“BlackBox“ is the result of a competition which takes place every five years and is run by Stylus, the Dutch student association and advertised to architectural students of the Technical University of Delft in the Netherlands as a competition project. The aim of the competition is the erection of a new show pavilion. „BlackBox“, a unique building, emerged from over 60 design proposals after much design work and intensive development planning. The materials used were financed entirely by sponsorship. The opening ceremony took place at the end of June in the presence of both sponsors and students.

The Architectural Faculty of the Dutch Technical University of Delft is well known beyond the borders of Europe for the development of innovative facade systems using a wide variety of materials. This is reflected in the lively design of the facade of the new cube-shaped pavilion, where the outside walls form a vertical garden displaying a large range of different plants. A sophisticated irrigation system ensures that the greenery grows and flowers, so the appearance of the „BlackBox“ changes with the seasons. Using living material represents not only an inspiring combination of contemporary culture and ecology but also a groundbreaking pilot project since the integration of nature into the design of facades could contribute to a „greener“ environment, particularly in large cities.

For an ideal integration of the inside world with the outside world, where space combines with light and nature, the design included an extra large doorway which provides the optimum influx of light as well as a maximum opening widths. This was made possible with the XXL Folding Facade „SL 70e“ sponsored by Solarlux. The glazing solution, measuring 4.4 metres in height, can be opened to any width up to its full 5 metres; it brings nature even closer and creates space for events. The art of transformation demonstrated by the pavilion is further underlined by the flexibility of the folding facade.

By its participation in the ”BlackBox“ project, the system developer and manufacturer Solarlux seeks to develop its work with the renowned Technical University of Delft and to inspire students with visionary concepts in the area of flexible façade design. The “BlackBox“ is used not only by the students but also by the sponsors as a venue. Thus Solarlux plans to stage seminars and events for architects, planners and customers.

www.solarlux.de

SOLARLUX, 20.07.2007  - Approx. 500 words
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An ideal integration of inside and outside is created where space, light and nature combine.This is achieved by the inclusion of an extra large 4.4 m high SL 70e type Solarlux folding facade which can be opened up across the full 5 metre opening width.