Successful integration of GEZE systems in the building management system (BMS) on the Vector IT Campus
The new company headquarters of Stuttgart-based IT specialists Vector Informatik, the largest building in the company complex so far, has opted for state-of-the-art building technology. GEZE has contributed to the 'smart building' approach with customised digital networking solutions and safety technology.
Everything under control thanks to BACnet-based building management technology (BMT)
Over 180 door solutions by GEZE are integrated into the building management system by way of BACnet via the GEZE Cockpit building automation system and IO 420 interface modules.
GEZE implemented over 180 high-quality, mainly multifunctional safety door systems in the new IT campus building. To enable all automated door systems to be centrally monitored and controlled at the same time, they were networked via interface modules in the GEZE Cockpit building automation system and integrated into the BACnet building management technology. GEZE-specific door distributors were used here: all supply lines and the IO 420 BACnet interface module are brought together at this central door node point. The uniform structure of the GEZE door distributor provides the building manager with an overview of the interface with other product groups at every door, and therefore of all of the networked building technology.
Networking solutions by GEZE
- customised digital networking solutions with Building Automation and Control Networks BACnet, the standardised protocol for building technology
- smart networking by the GEZE Cockpit building automation system
- central monitoring and control of more than 180 doors in the building management system – even greater comfort and safety
- interdisciplinary functionality and interaction – visible any time and can be checked from anywhere
- optimal energy efficiency through interaction between door technology and climate control thereby reducing the operating costs
- support for the planning and construction phases: communication between product group experts
'Smart' doors with the GEZE Cockpit building automation system and the IO 420 interface module
The core of the 'smart building' concept: the GEZE IO 420 BACnet interface module. © GEZE GmbH
GEZE Cockpit and the IO 420 interface modules control the data exchange between doors and the building management system (BMS) using the standardised BACnet protocol. 'Door intelligence' information (such as whether the door mode is open or closed, locked or unlocked, or interference) is provided by the IO 420 module via BACnet MS/TP. GEZE Cockpit translates BACnet MS/TP to BACnet/IP. The system provides all the information about the status and function of a door. This is forwarded to the central computer, documented and clearly visualised. Data is filtered by GEZE Cockpit to create the added bonus of reduced data traffic on the network.
In the event of an alarm, malfunction or door manipulation, the building management can react immediately, such as releasing the doors on escape routes to provide emergency exit protection (EEP) or by locking panic locks.
Free-standing spiral staircase in the IT campus foyer. Photo: Jürgen Pollak for GEZE GmbH
Networked door systems in the 'gateway to the campus'
Perfect for fine-framed doors: discreet electric strikes by GEZE.
The 500 m² glazed foyer, open over all four floors, is the 'gateway to the IT campus' and has an impressive bright, open atmosphere. Combined door solutions in the entrance area combine accessibility, access control, break-in prevention, emergency exit protection and reliable smoke extraction in the event of a fire.
- Two identical, three-leaf fully-automatic revolving doors manage the daily flow of visitors. These are also equipped with automatic curved sliding doors as night-time closers.
- Two double-leaf automatic emergency exits with 'strong' Powerturn swing door drives on the right and left of the revolving doors ensure accessibility, and allow them to be easily opened manually as well, thanks to the Smart swing function.
- One of the emergency exits is designed as supply SHEV fresh air opening with K 600 retractable arm drives. In the event of a fire, the door leaves automatically open wide, so that smoke and heat can escape.
- Thanks to its access control system and a self-locking IQ AUT panic lock, the other emergency exit acts as a full panic door: in the event of danger, it can be opened by anyone from the inside even in its locked status.
A key security component of the entire door system is the networked TZ 320 door central unit: the building managers can change the status of the doors remotely at any time, adjust them or change the operating mode (e.g. ‘hold open') via the building management technology. Central commands can be given for single, several or all doors, and doors can also be time-programmed.
Multifunctional doors: convenient and centrally operated
A multifunctional safety door in the first floor provides access as required to authorised persons only. With the GEZE Powerturn F drive, the FT500 electric strike and the TZ 320 door control unit, the door acts as both a fire section door and an accessible emergency exit. When opening is authorised, by pressing the emergency push button of the door control unit or by activating the fire alarm system, the FTV 320 escape door lock unlocks the door. The interior doors of the office complex are also equipped with different variants of the GEZE electric strike portfolio, with Powerturn drives and/or an access control system. Like the fire section door, they are networked into the building management system and can be monitored and controlled remotely by the building management.
Discreet door appearance plus intelligent networking
GEZE meets building automation requirements in a state-of-the-art design: the 7 cm high Powerturn drive, the FTV 320 escape door lock and the electric strike can be integrated very discreetly into the door section. The TZ 320 designer stainless steel-look door control unit has a backlit LED display which visibly indicates the status of the door.
The door control unit
Complex door technology: The LED background lighting shows the 'locked' door mode. © Jürgen Pollak / GEZE GmbH
Full panic emergency exits
The double-leaf full panic emergency exits are also integrated into the building management technology.
