An office can be more than just a workspace; it can serve as both a 'showroom' and a statement of modern design. The ABB technologies installed at the Hanza Tower in Szczecin, Poland, showcase how comfort, energy efficiency, and smart technology can come together seamlessly in a sophisticated office environment.
From the 14th floor of the Hanza Tower, Archice, an architectural firm leasing the space, enjoys breathtaking views of Szczecin. Beyond scenic panoramas, however, Archice sought an environment that was not only welcoming to clients but also showcased advanced building technologies in action.
In a space with expansive windows and always-active computers, creating a comfortable environment requires more than simply setting the thermostat, maintaining optimal conditions demands continuous monitoring. It’s easy for rooms to overheat, lights to waste energy at full brightness, and spaces to become too dim as natural light fades.
To achieve this, Archice invested in ABB's i-bus® KNX system, integrating digital sensors, touch screens, and switches throughout the office. In the conference room, where large windows previously led to frequent overheating, they installed automated curtains along with ventilation and metering systems. According to Archice, this automation means employees no longer need to adjust the room controls for meetings; comfort is always optimized.
“Automation brings us practical benefits. With long hours and many high-power computers, our workspaces often overheated. Now, the KNX system instantly adjusts temperatures as needed. It’s noticeable both in the office’s comfort levels and our energy bills,” Stepniewski explains.
In addition to functionality, aesthetics is essential. As a workspace where architectural designs are created, Archice’s office also serves as a live showroom, allowing clients to experience innovative technologies firsthand. A notable example is the glass-enclosed ComfortLine cabinet with its digital switchboard, which functions as both a visual centerpiece and an electrical control hub.
“As architects and designers, we see automation not just for its functionality but also for its aesthetic appeal. By working with advanced control panels and sensors, we’re able to envision automation from an end-user perspective,” Stepniewski adds.
Efficiency and Safety Built In
KNX installations are often customized to meet specific needs, and Archice’s office was no exception. Starting with an empty space, Archice collaborated closely with a systems integrator to design a lighting setup, later enhanced with KNX and DALI control systems. Motion detectors equipped with temperature sensors were added, allowing for automated adjustments to lighting and temperature in each room.
“A strong sense of aesthetics and functionality was key to this project,” says system integrator FUTYMA Systemy Inteligentne. “An office should be comfortable for work, but it also must make an impression. Archice approached the project from multiple angles to create true value and ensure that the installation could grow with future needs. Clients often think of automation as mere ‘gadgets,’ but we wanted to show its practical, everyday value.”
Awareness of automation technology is growing among commercial building owners and tenants, especially with recent shifts in energy prices. “Financial savings and security are top concerns for building users,” said "Projects like this are complex and tailored to each building, making the integrator’s role, supported by the equipment manufacturer, essential to success. It worked perfectly in this case as a best-practice model for future projects."
After several months of use, Archice has seen such benefits that they now plan to make automation solutions standard in all their future architectural projects.