LogIn, Krefeld

LogIn – Krefeld, Germany
Project overview

The LogIn development in Krefeld, built by ERWE Immobilien AG and designed by Form A Architects, comprises three buildings offering office spaces with modern amenities. The complex achieved DGNB Gold certification, reflecting its high environmental and social performance
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.

Design challenge

The architects sought to create a uniform appearance across the three buildings while ensuring that each office had sufficient daylight and thermal comfort. External shading would have complicated the façade design and increased maintenance. Given the budget constraints of a speculative office development, the solution had to be cost‑effective and reliable.

RetroSolar strategy

Each building is equipped with RETROLux 20 mm interior blinds placed between the glazing beads and operated via hand cranks
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. The small slat width provides fine‑grained control over daylight and glare. Because the blinds are interior, they are protected from the weather, and their operation is straightforward. The consistent use of the blinds across all three buildings creates a coherent façade appearance.

Building physics and performance

The RetroSolar blinds reduce solar heat gain and improve daylight distribution, helping the buildings achieve energy targets. Manual operation allows tenants to adjust the blinds to their preferences, enhancing comfort. The interior placement reduces maintenance costs and ensures long‑term durability. Together, these factors contributed to the DGNB Gold certification.

Architectural outcome and significance

The LogIn project shows that simple, cost‑effective RetroSolar solutions can deliver high performance in speculative office developments. The uniform application of the blinds across multiple buildings creates a harmonious aesthetic and emphasises the developer’s commitment to sustainability. The project supports broader adoption of retro‑reflective shading in the commercial real‑estate market.