A perfect blend of light and acoustics

Emschergenossenschaft Essen has opted for ERCO lighting solutions, integrated into acoustic panels by JAB ANSTOETZ

Emschergenossenschaft and Lippeverband (EGLVI) form Germany’s largest water management association. EGLVI’s historic headquarters are based in Essen. In future, 1,000 employees will work at a single site within this complex of buildings. Office spaces in individual existing buildings have already been modernised in parallel with the construction of a new extension. Following the refurbishment, efficient lighting from ERCO and acoustic panels from JAB ANSTOETZ form the basis for flexible office spaces in which people can work effectively.

Forward-looking working environments require office design that reflects the concept of ‘New Work’. This means that the lighting should be able to adapt easily to changes in the layout and usage of the space. Emschergenossenschaft chose ERCO. “The company wanted to offer its employees a ‘multi-space’ with flexible lighting solutions,” confirms Sven Schuster, project manager at ERCO.

Modernes Großraumbüro mit Fensterfront, großzügigen Arbeitsplätzen und durchgehender Stromschiene mit ausgerichteten Deckenstrahlern für flexible, zonierte Beleuchtung.

Detailansicht eines Büroarbeitsplatzes vor Fensterfront mit durchgehender Stromschiene und präzise ausgerichteten Deckenstrahlern für zoniertes Licht am Schreibtisch.

A holistic approach to office lighting

First, a show office was fitted with ERCO track systems to allow luminaires to be easily repositioned or realigned as required. The Jilly track downlights provide standard-compliant, pleasant workplace lighting with high visual comfort and high luminous efficacy.

Offenes Büro mit zwei Bildschirmarbeitsplätzen an der Fensterfront und umlaufender Stromschiene mit flexibel ausgerichteten Deckenstrahlern für fein abgestimmte Arbeitsplatzbeleuchtung.

The general and vertical lighting is provided by Parscan spotlights. By illuminating the walls, a greater sense of brightness is achieved and a balanced light level is created. In offices, wallwashing contributes to greater visual comfort. Lighting on the walls helps to reduce the contrast between the screen and the visual surroundings. The bright background creates a lighting effect that is easy on the eyes and prevents fatigue.

The concept: to take a holistic view of the office space and use zoned lighting – task lighting, general lighting and wall wash lighting – to cater for different uses in a way that enhances the user experience. This show office did not yet feature any acoustic measures, a requirement that the client sought to address as the project progressed.

Light and acoustics combined in a practical way

This successful combination of light and acoustics was unveiled for the first time at the Orgatec 2024 trade fair. Architectural lighting specialist ERCO and textile company JAB ANSTOETZ presented their innovation, Acoustic Panels +LIGHT, which integrates luminaires from ERCO. JAB ANSTOETZ collaborated with Studio Aisslinger on an acoustic series comprising wall and ceiling panels. “During the product development phase, we quickly reached the point where, in addition to the acoustic measures for the wall, we also needed to address the issue of light under the ceiling. We therefore sought contact with ERCO,” reports Clemens Lünig, Head of the JAB ANSTOETZ Acoustics department.

Deckenansicht eines modernen Büros mit rasterförmig angeordneten Stromschienen und flexibel ausgerichteten Strahlern für präzise, anpassbare Allgemein- und Arbeitsplatzbeleuchtung.

Detail der Bürodecke mit rasterförmig geführter Stromschiene, integrierten Downlights und schwenkbaren Strahlern für präzise, flexibel ausrichtbare Beleuchtung.

At the request of the Emschergenossenschaft, a number of show offices have now been fitted with Acoustic Panels +LIGHT. “The administrative complex comprises several buildings with a variety of offices. The rooms facing the inner courtyard have already been modernised with lighting and acoustic solutions,” explains ERCO project manager Sven Schuster.

Modularity in architecture and design

The architecture dictated the centre-to-centre distance of the windows, and ERCO aligned the dimensions and positioning of the track systems accordingly. The modular solution comprising just two track lengths and a suspended system proved to be ideal. Daniel Bödeker, Head of Internal Sales at JAB ANSTOETZ Acoustics, says: “The dimensions of the track systems determined the dimensions of the acoustic panels. The design of the connection system makes it very easy to install the panels without the need for tools.”

Besprechungsraum im Büro mit Tischarbeitsplatz, wandmontierten Funktionen und Deckenstromschiene mit flexibel ausgerichteten Strahlern für differenzierte Beleuchtung.

“As well as the large quantities involved, the main challenge lay in the ‘combination of bespoke products and new developments’,” said Daniel Bödeker. Two Jilly track downlights provide a dual workstation with 500 lux. The Parscan spotlights create vibrant accents with appropriate light distribution, providing wallwashing and general lighting. The light colour is uniformly 4000 Kelvin.

Großraumbüro mit Holzlamellendecke, offenen Arbeitsplätzen und kombiniertem Einsatz von Stromschienenstrahlern und Downlights für zonierte, blendungsarme Beleuchtung.

Wand mit Schließfächern unter Holzlamellendecke und Stromschiene mit Strahlern, gleichmäßig ausgeleuchtet für funktionale Flur- oder Arbeitsbereichsbeleuchtung.

Teamwork combining lighting and acoustics for sustainable modernisation

“Some administrative areas have already been modernised, whilst others are still at the planning stage,” explains Sven Schuster from ERCO, emphasising the ongoing close collaboration between all parties involved. Daniel Bödeker from JAB ANSTOETZ confirms: “From the initial planning right through to implementation, the collaboration between ERCO and us was excellent, and it still is.” His colleague Clemens Lünig adds: “With projects like this, the chemistry simply has to be right. And it is with ERCO. Ultimately, that’s what makes for a good team and a good product.”

Historisches Verwaltungsgebäude aus Backstein mit markantem Turm an einer Straßenecke, aufgenommen in der städtischen Umgebung unter bewölktem Himmel.