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.
Creating a Comfortable Environment
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 Krzysztof Stepniewski, Chief Financial Officer at ArchiCe, this automation means employees no longer need to adjust the room controls for meetings and comfort is always optimized.
Efficiency and Safety Built In
“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, which functions as both a visual centerpiece and an electrical control hub, featuring protection devices like Miniature Circuit Breakers, Residual Current Devices, Arc Fault Detection Devices, and the KNX system.
A Strong Sense of Aesthetics and Functionality
“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.
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 Wojciech Futyma, owner of 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.”
Growing Awareness of Automation Technology
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 Mateusz Malag, sales and marketing specialist in ABB Electrification’s Smart Buildings Division in Poland. "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.
