy toclean. We have filled a gap inour device range.”

HLD’s design provideschoice in the control of air flow.“It can be directed horizontally,which is the norm when cool airis to be supplied,” explainsJesper Vartau Hansen. “Thedevice can also be set for verti-cal air supply in a heating situa-tion.” HLD can be delivered

HLD – new low displacing device forMichelin in Romania

Wikers Plåt AB is a distinguished com-pany that has been in the sheet metal industrysince 1948, when sheet metal worker ÖstenWiker started the company in a cellar in centralLudvika. Today the company has about 20employees with projects being led by Jens Pet-tersson. “I’m keeping the family business alive –Östen Wiker was my grandfather,” he says andexplains that ventilation contracts – project plan-ning to delivery, installation and commissioning –constitute the core activity, supplemented withdelivery and installation of builder’s hardware,drainage, construction and roofing sheet metalwork.

For many years, Lindab has suppliedWikers Plåt not only ventilation products butalso roof drainage and other construction sheetmetal components. “Lindab always takes careof everything for us,” says Jens Pettersson. “Ifyou add good prices and great product assort-

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Wikers Plåt – loyal Lindab customer with extensive knowledge

Retirement home kv. Grönsiskan in Ludvika has an unmistakable Lindab stamp. With the ventilation drawn in Lindab’s CADvent, and the entire

duct system, insulation, roof drainage and construction sheet metal delivered by Lindab in Borlänge you wouldn’t expect anything less.

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with either manual or motorised control of airsupply angle and is installed 3-4 meters overthe floor.

ment to the picture, you get a supplier you justdon’t want to be without. In addition, Lindab hasthe most easily installed system when comparedto other duct system manufacturers.”

Project planning and drawing tool CADventhas been used in the company since 1996. “Wehave followed the program’s development andcontinually use it for our ventilation projects,”says Jens Pettersson. “The program has beendeveloped into an extremely good aid and usefultool for our project planning. We think that CAD-vent’s greatest strength is that it allows you todraw ‘in reality’. We draw in the right dimensionsand with products that have the correct measure-ments. This way, we avoid surprises when it istime for installation.”

One of the latest projects is retirement homekv Grönsiskan in Ludvika, comprising new con-

struction of 48 service apartments as well ascommon rooms in one floor totalling 4,500 m2.The client was Riksbyggen with PEAB as generalcontractor. Wikers Plåt was responsible forproject planning and installation of the ventilationsystem as well as control and monitoring. Thecompany was also responsible for roof drainage,construction sheet metal and forging.

Lindab delivered the complete duct system,all thermal and fire insulation as well as roofdrainage and construction sheet metal to kv.Grönsiskan.

“Most of what we need we can get fromLindab,” concludes Jens Pettersson. “The onlything missing is a fan unit. But, you can’t haveeverything.”

Jens Pettersson and some staff members in front of the

company’s premises in Ludvika.


Facilis is a new series of ceilingunit for supply and exhaust air that really takesdevelopment a giant leap forward. “The simple isoften genius,” says Fredrik Engdahl, head ofproduct area Comfort in the Ventilation businessarea. “Our new Facilis FCL unit is a product witha number of advantages for architects, HVACconsultants, installers and proprietors alike. Thelowest height on the market, a very low acousticlevel in a great pressure area and no need foradjustment upon installation or after cleaning arejust some of the important advantages. And thisis without being a complicated product.” Facilis

FCL, which is a combination of device and box,is made to fit 90% of the suspended ceilings onthe market and is very simple to install.

Facilis FCL is delivered completely dimen-sioned, preset to the desired amount of air atthe desired pressure. “The large pressure areaand the low acoustic level makes it possible toget enough pressure over the device, which iswhy it is not necessary to set individual units.You can instead make checks via sampling,”continues Fredrik Engdahl.

Facilis FCL can be equipped with variousbottom plates from Lindab’s DesignLine rangebased on the desires of the architect. The deviceis delivered ready for installation for the mostcommon 600x600 ceiling systems. Being able tocombine the architect’s aesthetic desires withthe installer’s technical requirements is a greatadvantage. “The fact that Facilis is easy to cleansince internal components can be easilyremoved without tools doesn’t hurt,” concludesa pleased Fredrik Engdahl. The product is cur-

Facilis FCL – new, patent-pending unit makes things easier for everyone

ventilation newsStraight pipe foracoustic solution

When Hotel Nyborg Strand was setto add to its conference facility Glassalen, Venti-lationsgruppen in Odense ran into trouble. Therewas just no room for silencers. “We could, how-ever, offer their project manager Eng. Sten Nico-laisen a special solution with calculated dampingeffect,” explains Ove Boisen of Lindab Denmark.“By using Lindab’s new Silentduct, the systemcould produce its 5,000 m3/h while at the sametime fulfilling the acoustic standard of 35 db(A) inGlassalen with no problems.”

