Pushing the limits of aluminium façades

Our mission: to make architecture possible – no matter how complex the vision. 

With technical excellence and decades of experience, we develop tailor-made façade and system solutions that combine functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. Where standard solutions reach their limits, our passion begins – creating bespoke constructions that set new benchmarks. 

“Technik für Ideen” is more than a slogan for us – it’s our guiding principle and our promise. We think ahead, act responsibly, and shape the building envelopes beyond tomorrow – innovative, efficient, and future-oriented. 

Extensive work is underway to revitalise the ribbon window façades of the iconic Omega Haus office complex in Offenbach am Main, Germany. A key element is a replacement window concept developed by WICONA in collaboration with aluminium façade specialist HEIDENBAUER, combining intelligent technology with outstanding cost efficiency. 

For the first time, project partners WICONA, Saint-Gobain Glass, and Semperit are working together to reintroduce end-of-life materials into the construction cycle, creating a remarkable example of circular construction in practice. 

WICONA has developed replacement windows specifically designed for the building’s needs. The concept replaces only the infills and opening units, while preserving the existing frame structure. 

Dietmar Brüderl, the head of WICONA Project Service, explains: “The replacement window is the optimum solution here, because the existing outer window frames and their connections to the surrounding building fabric still offer adequate load-bearing capacity, tightness and thermal insulation. Thanks to our smart concept, we have been able to achieve a really far-reaching improvement in thermal insulation and the usability of the entire construction with a very limited and selective intervention in the building’s structure. It is an ideal alternative to the much more resource, time and cost-intensive option of replacing the entire façade.” 

WICONA presents 520 West 28th, the first residential building in New York designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. Departing from Manhattan’s typical grid of rectangular structures, this architectural gem features a curved steel façade inspired by natural forms. 

The flowing volumes create a sense of movement and individuality across the 11-story building, which houses 39 luxury residences. This project embodies the signature style of the late Iraqi architect and Pritzker Prize laureate Zaha Hadid, showcasing her bold, dynamic approach that continues to redefine modern architecture. 

The bespoke WICONA solution features a customised unitised façade with motorised Parallel-Outward-Vents, designed for large, glazed areas with structural glass panels. The system’s openings can be Italian-style or parallel (PAF), with manual or motorised outward operation. For this project, a custom solution was developed to conceal the drive motors, allowing them to operate discreetly while remaining fully accessible for maintenance. 

Interior comfort was enhanced through improved profile insulation and custom elements designed to boost acoustic performance. The system also supports large façade dimensions while meeting stringent safety requirements. 

WICONA has developed a high-performance, unitised façade system featuring two innovative door solutions for Newfoundland Tower, the tallest residential building in the Canary Wharf Estate. Designed for the demanding conditions of high-rise construction, these bespoke systems combine technical precision with aesthetic excellence. 

The doors deliver exceptional weather performance, reduced sight lines, and a sleek appearance that complements the building’s overall design intent, demonstrating WICONA’s commitment to both functionality and architectural vision. 

One key innovation is WICONA’s pull-slide mechanism for sliding double-glazed doors with integrated Juliette balconies. Unlike conventional sliding doors, this aluminium-framed system pulls the door 8 mm inward before sliding smoothly along its track, releasing pressure from the perimeter gaskets. When closed, the mechanism compresses the door against the gaskets, ensuring exceptional wind and water resistance. 

WICONA also developed an inward-opening Juliette balcony door with anti-slam functionality, designed for high-rise applications. Its two-stage turn limiter prevents the door from slamming in strong winds, enhancing safety and usability in exposed conditions. 

The 35XV building, designed by FXCollaborative Architects, is located at 35 West 15th Street in Chelsea, Manhattan. The project highlights the challenges of urban construction, requiring new development to be built on top of an existing structure due to limited available space. It began when Alchemy Properties acquired the rights to expand the historic Xavier High School, creating a striking addition that blends modern design with the city’s architectural heritage. 

This project is characterised by its unique façade design, featuring a vertical façade alongside two sloping façades that rise at different angles. WICONA played a key role by developing a customised unitised façade solution. 

One of the major challenges was the corner joints, where the joint planes meet at different angles. Using a 3D model created for this project, WICONA engineered an innovative system to connect the aluminium profiles seamlessly, ensuring both structural integrity and visual precision.