The heat pump factory in Łódź, central Poland, is a cutting- edge facility featuring a 120, 120,000 m ² production line, office space, and an amenities building, all situated on a 26- hectare site.
The demand for heat pumps in Europe is rapidly increasing, driven by the European Energy Commission’ s policies aimed at decarbonization and the phasing out of fossil fuels. Our client, a leading Japanese manufacturer, is at the forefront of this industry, producing and supplying advanced inverter technology and energy- efficient air conditioning systems. With a strong global presence, the company has been expanding its large- scale operations internationally.
Architects aim to reflect the client’s image into the building design, particularly the front façade of the building.
The office’ s zigzag facade is designed to reduce solar heat gain and minimize air conditioning needs. Large glazed areas are achieved sustainably with a low environmental impact, reflecting the building’ s commitment to environmental considerations and social responsibility. The facade presents diverse visual expressions from different viewing angles and times, enlivening the typical monotony of factory aesthetics. By integrating performance (solar control) with dynamic architectural expression, the design enriches the surroundings while embodying the building’ s core environmental principles. The facade serves as both a functional sustainable strategy and an architectural placemaking element, harnessing form to manifest the building’ s values.
The factory fully utilizes the client’ s core heat pump HVAC products, using electricity instead of gas as the heat source to enable a carbon- neutral facility. To handle Poland’ s extreme cold (-20 ° C) heating design conditions, a new hybrid air/water- cooled electric heat pump system was developed. Multiple complementary energy- saving strategies are implemented, such as optimizing ventilation rates in factory areas and recovering waste heat from production equipment. By pioneering innovative heat pump engineering solutions specifically for this facility’ s climate, alongside other efficiency measures, the project aims to achieve exceptional sustainability performance, befitting a showcase for the client’ s environmental principles and core products.
This new production plant in Poland is the latest addition to the company’ s European network, following successful establishments in Belgium and the Czech Republic. As an air conditioning manufacturer, the entire building will feature an electrified heat pump air conditioning system, making it Europe’ s sole flagship factory with a comprehensive showroom where visitors can experience the innovative products firsthand.