“This type of system has been available insome of our markets for some time,” explainsJörgen Andersson, project manager forAcoustics. “We are the first to combine theproduct type with extensive know-how. Bymeasuring our Silentduct products in theacoustic laboratory in Farum, we can offer ourcustomers exact dimensioning and calculationof the effects surrounding the selectedSilentduct solution. The system is primarilyintended as a problem solver when the buildingheight is not known, but also provides aestheticsolutions as the duct can be selected with asmooth outer diameter and the silencer cannotbe seen from outside.

The new version of Lindab’s wellknown ventilation program CADvent is currentlybeing launched in a number of European mar-kets. “CADvent 4.0 has been further developed in500 points compared to version 3.5,” explains apleased Björn Broberg, product man-ager of ITline. “CADvent has alwaysbeen fast, precise and comprehen-sive. Now it is even better in all ofthese areas.” Here are some of themost important new features.

Auto routing. Through a developedContinue command, set componentsin directly via the command line. Thisgenerates markedly quicker productselection and more exact drawingfunctions.

Improved 3D drawing. With asnap-on function, set connections quickly andprecisely in the actual body.

New tracing function. Simple “recalculation”of another 2D drawing. CADvent’s tracing toolidentifies ducts, products and even dimensionsand converts the “unintelligent” 2D drawing to an“intelligent” CADvent drawing in 3D.

Simple to learn and quick to use. Increasedpossibilities in the Continue command makeCADvent simpler to learn and quicker to use.

New products. A number of new products cannow be drawn in and calculated in CADventthrough increased information from Lindab’ssuper database. Information for dampers, pres-sure and suction chambers as well as devices

and silencers is now retrieved onlinefrom the super database and pro-vides technical data of significantlyhigher quality. For example, the newdevice Facilis is included.

Healing. During the fine-tuningphase of a CADvent project, the con-sultant often adds or removes prod-ucts. With removal, CADvent now“fixes itself” automatically with thenew healing function.

Improved texting. Now the objectcan be given text markings and the

user can control text appearance and locationhim or herself to a great degree. By clicking onthe object, the user immediately sees the textblock size and can position it in an appropriatespot in the drawing.

CADvent 4.0 with many new features

CADvent 4.0 is now being

successively released in

markets across Europe, giv-

ing HVAC consultants

access to even better

design and dimensioning

tools.

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lindabdirect

How Facilis works

When the air flows through the connection duct (1), the per-

forated plate (2) distributes the air evenly in the pressure

chamber (3). The pressure drop plate (4) is equipped with

nozzles and creates the desired drop in pressure, subse-

quently leading the air in the desired direction through the

impulse chamber (5), where the optional bottom plate (6)

distributes the air out into the locale. The acoustic insulation

(7) ensures good damping in the device.

rently being launched in Sweden and Norwaywith a Danish and Finnish launched planned forautumn.


Since the summer of 2004, Peabhas been working to build Helsingborg’s newpolice headquarters on commission of propertycompany Norrporten. Located near the northernentrance ramp, motorists on their way to thecentre have been able to follow the progress ofconstruction. The building has six floors androom for 600 police employees.

Lindab has delivered to its customerDanogips outer wall joints for 2,400 m2 as wellas facade and partition wall joints for a surfaceof approx. 12,000 m2.

The consultant Byggteknik in Skåne wasresponsible for project planning of lightweightconstruction components. “Lightweight jointshave a big advantage over wood due to theirinsensitivity to moisture,” says Håkan Mårtens-son of Byggteknik in Skåne. “That is why Peaband Norrporten worked with us to switch fromthe system documentation’s wood joints tolightweight steel joints.”

Police hq. with Lindab technology

On 1 December 2004 Lindab Polandwas awarded the distinction Building Companyof the Year 2004 – awarded for the second timeby the Polish trade journal KalejdoskopBudowlany. The prize is awarded to the com-pany the jury considers the strongest as regardsproduct offering, quality, customer relations,marketing and growth. With about 1,000 compa-nies in the Polish building market, with competi-tors such as Hochtief, Knauf and Rockwool, it isa great honour for us to be counted as a leading,reliable and innovative company,” says JacekWozniczka, Lindab Poland. “We consider therecognition we have received from external audi-tors very valuable and stimulating.”

Prize to LindabPoland

ventilation/profile news

Like Sweden, Japan really gets its fairshare of precipitation. That is just one of the rea-sons that two containers of black Rainline roofdrainage have now been shipped from Förslöv allthe way to Japan. “The Japanese importerYamat reports that the installers that haveinstalled the products thus far have appreciatedthe assortment, quality and simple installation,”says Jan Tomberg, pleased product manager forRainline.

