Higher transparency means fewer threats
During our visit to the SÄLZER production facility, we made a series of surprising discoveries. Imagine a floor-to-ceiling window made of multi-layer glass with a total thickness exceeding 10 centimeters, which is explosion-proof and withstands large-caliber rimfire, while having a completely ordinary appearance, like a double-glazed slim frame window. No optical distortions or signs of overprotection. It feels like magic. Perhaps such glass might be installed in expensive jewellery showcases or banks. Or in government buildings. We can only speculate, but we will never know for sure.
Impressively tall entrance arch encased in an elegant frame looks like a part of a future greenhouse. But its thin aluminium frame has steel reinforcements, while its transparent doors weigh several tons, which becomes clear only if you pay attention to its durable door hinges. When these are hidden under decorative overlays during installation, the secret will remain undiscovered. Real security is not flashy.
Back in the middle of the 20th century, architect Oscar Newman and criminologist Ray Jeffrey developed the concept of "defensible space", which further grew into the multidisciplinary area of "Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design" (CPTED). It is based on the idea that the environment significantly affects the way of thinking and behaviour, and a thought-out design can be an effective protection measure. For example, protection against ramming attacks may be successfully ensured by columns, reinforced stairs or even flower pots, decorative ponds, fountains and other elements of landscape design. The perimeter may be enclosed by open, but functional spaces, for example, bicycle parking, etc.
CPTED projects significantly reduce the costs of further proactive security measures. We discussed this in more detail in the article "Urban fear. Fear and security in the big city". The CPTED principles are regularly reviewed and updated. You can read about these principles in the White Paper on Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design published in 2023 by the CPTED International Association.
SÄLZER's largest markets are Germany and the NATO countries with their hubs located in Europe and other countries around the world. Many European companies nowadays are thinking not only about how to install protection, but also how to increase its level. Photo source: www.saelzer-security.com
For more than half a century, one of these principles has remained unchanged — by increasing transparency and creating open spaces, both exterior and interior, you can deter crime and strengthen the sense of security among building users. In particular, this explains a global ultra-transparency trend in architecture — reducing the area of solid walls and increasing the area of openings.
Appearing as fragile as glass greenhouses, huge window and door portals can be almost unsurpassable obstacles. Residents of post-Soviet countries are accustomed to another approach where for many decades high fences with barbed wire and blind facades with loophole-like windows were "indicators" of a secure and guarded territory. But it’s not correct — modern buildings that reliably protect people must meet the Design Excellence principles.
A narrow focus means high responsibility
SÄLZER is aimed precisely at achieving the maximum levels of security without sacrificing architectural aesthetics. In 2018, the company became a part of the Schüco Group — one of the world's largest supplier of facade systems. Schüco focuses on high volumes and premium quality. While SÄLZER has a narrow specialization and faces big responsibility and big investments in the safety of people. By forming a joint portfolio, both partners have benefited from the cooperation.
Thomas Hausfelder, Schüco International KG Area Sales Manager
Thomas Hausfelder, Head of Schüco Sales in Ukraine and Israel, explains: "Schüco is a system and solution supplier for the building envelope. The construction of large buildings, skyscraper towers or the headquarters of large companies, banks and corporations — this is exactly the case when we can provide highly efficient facade systems, windows and doors in large volumes.
Thanks to the partnership with SÄLZER, we have the opportunity to handle orders for buildings with certain architectural elements that have to meet very specific safety requirements. Together with SÄLZER the Schüco Group can provide solutions, in particular, for small-scale and highly specific projects, as well as accept more complex orders, which positively affects both SÄLZER and Schüco.
Testing and certification are very costly. We have to perform a lot of tests in advance prior we can bring our solutions to markets and sell them. But SÄLZER already has these certificates for its very special and demanding products. We would need to spend a lot of money and time to develop such systems and to train our partners (producers of metal parts) to build and install reinforced facade systems. Now we can delegate these tasks to SÄLZER and be sure to get great results."
In the ballistic testing center of SÄLZER, products are tested with weapons of various types and calibers. In this and other centers, not only the elements of the block or facade, but also the entire structure in general are subjected to crash tests and tests. Video source: saelzer-security.com
Schüco has its own solid development experience in the security business. We previously talked about passive fire protection built into facade systems to protect residents and minimize fire damage in the article "Fortress in glass armor. The secret of invulnerability from Schüco." The test centre in Bielefeld also carries out bullet resistance tests. The ballistic test centre at SÄLZER in Marburg offers additional options, particularly for the types of weapons and ammunition to be tested.
