The glass facade of the Nykredit building is a double envelope, to minimize noise and provide greater thermal insultation. The HVAC system (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) is designed to control the blinds and the windows in the facade. The blinds are divided into separate sections, one for each different facade, and are adjusted individually by the light intensity - the blinds automatically come down when the incoming daylight is too strong and they go up again as daylight diminishes. The entire blind system also functions as a climate shield. When the outside temperature and the light intensity is low the blinds automatically come down to maintain warmth in the atrium and offices during the night. (photo by Denise Fong, Candela)