Rainline to Japan

It’s indisputable – IKEA, Swedishsteel and Lindab have not only the same nationalorigins, but also the same entrepreneurial spirit attheir core. We won’t say whether this is thereason that the fourth IKEA department store inthe Czech Republic is being built with the help ofsolutions of Lindab. The fact is that the installa-

tion, which has now been completed by Czechventilation contractor Luvex s.r.o., has beenapproved on all points by those responsible forthe project at IKEA. “It is, of course, quite satis-fying to once again have developed a total solu-tion that not only received IKEA’s full approval,but also helped us yet again supply our long-term customer Luvex with the product solutionsand support required to win the approval of theSwedish furniture giant,” says Jan Simsa, man-ager of business area Ventilation in the CzechRepublic.

The original project planning involvedLindab’s simple, unsealed duct system Vent. But,

after pressure from both us and the fan supplierwe managed to convince them of the advantagesof switching to Lindab’s rubber-sealed systemSafe,” says Jindrich Chrast, regional director atLindab who, together with sales managerStanislav Nemecek, succeeded in implementingthis change. “Now, IKEA’s new department storein Prague has a better sealed, more energy effi-cient ventilation system. I’m sure no one will dis-agree that this makes for better total economy inthe long-term.”

Today, the new IKEA department store,which opened its doors 16 December 2004, isfilled with not just Billy, Lack, Tomelilla and all of

the other famous IKEA products. A complete cir-cular duct system from Lindab fills at least partsof the suspended ceiling, providing the 44,000square meters and up to 5,000 daily visitors withthe right dose of fresh, clean air.

22

From Vent to Safe at IKEA Czech Republic

lindabdirect lind


profile news

23

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Russian Karelia is not merely beau-tiful countryside bordering Finland and withSt. Petersburg to the south. It is also an areawhere foreign investments are becoming evermore common. Together with its partner, UTS,Lindab has been gaining an ever stronger foot-hold here since 1994, and UTS has been veryactive in introducing and spreading Lindab’s lightconstruction technology within Russia. “UTS nowhas enormous experience and knowledge in thisfield,” says Igor Tatynski, regional manager forLindab Profile in Russia. “There are probably

more Lindab buildings per square kilometre in thelittle mining region of Kostamucksha than any-where else in the world.”

Most recently, UTS in collaboration withbuilding contractor TEKOMPROOF, has erecteda second factory structure for the Finish subcon-tractor, PKS Group, with lorry manufacturerssuch as Volvo, M.A.N and Scania on their clientlist. “This Building System delivery from Lindabhad exactly the quality, security and quick deliv-ery – and assembly time, too – that we and ourclient, PKS, have become used to,” says project

manager Victor Efremkin at UTS/TEKOMPROOF.“Together with the first factory, we have nowdelivered more than 11,000 m2, and another8,000 m2 will begin during 2005.

High “Lindab density” in Kostamucksha

Pre-fabricated buildings have longbeen a common feature in the Czech residentialsector. Many of these multi-dwellingblocks are currently in need of exten-sive renovation. Thus, the opportunityto combine renovation with enlarge-ment, and thereby increasing residen-tial space, is of great interest, at leastfor the larger blocks. “We have deliv-ered a two-storey modular addition tothe large renovation project in Stará Boleslav,

25 km north of Prague,” says Petr Hynst, light-construction specialist for Lindab s.r.o., in the

Czech Republic. “As usual, it was quitea challenge for the architects, construc-tors and we here at Lindab, but the endresult was six, new, attractive flats, eachwith a living space of 85 m2.

The addition was built entirely ofself-bearing light-construction techno-logy consisting of Lindab's RY steel

studs, external wall runner SKY, as well as steel

C and U beams for the lower, weight-bearingstorey. The spandrel panels were prefabricatedand hoisted into place. The architect choseLindab’s metal tiles for the roof cover system.“All this not only made the additional sectioneasy to assemble, but also at a low overallweight which the original structure could han-dle,” concludes Petr Hynst. “In addition, theproperty owner got six new tenants, at the sametime as the old ones were happier.”

The second phase at the Karkhakos PKScable and accessories factory for lorries inKostamucksha was inaugurated in Sep-tember, 2004, by Karelian President SergeyKatanandov, along with representatives fromFinish authorities.

Not content that UTS and TEKOMPRO-OF have soon erected nearly 19.000 m2 forthe very satisfied PKS Group, UTS/Lindabare also erecting a new shopping centre inKostamucksha, and preparations are under-way to erect a large forest industry and amining facility. Residents of the area are likelygetting accustomed to seeing Lindab’s steel.

Fast, light-weight,ergonomic

Renovations with light-construc-tion technology provide manyadvantages, such as fastassembly, great flexibility andeasy adaptation, along with lowdead loads. Something that bothinstallers and the environmentappreciate is the reduced wasteand the cleaner work site thatresults when all the componentsare delivered factory-made orpre-assembled.

Second phase completed at PKS’ Karkhakos factory

Increased space with expanding light-construction technology


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