Testing and certification are very costly. We have to perform a lot of tests in advance prior we can bring our solutions to markets and sell them
SÄLZER tests its products depending on the threat type. Burglar resistance is regulated by DIN EN 1627-1630 in combination with DIN EN 356, and is ranked from the lowest RC1 to the highest RC6 level. The structure resistance to bullets is regulated by DIN EN 1522+1523 in combination with DIN EN 1063 and is classified as FB1–FB7 and FSG bullet-resistance classes. We witnessed a considerable arsenal at the disposal of SÄLZER Ballistic Test Centre employees — from the simplest pistols to large-calibre sniper rifles. Sample products can be tested at the centre's shooting range with no restrictions on bullet speed or calibre type. The testing is quick and unrestricted, and once they get the desired result, they contact independent accredited institutes for certification.
Resistance to explosions is regulated by the following standards: DIN EN 13123-2/13124-2 (range test) and =DIN EN 13123-1/13124-1 (shock tube). Depending on the mass of TNT used and the distance, resistance increases from EXR1 to EXR5 for outdoor tests, and resistance to blast wave pressure from EPR1 to EPR4 for shock tube tests. And since we mentioned the specialized NATO standard, we are talking about the NATO STANAG 2280 artillery impact resistance standard.
There are also dedicated safety standards addressing the use of hand grenades, and vehicles loaded with explosives, as well as standards that determine the resistance level for barriers and gate arms. Of course, the company’s portfolio also includes fire and smoke protection. Generally, SÄLZER offers solutions for protection against multiple threat types.
There is an extensive catalog of national and international standards, such as DIN or NATO, behind every security function, protection against burglary, bullet or explosion. Photo: saelzer-security.com
Since joining the Schüco Group, SÄLZER's performance increased significantly. According to Matthias Winter, the Head of SÄLZER's Corporate Communications Department, SÄLZER is expanding its production capacities.
In September, they will complete and open an exhibition centre — a modern environment-friendly building with a green roof, Design Excellence aesthetics, and the reliability of a bunker. We witnessed the centre being in construction, without facade decorations, which allowed us to see the heavy-duty frames of panoramic window units embedded in concrete.
SÄLZER offers end-to-end services — from consulting, development, testing, production and installation, to support and maintenance. Often SÄLZER and Schüco work hand in hand on the same project. For example, the ground floor of a bank building might require reinforced windows and walls capable of withstanding a car bomb attack, the second floor might require lower protection, while the upper floors can be outfitted with ordinary windows. Except for, let's say, the seventh floor, where the management resides and meetings are held. These windows might be armoured to exclude the possibility of sniper shots. But externally, the entire facade should have a uniform appearance.
SÄLZER's other distinct advantage setting it apart from the competition is claim to crash test and trial the entire unit or even facade, not just its elements. A 10-centimetre glass will not provide safety if the frame gets completely torn out of the wall by an explosion. On the contrary, this will highly increase the risk of injuries.
To prevent this, the building design experts, security consultants or architects should start collaborating from the earliest stages of the project. The main problem is that the supporting structures (primarily the building foundation) have to withstand the weight of the reinforced window and door units, which can easily reach two tons or more. Also, the structure must not have any vulnerable locations. If architects plan to install armoured doors, while burglars can get inside by simply dismantling a wall or roof, such a building cannot be considered secure.
If we consider a reconstruction of a historical heritage building, which is also used as a shelter or a special-purpose facility (for example, a museum, an old bank or parliament building), then the task becomes much more complicated. Stone or brick walls are less durable compared to reinforced concrete. Not only a few square meters of the facade should be protected, but you need to use a whole complex of measures.
Markets and the requirements for the protection class are growing, the request for blast resistance has come in addition to ballistic resistance and protection against burglaries. A safe future for socially important buildings is based on combined solutions. In the photo: Embassy of Germany in Belgrade, source: www.saelzer-security.com
It should be comprehensive
A comprehensive approach and combined solutions are apparently the key aspect that distinguishes the German company on the world market from a narrow circle of similar companies operating in the security field. SÄLZER invests in testing and research, creating single-product solutions that combine protection against various threats such as intrusion, shooting and explosions: RC5, FB7-NS and EXR5.
Matthias Winter: "If you need a bullet-proof window, it's not an easy task, but it's not rocket science either. However, if you have to combine burglar resistance with bullet and explosion resistance, then in certain situations you have to combine opposing physical properties. This may overcomplicate the development of such a system. But we handle such cases. And we do it in various combinations. A customer might need the highest protection against explosives and bullets, but only average protection against burglary. So we manufacture tailored systems as per individual requirements."
Such orders might be technically challenging as bullet resistance is achieved by increasing the facade or window rigidity, while blast resistance requires higher structural plasticity. This is due to the blast wave propagation specifics — the blast bends the window and wall inward and then backward several times. The facade must be flexible enough to withstand such swaying. Experts call this problem a "paradox of construction", but have already learned how to solve it.
