2nd construction phase TUP-Campus

Energy efficiency that sets standards

The software company TUP does not pay lip service to sustainability. It already set standards in 2016 with its new company headquarters in Stutensee. Thanks to an innovative combination of technologies, the certified passive office building is virtually energy self-sufficient and is now a sought-after reference object for international experts. For the second construction phase, owners and managing directors Mathias and Simon Thomas also had the vision of an environmentally friendly building solution that saves CO2 emissions in the long term, reduces operating costs and creates a working environment in which employees feel comfortable. The new office building was inaugurated in July of this year after a 14-month construction period. As before, TUP & Co. KG relied on the Vollack Group, a specialist in the methodical planning, construction and revitalization of sustainable, energy-efficient buildings in the office, industrial and healthcare sectors, for the general planning and construction of both construction phases. The ClimaLevel multi-floor was also used again.

Modern working world
For more than 40 years, TUP GmbH & Co. KG has been developing customized warehouse management systems for national and international companies in various industries. The owners and managing directors Simon and Mathias Thomas invested in an additional office building to prepare for the future and further expansion. The modern working environment offers around 1,750 square meters of space for 80 new employees, divided into office areas, meeting and project rooms, technical areas and several tea kitchens, which also function as communication and meeting points.

Architectural unit
The new two- and three-storey building is connected to the existing building by a connecting structure. The transition is formed by a high, spacious room with an internal steel bridge that can be accessed from the second floor. The design concept of the first construction phase was consistently continued so that the two buildings form a harmonious unit. The interior design also incorporates elements of the existing building.

Innovative energy concept
In terms of energy, the new building is also based on the certified passive office building of the first construction phase and complies with the BEG-40 standard. Energy savings, operating costs, CO2 emissions and, last but not least, the comfort of innovative air conditioning technology of the existing building were more than convincing for the clients.

Once again, ice latent heat storage technology was used, consisting of ice energy storage, heat pump, solar air absorbers and photovoltaics as well as the innovative ClimaLevel Multiboden, which combines heating, cooling and ventilation in one system. The Weidemann planning office, which specializes in sustainable energy concepts, was commissioned by the Vollack Group to develop a tailor-made solution that ensures that the building is virtually energy self-sufficient and independent of the existing building from an energy point of view.

As an intelligent storage medium for heating and cooling, the ice energy storage unit works in conjunction with the photovoltaic system to ensure that the building is heated and cooled self-sufficiently. The system control of the heat pump decides which energy source is used. Instead of burning fossil fuels, renewable energy is managed, stored and seasonally shifted with a very high degree of efficiency.

Optimum indoor climate
The multi-floor developed by ClimaLevel GmbH integrates the functions of heating, cooling and ventilation in a single system: the “climate floor” directs the heating and cooling energy and fresh air into the offices. The combination of conventional underfloor heating and airflow makes this solution as responsive as it is energy-efficient. In addition, the sophisticated ventilation technology ensures a constantly optimal indoor climate – without the unpleasant side effects of conventional air conditioning systems. “The cooling provided by the ClimaLevel floor was a tangible benefit, especially with outside temperatures of over 30 degrees Celsius and the associated humidity typical of the Rhine,” praises client Simon Thomas. The multi-floor also offers a further advantage: the entire TGA can be “banished” to the floor thanks to the integrated level for underfloor cabling.

Creative workspace for generations
The entire TUP campus is a highly efficient building complex and an outstanding example of corporate responsibility and employee satisfaction. An all-round successful project for everyone involved. “We are proud to have created a particularly environmentally friendly working environment that keeps future generations in mind,” emphasized Mathias Thomas at the inauguration of the building in July of this year. He and his brother Simon are convinced: “This building is not just an office complex, it is our creative workplace – and will be for generations to come.”