Astron's smart facade

Astron is the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy, located in a nature reserve near Dwingeloo in the Netherlands. It required a unique approach, and therefore we created an intelligent facade.

The new part of the building has a transparent, open frontage using MD Expanded metal. This facade determines both the look and the comfort of the building. The facade elements are partially mobile, so that employees can choose to open them to let the sun in or use the MD Expanded metal panels as blinds to block strong sunlight. To prevent light pollution from the building, all of the mobile panels close automatically at the end of each day. In other words: the smart facade adjusts to the desired conditions of employees and the surroundings.

We used several types of aluminum MD Expanded metal, and these were anodized in three different bronze colors. The blinds are mechanical and have an innovative operating system which can be used to close all the blinds at once. We used the MD Resto fastening system for both shades and fixed panels. Behind the panels is a black aluminum composite plating. We also edged the roof for a clean finish.