Ballistic resistance is achieved by increasing the rigidity of the façade, while explosion resistance requires an increase in plasticity. Experts call this problem a paradox of construction but have already learned how to solve it. Photo: www.saelzer-security.com
Karlheinz Mankel, Head of SÄLZER's Development Department, confidently says: "The future lies in combined solutions. You don't know what the terrorist comes with. A firearm? A bomb? Will he bring tools to break in and attack you within your property? You don't know what weapon the enemy will use against you. The answer is combined systems.
In recent years, I have noticed an increase in requests for explosion resistance. 30 years ago, when I started working for the company, customers were more likely to ask for bulletproof capabilities and burglary resistance. But after the events of September 11, 2001 (the terrorist act also known as 9/11 — a series of coordinated attacks by the Islamist organization "Al-Qaeda" — ed.) this has changed. The same year, we started conducting the first explosion resistance tests. The American and British governments have converted their embassy buildings to make them blast-resistant. Since then, I feel that the demand for blast-resistant buildings is only growing."
SÄLZER invests in testing and research, creating single-product solutions that combine protection against various threats such as intrusion, shooting and explosions
The market in general and the protection class requirements are growing as well. Head of SÄLZER's International Sales Department, Fabrice Sobolowski, does not rule out that this is a reaction to Russia's large-scale aggression in Ukraine.
Fabrice Sobolowski: "We see a very high increase in security awareness. Previously, security was not the most discussed topic. More often than not, we faced the following attitude. We would have to meet a set level of protection, while the design, environmental protection and, last but not least, the budget had equal or even higher priority.” There was always a willingness to compromise at the expense of safety. Now, awareness and interest in how these systems work and why this level of security is applied is actually increasing. I say so because many architects and designers approach us for advice regarding the related questions. And I think we will be able to measure it in terms of turnover in the future.
Our biggest markets are Germany and NATO countries in Europe with NATO hubs — countries where response forces are located. We haven't received any large orders from Ukraine for three years. I can imagine that it is very difficult to invest under the conditions of a high-volatility environment.
Many European companies are thinking not only about how to install protection but also how to improve its level. I remember one project we completed last year. A state-of-the-art building with triple glazing has undergone reconstruction. Triple glazing is always about high quality, excellent thermal insulation and environmental friendliness. But it was completely dismantled and replaced with a similar system having a higher level of security."
The high-performance façade with narrow profiles and expansive glazing is based on the Schüco FWS system and provides protection against various threat scenarios. Photo: www.saelzer-security.com
Capsule solutions
The SÄLZER portfolio includes modular shelter capsules protecting against mortar and artillery fire. They can be used as observation or guard posts. During field tests, the protective wall of the SÄLZER shelter withstood the explosion of a 155 mm artillery shell at a distance of only 1,5 meters. According to the NATO STANAG 5 standard, this corresponds to C2280 resistance class providing maximum protection against explosions. Recently, one of these shelters was sent to Ukraine from Marburg. However, SÄLZER does not disclose detailed information about their orders. Modular shelters can also be used in the residential sector and by businesses.
Matthias Winter: "We have a modular system that can be set up as a lounge in factory buildings, for example, to allow employees to take breaks and rest in safety. This is relevant for petrochemical enterprises, nuclear power plants or power stations. Obviously, the infrastructure is very prone to attacks, which may happen even in peaceful times. For example, there was a major industrial accident in southern Germany in 2018 — an explosion and fire at an oil refinery. Personnel should definitely have a room that is protected protected from fire and blast."
The SÄLZER portfolio includes modular shelters that can be used as observation posts or security posts. The shelter’s wall withstands the explosion of a 155 mm artillery shell at 1,5 m. In the photo: German Embassy in Belgrade, source: www.saelzer-security.com
Threat assessment and security management
Russia's large-scale aggression brings challenges to the market of security systems. The indiscriminate use of weapons, heavy artillery in particular, in populated areas is a catastrophic scenario that seems beyond belief in the 21st century. In addition, it has become obvious in recent years that national security organizations have lost their monopoly on special-purpose weapons. Sniper rifles and military firearms, including those used by NATO soldiers, have spread throughout the world. Government and corporate security divisions are revising their strategies.
Karlheinz Mankel believes that safety standards will be unified and strengthened in the near future. The lack of uniformity is a problem for manufacturers today, as expansion into new markets requires certification as per local standards.
Matthias Winter: "It is usually assumed that cybercriminals only want to steal data. But data can be destroyed as well. For example, blowing up the data centres of a large international company or a medical facility would be a major terrorist act"
Karlheinz Mankel: "Today, the highest requirements for the resistance of buildings to physical attacks are outlined in the British standard LPS 1175. This is a comprehensive and demanding standard, as it covers everything from ordinary burglars to large-scale terrorist attacks.
