Daikin and Takenaka win Green Building Award in Poland

Innovative building features

“The primary design challenge was to provide sunlight to the east-facing glazed façade. The glazing angle eliminates the need for blinds or shutters. Passive solar control allows for daylight while preventing overheating and glare. The innovative climate-responsive façade solution exemplifies sustainable design and showcases Daikin’s energy-efficient products,” says Kentaro Fujimoto, Design manager of Takenaka Europe.

Another innovation highlight is the integrated stormwater retention system for the 320,000 m² manufacturing site. After initial treatment, stormwater is directed to two large, underground retention tanks. This allows for controlled drainage of water into a drainage ditch, reducing the risk of flooding or overloading the stormwater infrastructure.

Social value and accessibility

The zigzag facade of the office reduces solar heat gain, achieving large glazed areas with low environmental impact. The design expresses environmental considerations and social responsibility through diverse visual expressions when viewed from different angles.

“It combines efficiency and architectural expression, embodying the building's core environmental principles, serving as a functional, architectural element that manifests the building's values,” adds Kentaro Fujimoto, Design manager of Takenaka Europe.

Reducing energy consumption

“To achieve carbon neutrality in the future, our factory is implementing electric heat pumps and optimized ventilation, using a hybrid air/water cooling system designed for low temperatures in Poland, with waste heat recovery and innovative engineering for sustainable development,” says Yasuto Hiraoka, President of Daikin Manufacturing Poland.

Heat pumps obtain energy from outside air, which allows for significant reduction of heating costs and CO₂ emissions. It provides stable heating of halls and offices and the possibility of cooling in the summer, which increases work comfort and supports the sustainable development of the plant.

The building management system (BMS) is an advanced tool supporting energy-efficient and ecological building management. It allows for precise control of energy consumption, optimizing the operation of heating, ventilation and lighting systems, which translates into a significant reduction of operating costs. BMS integrates monitoring of technological gases with detectors and shut-off valves, ensuring safety and minimizing the risk of failure. The system supports sustainable development, allowing for effective utilities management and emission reduction.

Occupant health and well-being

Sufficient natural light and ventilation have been incorporated into the workspace with temperature and humidity control. “Natural light has been shown to improve mood, productivity and overall well-being. While optimal ventilation helps maintain indoor air quality, reducing the risk of respiratory illnesses and increasing comfort,” adds Yasuto Hiraoka, President of Daikin Manufacturing Poland.

Elements of nature are also integrated into the workspace through the use of plants, natural materials and views of greenery. This ‘biophilic’ design has been linked to reduced stress, increased creativity and improved cognitive function among employees.

The facility uses energy-efficient LED lighting with a lighting control system that allows lighting scenes that improve visual comfort, reduce eye fatigue and have a positive effect on the circadian rhythm of users. High-quality sound-absorbing materials were used in the buildings in walls, ceilings and office partitions.

The building was designed with full accessibility for people with limited mobility in mind. It is equipped with ramps, elevators, suitably wide passages and toilets adapted to the needs of people using wheelchairs. This approach supports inclusiveness, equal treatment and comfort of all users.

Reduced water consumption

Water consumption is reduced by using a landscape plan that does not require a permanent irrigation system for outdoor plantings.

There’s a system that circulates and reuses the heating and cooling water for the heat source. The system measures and aggregates water consumption in buildings and outdoor areas, tracking monthly and annual consumption. It enables collaboration on water management with facility operators and allows aggregation by consumption and area. The system also educates employees and visitors by visually displaying water data on monitors.