Bernoulliborg – Groningen

The Hall of Mirrors of the Academy Building and the second skin façade along with atrium light roofs of the Bernoulliborg education building at the University of Groningen are currently being maintained by Octatube Services. The maintenance involves cleaning the glass, examining all sealants, and inspecting the gutters for any issues.

Undulating glass roof

Constructed in 1999, the Hall of Mirrors of the Academy Building was designed by Mick Eekhout. Its stylish design features a roof made of square glass panels set at a subtle angle, supported by a framework of elliptical steel tubes. Fifteen years after Octatube realised the roofs, Octatube Services is responsible for maintenance tasks including gutter inspections, sealant checks, and cleaning the glass. Safety measures, such as fall protection, are required to access the roof.

Light roofs and façade

The Bernoulliborg education building has two atriums with glass skylights constructed by Octatube. The largest of these roof has a span of 26 metres and includes underspanned beams running lengthwise. Stainless steel cast nodes, fixed through an adhesive bond, hold the glass panels in place. A secondary system of stainless steel underspans supports the cast nodes which are not directly by the trusses. Octatube Services provides annual maintenance for these roofing structures.

We also conducted repair work on the building’s glass second skin façade. In 2020, for instance, we replaced all the under-rubbers of this facade. Thanks to our rope-access techniques and a self-developed tool, we were able to access all façade parts.