Kiefer Technic Showroom Has Mind Blowing “Dancing” Facade

We've come across some incredible building <a href="http://inhabitat.com/green-dream-home-veiled-by-intricate-filigree-leaf-facade/">facades</a> in our time, but none quite as showstopping as this one. The 112 metal tiles that line the exterior of the <a href="http://www.kiefertechnic.at/">Kiefer Technic Showroom</a> in Bad Gleichenberg, Austria are all movable, creating a dynamic and changeable facade that will quickly change anyone's opinion of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/solstice-on-the-park-shimmering-chicago-high-rise-made-for-shade/">solar shading</a> from boring to va va voom. Click through our gallery to see some of the facade's artful configurations and check out the video after the jump to see it "dance."

Designed by <a href="http://www.giselbrecht.at/frameset.html">Giselbrecht + Partner Architects</a>, the building is home to Kiefer Technic's hospital equipment showroom.

The look of the building is in keeping with the modern stainless steel tools that are displayed inside but with one twist.

When occupants want to adjust the light or temperature in a room, they don't pull on shades or twist a little rod.

Instead, they can control any or all of the 112 <a href="http://inhabitat.com/korean-tower-boasts-one-of-the-worlds-most-efficient-solar-facades/">metal tiles</a> that grace the exterior of the showroom by means of 56 engines.

The motion of the tiles is quiet and can be continuous if you want it to.

While we think that the design of the showroom and the dynamic nature of the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/green-dream-home-veiled-by-intricate-filigree-leaf-facade/">facade</a> are truly spectacular, we do wonder how much energy is needed to run the engines that control the metal tiles.

After all, while the shading does help keep unwanted heat out of the building and therefore minimize air conditioning usage, if the electricity needed to keep the tiles "dancing" exceeds the <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/energy">energy</a> savings, we can't really call this project sustainable.

A closer look at the metal tiles.

An entire block of tiles can be controlled at the same time.

Or just one panel.

Here is what a more practical application might look like.

And don't forget to check out the video of the tiles "dancing"!