BOB Gilching

BOB Gilching – Munich, Germany
Project overview

The BOB Gilching complex near Munich houses offices and technology laboratories within a modular building system. Part of the BOB AG portfolio, the project emphasises sustainability, user comfort and adaptability. The ground floor includes conference rooms and a refectory that benefit from abundant natural light.

Design challenge

The building’s ground‑floor rooms require daylight but face street fronts and courtyards where external shading could obstruct views and hinder operability. The design called for a shading solution that would provide glare control and privacy when needed but remain subtle when open. The system also needed to be robust enough for commercial use and compatible with the façade materials.

RetroSolar strategy

Fixed RETROFlex louvers were incorporated within the glazing units
retrosolar.us
. These micro‑louvers reduce light deflection compared with standard venetian blinds, producing a softer daylight distribution. The louvers share the material palette of the façade, lending a homogeneous appearance when viewed from outside. Because the louvers are embedded in the glass, they do not protrude from the façade, preserving the building’s sleek lines and simplifying maintenance. Similar systems are used in other BOB buildings, such as the meeting rooms at HDI Gerling headquarters.

Building physics and performance

The RetroFlex louvers redirect daylight upward, improving the uniformity of illumination in the ground‑floor spaces. By reducing light scatter and glare, they create a comfortable environment for meetings and dining. The embedded design protects the louvers from dust and damage, ensuring consistent optical performance over time. The shading eliminates the need for external blinds, reducing cleaning and repair costs.

Architectural outcome and significance

The integration of RetroSolar technology in BOB Gilching exemplifies how micro‑louvers can be used discretely in low‑rise buildings to enhance interior quality. Occupants enjoy unobstructed views when the louvers are in their horizontal position, while the building maintains a consistent façade aesthetic. The project reinforces the replicable nature of the BOB concept and demonstrates the scalability of retro‑reflective shading for various building types.