FC-CAMPUS
Office ensemble with intelligent smart-glass façade
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Sculptural architecture for the smart cities of tomorrow
– World's first application of sensor-controlled liquid crystal glazing technology
– Expansive, multi-storey glazing for daylight-filled workspaces
– Adaptive control of daylight and solar heat gain
– Significant building design on a floating base plate
– Semi-transparent glazing pattern designed to reduce bird collisions
– Energy concept combining geothermal technology and photovoltaics
| Type | Corporate architecture |
| Service phases (HOAI) | SP 1 to SP 5 |
| Location | Karlsruhe, Germany |
| Year | 2020 |
| Status | Completed |
| GFA | 7,781 m² |
| Client | FC-Verwaltungs GmbH |
| Façade planning | planQuadrat Architektur&Consulting, FREYLER Metallbau GmbH |
| Structural design | Künstlin Ingenieure Ing.-Gesellschaft für Tragwerksplanung mbH & Co. KG |
| Building physics | GN Bauphysik Finkenberger + Kollegen Ingenieurgesellschaft mbH |
| Bird protection advice | Schweizerische Vogelwarte Sempach |
| Glazing eyrise®s350 | Merck Window Technologies B.V. |
| Photography | Sascha Jahnke, Nikolay Kazakov, 9sekunden |
BUILDING BLOCKS FOR SMART CITIES!
How can architecture respond to changing environmental conditions while creating new qualities for the people who use it?
For the FC-Campus in Karlsruhe, 3deluxe and client FC-Gruppe collaborated with technology company Merck to create an office ensemble that brings together sculptural architecture and intelligent building technology.
At its heart is an innovative glass façade that automatically adjusts its tint in response to changing light conditions. The technology allows for expansive glazing, opening up new possibilities for balancing daylight, views and solar heat gain.
 "Iconic Award 2021, Innovative Architecture - Winner")
 "Iconic Award 2021, Innovative Material - Winner")
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THE SMART-GLASS FAÇADE – A WORLD FIRST IN BUILDING TECHNOLOGY
The expansive glass façade of the FC-Campus incorporates electronically switchable liquid crystal technology (eyrise®), introduced here in what was, at the time, its first application worldwide and developed in collaboration with Merck.
Within seconds, the glazing changes its tint to regulate daylight and solar heat transmission while maintaining outward views. No additional external shading elements are required.
For 3deluxe, this technology is a building block for architecture that combines generous, daylight-filled spaces with targeted control of external conditions. The façade concept was designed to help limit cooling demand during periods of intense sunlight while considering the visual comfort of its users.
ENERGY CONCEPT COMBINING GEOTHERMAL TECHNOLOGY AND PHOTOVOLTAICS
The FC-Campus was conceived with the aim of limiting operational energy demand through the interaction of its building envelope and technical infrastructure.
The sensor-controlled glass façade allows solar heat gain to be adjusted in response to changing external conditions. Modern heated and chilled ceilings regulate indoor temperatures throughout the office spaces.
Heating and cooling are provided by a dedicated geothermal system with 24 borehole probes reaching depths of up to 130 metres. An extensive rooftop photovoltaic installation generates electricity.
Together, these technologies form the foundation of the building's energy concept.
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»In addition to the goal of constructing a climate-neutral & sustainable building, the design concept was based on a uniform corporate design.«
CLAUDIA SIEGELE IN BUILDING ENERGY CONSULTANT 03/2022
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SCULPTURAL ARCHITECTURE AS CORPORATE IDENTITY
The FC-Campus serves as the headquarters of Karlsruhe-based FC-Gruppe, an interdisciplinary engineering and planning company. 3deluxe's design translates the company's technology-driven identity into a distinctive architectural expression.
Two identical cubes, rotated in opposite directions, rise from a shared, visually floating podium with an open underground parking area beneath.
Organically shaped, multi-storey windows break up the buildings' geometric rigour. Depending on the viewing angle, the two cubes merge into a dynamic sculptural composition.
Minimal architectural detailing, precisely positioned diagonals and flowing radii give the ensemble its distinctive identity. Expansive glazing creates bright office spaces with wide-ranging views of the surroundings.
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SMART WORKSPACES – OPEN, DIGITAL, CONNECTED
Inside, the FC-Campus follows an open, communication-oriented spatial concept. Largely column-free office floors with few internal partitions provide space for flexible working arrangements, informal exchange and focused work.
Shared social spaces and individual work zones are connected through light, transparent furnishings. The concept of a paper-light office supports open spatial structures and unobstructed sightlines.
A dedicated campus app connects various building functions and services – from selecting lunch at the in-house food bar to navigating the surrounding green spaces.
Material choices also address resource use: the carpeting is made from recycled fishing nets and plastic bottles. Drinking-water dispensers offer an alternative to bottled water.
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ARCHITECTURE IN DIALOGUE WITH NATURE
The FC-Campus is situated between a commercial district, a motorway access road and an adjacent meadow-and-woodland biotope with a stream. The proximity of this natural habitat informed the design of the building envelope and outdoor spaces.
The extensive glazing, including glass corners, presented a particular challenge. To reduce the risk of bird collisions, 3deluxe collaborated with the Swiss Ornithological Institute in Sempach to develop a finely structured, semi-transparent pattern for the glass surfaces.
The pattern was designed with birds' visual perception in mind, combining bird-protection markings with largely unobstructed views from the offices.
The exterior lighting concept also takes the surrounding vegetation into account. Low-mounted LED luminaires direct light specifically towards pathways, while decorative illumination of the vegetation and building volumes was deliberately avoided.
Within the landscape design, sealed outdoor surfaces are limited to roads and pedestrian paths. The open underground parking area is located beneath the floating podium.
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