A good combination: Smoke and heat extraction and emergency exit protection in one
Hold-open systems networked via the building management technology also act as climate control. © Jürgen Pollak / GEZE GmbH
The door system hold-open systems and air conditioning control in the company restaurant work together in the building management technology. Double-leaf full panic emergency exits enable easy access, and act as a fresh air opening in the event of a fire. If a danger is detected, the MBZ 300 SHEV control panel unlocks the IQ lock AUT self-locking panic lock, and automatically opens the door to its maximum opening width via the K 600 retractable arm drive. At the same time, the smoke extraction motors are activated by the SHEV control panel alarm mode. The door mode is automatically transmitted to the building management system, allowing the building manager to act immediately: if the alarm status is reset, the hold-open systems will close using the door closers and lock automatically.
Networking of door closers and climate control
Complex door technology: fine-framed and centrally controllable.
The benefit of networking door systems in building management systems is that the doors can be manually set for natural ventilation in summer and closed electrically by the GEZE electric hold-open function in the guide rail of the door closer. Via the building management system, the building manager can determine when the doors have to be closed, for example after close of business. The door mode recorded by the building management system is transmitted to the climate control system, which can then regulate temperatures in an energy-efficient way. This allows for efficient energy management and helps to save on heating costs and to conserve natural resources. The 'intelligent' door control thus combines energy efficiency with break-in prevention.
The project was awarded a platinum German Sustainable Building Council certificate, and received the council’s diamond status for outstanding architecture with unique design and cultural building quality
Sustainable construction thanks to building automation
According to a study by Bitkom (German only), 1/3 of Germany's total energy consumption can be traced back to the building sector. Buildings are therefore one of the largest consumers of energy and generators of CO2 emissions in Germany, alongside transport and industrial manufacturing. The area with the greatest potential to reduce CO2 emissions is the reduction of heating requirements through building automation, according to the findings of the study.
As an innovative technology company, Vector Informatik is based on state-of-the-art technology and concepts and was awarded platinum certification by the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB). The project also received the council's diamond status for outstanding architecture with unique design and cultural building quality. The new building contributes to the conservation of resources in multiple ways. For example, construction materials were selected using sustainability criteria, and intelligent building control has reduced energy consumption. In total, all these measures are helping to reduce operating CO2 emissions by around 460 tonnes per year.
Tailored door planning and wiring schematics
The modernisation of the former Vector headquarters shows how time and costs can be saved by professional planning at the beginning of a project. Our GEZE experts were involved in the planning from an early stage. This meant door lists and door functions could be directly discussed and planned. Existing doors were involved in the planning and GEZE solutions were advised on.
We value partners who become actively involved in design. With GEZE we know that we will be getting forward-thinking, solution-oriented advice right from the planning phase. The wiring schematics that were tailored specifically to our project helped to save time and money in the construction phase.
Sebastian Gaiser, Head of Construction at VectorProfessional services throughout the building life cycle
We provide support for buildings throughout their entire life cycle – from concept and planning, to installation, through to service and maintenance, or the renovation of the building. We also offer optimised support for all product groups involved and connect the interfaces whilst always having one goal in mind: creating liveable buildings. See how this works and what it entails in our expert talk.
Property-specific wiring schematics and coordination of product groups
We designed and implemented customised wiring schematics together with the customer to improve the execution of construction work and interface coordination. What makes these customer-specific, property-related wiring schematics so special is that it meant that we were able to solve the interface problem between the door and electrical product groups in a way that also took into account external product groups and responsibilities, which is otherwise relatively uncommon in the sector.
We think of ourselves as a comprehensive and integrated solution provider. This means that we do not just supply our customers with outstanding GEZE products, but we also want to really recognise the requirements of our customers and the challenges they face in order to offer appropriate solutions. Our extensive specialist industry expertise allows us to understand what networking means for the project at hand and what stumbling blocks need to be avoided.
Christian Schulze Dieckhoff, Director Field Sales at GEZE
Professional planning, implementation and services through the entire building life cycle, all from a single source.
Planning, implementation and services all from a single source
The combination of tailor-made project consulting, GEZE products and services from a single source provides many advantages. The customer always has a contact at GEZE throughout the various phases of the project, from door planning and installation to ongoing building management by GEZE Services.
This complete package is clearly a convincing one: Vector Informatik has already entrusted four buildings at their location in Stuttgart to GEZE solutions, such as the integration of building management technology using the GEZE Cockpit. We will also be involved in the planning for the next buildings – this is what future-orientated collaboration looks like!
GEZE products at the Vector company headquarters
- GEZE Cockpit modular building automation system
- IO 420 interface module
- three-leaf, fully automatic revolving doors
- Powerturn swing door drives
- K 600 retractable arm drives
- GEZE access control system
- IQ AUT self-locking panic lock
- Networked TZ 320 door control unit
- GEZE Powerturn F drive
- FT500 electric strike
- FTV 320 escape door lock
- MBZ 300 SHEV control panel
- TS 5000 R-ISM ECline door closer with guide rail system
