BOB-Oldenburg

BOB Oldenburg – Oldenburg, Germany
Project overview

As part of the BOB AG portfolio, the Oldenburg building showcases the Balanced Office Building concept in northern Germany. It is designed to achieve DGNB Gold certification, focusing on low operating costs and high occupant satisfaction. The building features a simple rectangular form with generous windows.

Design challenge

The challenge was to provide efficient daylighting in a cost‑effective building while ensuring user control and low maintenance. External shading would have introduced complexity and maintenance costs inconsistent with the BOB philosophy. The system needed to be robust and easy for tenants to operate.

RetroSolar strategy

Interior RETROLux 50 mm blinds guided by tension cables were installed behind the glazing
retrosolar.us
. Tenants operate the blinds via hand cranks, allowing them to adjust the slat angle or gather the blinds as needed. The slats’ reflective upper surfaces direct sunlight onto the ceiling, while the lower surfaces maintain outward visibility. The blinds form a secondary interior layer, creating a buffer zone that improves thermal comfort and acoustic quality.

Building physics and performance

The interior placement of the blinds protects them from weathering and reduces maintenance. The reflective surfaces reduce solar heat gain and glare while distributing diffuse light into the workspace. By allowing occupants to adjust the blinds manually, the system respects individual comfort preferences. The separate interior layer created by the blinds enhances the overall airtightness and thermal insulation of the façade.

Architectural outcome and significance

BOB Oldenburg exemplifies how simple, durable shading systems can deliver high performance in budget‑conscious office developments. The use of hand‑operated RetroSolar blinds is a hallmark of the BOB approach, offering flexibility without complexity. The project underscores the viability of retro‑reflective blinds as a standard component in sustainable office design.