WICONA's TEmotion NG: Advancing Façade Technology with Water-Filled Glass for Superior Energy Efficiency

WICONA is redefining the future of façade technology and setting new standards. As a pacesetter in the construction industry, the company is constantly driving innovation forward under the motto ‘Technology for ideas’. Together with Water-Filled Glass Ltd, WICONA has developed TEmotion NG, a revolutionary façade solution, as a project study and presented it to the public for the first time at BAU 2025. This sets new standards in energy efficiency and sustainability - further proof of WICONA's innovative strength.

Up to 72% energy savings thanks to innovative concept

TEmotion NG combines several advanced technologies to realize CO2-neutral or even climate-positive façades. The centrepiece is insulating glazing with a circulating water layer that has a positive influence on thermal radiation. ‘TEmotion NG not only insulates, but also absorbs the radiant heat, which accounts for two thirds of the transferred energy,’ explains Prof. Dr Matyas Gutai, co-founder of Water-Filled Glass Ltd. The energy efficiency of the system is supported by an intelligent storage function: In summer, excess energy can be used elsewhere in the building, while in winter the heat escaping through the glass is absorbed. The energy gained in this way can be reused for heating and hot water. Compared to conventional double glazing, up to 72 % energy can be saved. Additional benefits include improved acoustics (up to 15 % more sound insulation) and optimized use of daylight for maximum thermal comfort and better indoor air quality. Optionally, the opaque façade elements can be combined with building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) to create an energy-positive building envelope.

Efficient retrofit solution for existing buildings

TEmotion NG offers an advantageous option not only for new builds, but also especially for time and cost-efficient construction in existing buildings: as an intelligent retrofit solution, the system can be installed ‘minimally invasively’ from the inside by the metal construction company in the form of a second skin - leaving the existing façade untouched. Marco Theisinger, project manager at WICONA: ‘This saves up to 30 % of the replacement costs, as no time-consuming dismantling work, scaffolding or permits are required. Work can also be carried out during ongoing operations - without any tenant relocations.’

Driving decarbonization - up to 66 kg less CO2 per m² of façade

Last but not least, WICONA is driving decarbonization in the construction industry with TEmotion NG. The façade elements are made of the aluminum alloy Hydro CIRCAL with an end-of-life aluminum content of up to 100 %. Ideally, the glazing should also be made from CO2-reduced glass and the seals and insulating bars should also be made from recycled materials. This choice of material significantly reduces the CO2 footprint right from the production stage. Compared to standard double glazing, up to 66 kg of CO2 can be saved per m² of façade surface.

Significant contribution to the realization of climate targets

Following its successful premiere at BAU 2025, the system is currently being further optimized so that it can be flexibly adapted to different project requirements. Marco Theisinger emphasizes: ‘The response at BAU was overwhelming. We are now looking for strategic pilot projects to successfully establish TEmotion NG on the market.’

A mock-up of the system will be exhibited at the international facade conference ‘Future Facade’ on 7 and 8 May 2025 in Utrecht.