HDI Gerling, Hannover

HDI Gerling Headquarters – Hannover, Germany
Project overview

The HDI Gerling headquarters in Hannover is a corporate complex for the insurance company HDI. Architects Ingenhoven designed a modern campus that emphasises transparency and sustainability. The ground floors are particularly significant because they house reception areas, conference rooms and breakout spaces that need to be inviting and comfortable for visitors and employees.
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Design challenge

The ground floors required a shading solution that could provide privacy and glare control without compromising the architectural elegance of the glass façade. Additionally, escape doors in these areas needed to remain operable and not be blocked by bulky external shading. The building’s design called for a minimalistic approach with invisible technology.

RetroSolar strategy

Ingenhoven installed 80 mm RETROFlex louvers inside the ground‑floor glazing, eliminating the need for external solar shading
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. In the escape doors, RETROLuxTherm 16 mm slats are integrated within the insulating glass to avoid the need for emergency reefing
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. The combination of large and small slats provides shading and daylight control while ensuring that the doors remain functional and the façade retains its sleek appearance.

Building physics and performance

The RetroFlex louvers provide effective solar protection and glare control without interfering with the building’s means of egress. The small slats in the escape doors allow the shading to remain within the glass, avoiding protruding elements. The reflective surfaces reduce heat gains and distribute diffuse light, creating a comfortable atmosphere in the ground‑floor spaces. The system operates passively, reducing maintenance and complexity.

Architectural outcome and significance

The integration of RetroSolar technology into the HDI Gerling headquarters demonstrates that high‑performance shading can be compatible with stringent safety requirements and refined aesthetics. By placing the louvers inside the glass, the building maintains a clean exterior. The project is an example of how architects can combine safety, performance and design in corporate architecture.