An unusual SF6 gas distribution station has appeared on the outskirts of the town of Vayen, located on the Jutland peninsula in southern Denmark. The well-known architectural studio C. F. was involved in the design of this seemingly completely utilitarian structure that does not require architectural refinements. Møller Architects is the largest and oldest in all of Scandinavia. Founded at the beginning of the last century, this bureau is now famous for the successful application of modern principles of resource efficiency, innovative materials and computer technology. All these factors, surprisingly, came together in the design of one small station.
And the thing is that the Danish parliamentarians are seriously thinking about the comprehensive modernization of the national power grid: the planned changes and renovations also affected the buildings of the gas-insulated distribution stations.
It is worth considering that, first of all, gas-insulated lines are used where increased safety is required at substations. Gas-insulated substation is an electrical substation, the equipment of which (mainly conductive conductors) is enclosed in metal cases filled with insulating gas. As a rule, it is SF6 gas or a mixture of SF6 gas with nitrogen, therefore such substations are often called SF6 gas distribution substations.
As part of the reforms undertaken, the national energy company Energinet.dk decided to build several such substations - not only with modern technical equipment, but also with a new look - and for this it turned to knowledgeable architects and other specialists.
This is how a typical project appeared, which can be effectively located in almost any area, and, if necessary, can be easily transformed, expanded or completed with new forms in different directions. With all this, such an object in the mode of continuous operation in open space and in any weather conditions meets all the principles of "sustainable" construction.
A typical project, which can be “cloned” many times, resulting in a station of the required area and dimensions, is a simple rectangular volume surrounded by power transmission towers. But, thanks to an interesting architectural solution, its facades were diversified and freed from external communications: it was decided to hide them underground. At the same time, the volume began to resemble a "pie" cut into several modules. Not satisfied with the result, the architects complicated the form.
As a result, from above, the power plant resembles gills or stretched bellows of an accordion, and the main facade seems to be composed of triangular blades of wind turbines. High glass gaps are left between the metal blades, through which you can see what is happening inside. This geometry provides the building with lateral stability and creates an interesting play of light and shadow.
The project pays special attention to the issue of energy efficiency. First, the association with wind turbines is no coincidence: the new plant in Vejen receives energy from a nearby wind farm. Secondly, beveled modules with partial glazing "catch" the trajectory of the sun, allowing you to provide the interior with daylight throughout the day.
The architects did not forget about the health and safety of the service personnel: a special space is provided in the structure of the building below the floor level, which serves as an accumulator of SF6 gas in the event of a leak. This is consistent with the principles of sustainability as a factor that guided the design process.
The same goals of energy efficiency, environmental friendliness and “sustainability” are served by the materials chosen for the building's finishing. For example, the interior surfaces of a building - ceilings and walls - are covered with special sound-absorbing wood-fiber panels, which, among other things, absorb vibration from the operation of conductive equipment.
No less attention was paid to the outer surface of the building. The roof and walls of each module form a single, continuous plane: this continuity minimizes maintenance costs and protects against electromagnetic radiation. And this technique became possible thanks to the use of Rheinzink dark gray titanium-zinc of the prePATINA schiefergrau series. In total, this material in the project under consideration covers about 3 thousand m2 of the outer surface. To highlight the "accent" areas, a slightly different gray-blue shade of the same titanium-zinc was used - prePATINA blaugrau.
It is important to note that the developer was deliberately looking for a manufacturer whose products would meet the principles of sustainable construction, and Rheinzink fully met his expectations. Rheinzink building material is certified as environmentally friendly by the independent organization IBU (AUB). The service life of titanium-zinc is over 100 years. The material does not require special maintenance and painting during operation, does not fade or corrode. In addition, approximately 30% of all Rheinzink products are made from recycled materials.
Interestingly, even upon closer inspection, it is difficult to find flaws at the joints and seams between the panels - the project from Rheinzink material is so delicately and masterly implemented. The placement of drain pipes inside the building also plays a role in the unity of the external appearance: funnels are installed at the base of each roof ridge, and inside the building the pipes are hidden in the folds of the shell. In addition, the placement of the drainage system inside the station ensures its excellent operation even with strong temperature changes in winter, typical for the coast of Denmark: this adds points to the "stability" of the facility in its operation.
As a result, the volume looks surprisingly solid: it does not look like a typical distribution station. Its architecture is unconditional, simple, but its task is to get away from the image that is boring to everyone, to show the modernity and significance of the building perfectly.
Well, the pastoral landscape with rapeseed fields around the station serves not only as an excellent backdrop for the bluish-gray walls from Rheinzink, but also reminds of an ecological theme: rapeseed is an important raw material for biofuels.
Denmark. Stability in everything.
