Supermarket in Berlin

Awarded a certificate in gold by the German Society for Sustainable Building (DGNB), this supermarket is economical with resources, exploiting daylight, efficient technology and renewable forms of energy. The laminated-timber load-bearing structure extends out to form a broad canopy along the entrance front. Twelve framed trusses span the 1,830 m2 area without intermediate columns, so that the internal space can be divided up according to needs. A peripheral strip of windows allows the ingress of daylight to illuminate the up to eight-metre-high sales space. A further 18 domed roof lights ensure an even level of natural lighting and thus a friendly spatial atmosphere. Artificial light is switched on only when needed and is controlled by daylight sensors.