However, the standards cannot be compared directly. For example, European and German standards address forced entry. That is when someone comes at night and secretly tries to enter the building to steal valuables.
American and European standards for the resistance of buildings to physical attacks focus on different types of threats. An urgent challenge for SÄLZER engineers today is specialized protection for data centers. Photo: www.saelzer-security.com
While the American standard on Forced Entry mostly discusses crowd control. As you might remember, people tried to storm the Capitol in Washington — in such a case they don’t need screwdrivers or chisels. The crowd can use road signs as weapons and infiltrate directly through main entrances. And the crowd is not afraid of the police."
Cybersecurity is another pressing challenge that SÄLZER engineers are working on. It's not only the threat of remote hacking, which can disable the central control system of a building or lead to intercept of control. In the article "Fortress in glass armor. The secret of invulnerability from Schüco", we explained why Schüco's designers prefer to install mechatronic access control and locking systems into windows and doors — they can be operated manually in the event of a blackout or system compromise.
Matthias Winter says that one of the SÄLZER's promising areas today is the dedicated protection of data centres. These facilities store huge amounts of data and usually affect networks far beyond their physical locations.
Matthias Winter: "It is usually assumed that cybercriminals only want to steal data. But data can be destroyed as well. For example, blowing up the data centres of a large international company bank, a global player company or a medical facility would be a major terrorist act. Therefore, the goal is to provide protection from such attacks. This is another direction of our work."
SÄLZER S1es façades with integrated safety components are visually and architecturally compatible with Schüco FWS façades systems without any difference in protection levels. Photo: www.schueco.com
Decarbonization and sustainability
"Obviously, our systems are designed to protect people in the case of a terrorist attack, but every day they function like an enclosure for a building, like ordinary windows and doors," reminds Karlheinz Mankel, "Therefore, the same requirements apply to them. We are part of Schüco — a company that adheres to the highest standards of sustainability and environmental compatibility. Everything related to carbon dioxide emission control is as important to Schüco as it is to SÄLZER.
Our products are mostly made from the same aluminium, steel and glass as Schüco windows, and are also recyclable. Schüco already uses recycled aluminium and this process is continuously improved. We are heading from low-carbon aluminium to ultra-low-carbon aluminium and further. We have a team responsible for innovations, and we work closely with our colleagues in Bielefeld, holding meetings every couple of weeks. At the last meeting, we discussed the prospects of processing insulating strips made of polyamide. This is an important issue."
Decarbonization processes are definitely a challenge for SÄLZER’s high demands towards its own products. If the properties of aluminium, steel or the production technology for any component change, this requires repeated tests to ensure that the structure retains its protective properties, high rigidity and stress resistance. It is not about some minor differences in design or texture but about the question of protecting human life and health.
Responsible production and carbon control policies are important to Schüco and SÄLZER experts. Products made of metals and glass are largely recyclable, they can be recycled by separating the insulating strips and layers and reused. Photo: www.saelzer-security.com
There are also certain general problems. Security and sustainable design strategies of a facility can significantly affect each other and sometimes create conflicts. For example, the dense mixed-use development promoted by urbanists, underground parking lots instead of open parking areas, and buildings shadowed by tall trees —all these reduce the security perimeter around buildings. Therefore, the facade protection level should be increased as well. It should also be noted the energy load of buildings is increased by active security systems, which are used to mitigate the consequences of natural disasters and protect against fires or terrorist attacks.
Karlheinz Mankel: “Our products are made from the same aluminium, steel and glass as Schüco windows, and are also recyclable. Schüco already uses recycled aluminium and this process is continuously improved”
At the same time, solutions with reservoirs for collecting rainwater contribute to the fire safety of a building, while the hilly terrain can serve as an obstacle for criminals and a blast wave barrier. However, such solutions should be included in the design project initially. This will help to optimise the budget since security was and remains a costly area of expenditure. This is why the collaboration between customers, architects and safety experts must begin as early as possible, preferably at the concept stage — as emphasized by all the SÄLZER and Schüco employees we talked to during our visit.
Despite the large number of challenges, it's the market dynamics, the growing responsibility and the ever-increasing technology development pace that make the work of SÄLZER employees so exciting. Unfortunately, the problem-free future is nowhere near according to the ethical dualism philosophy, or just when looking at things realistically. The nature of threats will change, but new security solutions will be created as well. How will we protect our homes and offices tomorrow? What will the new armour be? Will it be an inner or outer shell that turns the building into a capsule? Or a force field as in sci-fi movies? Everything is possible. Visiting SÄLZER gave us confidence that there is a solution.
