Germany’s Q1 Building Boasts a Dazzling Facade of 400,000 Metal “Feathers”

The intricate metal façade of the new Q1 building in Essen, Germany is not just a feathery design element -- it also serves as a sophisticated sun shading system. Designed by <a href="http://www.jswd-architekten.de/" target="_blank">JSWD Architetken</a>, the open metal shell frames a multi-level panoramic window that spans the entire building. The unique <a href="http://inhabitat.com/hassell-architects-alibaba-headquarters-bring-a-sense-of-community-to-an-office-complex/" target="_blank">brise soleil</a> saves the company countless dollars that would otherwise be spent on energy and climate control.

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/giant-magenta-blinds-keep-genevas-coral-house-pretty-and-cool-in-pink/" target="_blank">shading system</a> is composed of approximately 400,000 metal “feathers”, which are anchored into 3,150 routered <a href="http://inhabitat.com/house-77-is-a-modern-home-sheathed-in-a-funky-perforated-aluminum-facade/" target="_blank">stainless steel</a> moveable stalks, which move and breathe with the touch of a controller.

The stainless steel louvres have several functions that transform the façade to allow more or less light into the building.

The 1,280 motorized elements can be closed to create a more solid enclosure, follow the position of the sun, or be entirely open to allow maximum solar exposure.

he metal elements block of the harsh sun while keeping the interior cool, reducing the need for air conditioning and climate control

Q1’s glittering metal shell successfully combines cutting-edge architectural design with an innovative, sustainable and energy-efficient building system.