Project Case
Alte Waschhalle
A listed 1930s laundry hall in the heart of Tübingen. Before MicroShade, the heat was unavoidable. Now students study in comfort without losing the view or the heritage.
A Solution Built Into the Glass
Built in 1930/31 by architect Hans Daiber, the Alte Waschhalle originally served as the laundry facility for the university hospital at Eberhard Karls University in Tübingen, one of Germany’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Following renovation, the listed building now forms part of the university library, housing a journal storage facility, reading room and study space for students.
Before the glazing with MicroShade® was installed, there were notable challenges with overheating due to the orientation and size of the window panes. This presented a problem that needed to be addressed when renovating the building. At the same time, as a listed heritage building, external shading solutions such as screens or blinds were simply not an option as they would have compromised the building’s protected historic appearance. The responsible building authority and owner, Vermögen und Bau Baden-Württemberg Amt Tübingen, needed a solution that could resolve the thermal issues without altering the character of the building.
MicroShade® was integrated directly into the new glazing, with window frames constructed in an elaborate steel design in keeping with the original. The result is optimal room temperatures in the sun-exposed spaces, plenty of natural daylight throughout the reading rooms and study areas, and a clear, unobstructed view to the outside at all times.
Alte Waschhalle is a strong example of how MicroShade® serves as the natural choice in heritage renovations, delivering modern performance without adding anything that would conflict with a building’s listed status or architectural identity.
Other Project Cases
Skovlunde Skole
A former swimming hall transformed into a modern assembly space for students, staff and the local community. At the heart of it, a south-facing facade where light, views and comfort had to coexist.
Traditional blinds and screens require mechanical systems, power supplies, maintenance contracts and regular replacement. They block the view when closed and do nothing when open.
MicroShade® is integrated directly into the glazing unit. Passive, permanent and automatic, it works with the angle of the sun delivering shade in summer and allowing warmth through in winter. No moving parts. No intervention required.
No. Visible light transmission of 50-60% ensures interiors remain genuinely bright throughout the year. Unlike solar control glass, the microstructure blocks high-angle solar heat while allowing diffuse daylight to pass through freely.
Colour rendering above Ra 95 means natural light inside the building stays true to its source.
Yes. The product integrates into standard double or triple glazed units and is suitable for both new construction and retrofit projects. No mechanical systems, no wiring and no structural modifications are required.
There is no impact on the building exterior and no additional trades are needed beyond the glazing contractor already on the project.
The microstructure film sits protected inside the glazing cavity and is almost imperceptible to the naked eye, though the join between sheets is visible on close inspection. From the outside the facade looks clean and as designed.
From the inside the view out remains clear and unobstructed at all times. No tint, no visible pattern and no reduction in the quality of the outlook.
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