Solarlux´s SL Modular balcony system enhances the quality of life in a newly built residential home for senior citizens in Hamburg, Germany, by creating additional living space with the advantage of highly effective sound insulation.

Although the area around the well-known Wehbers Park, one of two central parks in Hamburg-Eimsbüttel and very rich in tradition, is very popular, particularly with older residents, the amount of traffic in this busy quarter creates its own problems, especially for the residents along the Fruchtallee thoroughfare which has a particularly high density of traffic at the corner of Emilienstraße which leads to Wehbers Park. Noise levels here are very high. An investigative report on noise pollution, carried out by Messrs. M+O Immissionsschutz (Oststeinbek) and its impact on the construction of the the new residential and nursing home “Haus am Wehbers Park” on the Fruchtallee road which was completed in April 2008, stated that the assessment level for the front of the building facing the Fruchtallee was 73 dB, which is very high indeed.

In order to reduce this noise exposure and to give the occupants a more protected environment, the supervisory architectural practice Böbs from Hamburg acting on behalf of its client and administrator Wilhelm Kurth Bauregie GmbH, was confronted with particular challenges in the planning of the project.

Before the attractive five story building with its 158 single and 13 double rooms plus generous facilities such as common rooms and therapy facilities could be built, the site was dominated by a dismal and ugly wartime concrete bunker dating back to 1942. Its 1.8 meter thick reinforced concrete walls were stripped down to ground level, leaving only the underground segments in place. Today they are integrated into the private underground car park. The new building of the residential home was partly constructed in the traditional style of North German red brick houses, thus blending in with the surrounding venacular architecture. The design of the balconies and facades was carried out in the best and most economic way possible taking advantage of the innovative SL Modular balcony system from Solarlux, the market leading system developer and manufacturer from Bissendorf, Germany.

Individual modular façade design, tailor-made and economic
Due to the high levels of traffic noise, the required sound reduction index (US: sound transmission class) for the windows and doors for the residential home was 45 dB and therefore very high. The large amount of window area would not be able to provide a great amount of sound energy absorption. By the fitting of Solarlux balcony modules, however, the required sound reduction index could be lowered to 30 dB. This meant that the noise-insulation class of the windows as measured by the former noise-insulation classes could be reduced by three classes: from the initial noise-insulation class 5 to the lower class 2.

The modular SL system which combines parapet units and glazing, offers a great deal of scope for design and can also be fitted with or without heat insulation. At the residential home “Haus am Wehbers Park“ 52 modules with 239 panels of the highly transparent uninsulated SL 25 glazing was installed which gave the occupants additional living space with an unhindered view of the surroundings. If so desired, the all glass panels can be opened up and moved to one side.

The parapet units and the glazing of the fitted modular SL system are primarily designed as curtain walling, pre-assembled in the works and delivered to the site ready to be installed. This is of great benefit whether the installation is intended for new balconies or for balcony renovations or extensions since this method reduces installation times to a minimum. A further advantage is the fact that projects with the SL modular system can be added later in subsequent construction stages.

What is even more convincing about Solarlux´s modular design is the tailor-made variety which is on offer, the aesthetic solutions and innovative construction which satisfies the sophisticated requirements of both architects and specifiers alike. Thus, the individual solution with the balcony glazing succeeded in providing transparent glazing across corners without any corner profiles to obstruct the view. No other product on the market can presently offer this feature. The vast choice of different designs for the parapet units makes it possible to provide projects with that individual detail which enhances the living space for years to come. For the balconies of the “Haus am Wehbers Park”, transparent parapet units were chosen which emphasize the open and friendly character of the architecture. 

Integrated into the services which the system developer and manufacturer Solarlux offers is support for its clients during the complete planning and implementation phase. When dealing with complex building projects – be it modernisation or the new construction of balconies and façades, it is reassuring for many clients to know that the task with all of its comprehensive planning and co-ordination requirements is in the hands of a competent partner. Not only is this a significant economic factor but also gives peace of mind to those who are in charge of the project.

 

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Solarlux´s SL Modular system was the means of achieving this successful transparent facade for the residential home “Haus am Wehbers Park” in Hamburg“. The excellent sound insulation and the increase in living space enhanced the quality of life for its occupants.

 

 

 

 

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The detail of the project was equally successful. The SL Modular system provided the residential home with a character of its own: for the balcony units the highly transparent SL 25 glazing across corners was used, eliminating corner profiles which would obstruct the view.

 

 

 

 

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The transparent balcony and facade design realised with Solarlux SL Modular system with integrated slide and turn panels.

 

 

 

 

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This balcony was created with half a module of the proven Solarlux SL Modular balcony and provides all the safety features required for the upper floor of the senior citizen home “Haus am Wehbers Park” on the busy Fruchtallee thoroughfare of Hamburg.

 

 

 

 

 

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The site on which the residential home for senior citizens can be found today was previously occupied by a dismal and ugly concrete bunker dating back to 1942 during the war. It was stripped down to ground level, leaving only the underground structures in place which today serve as an underground car park for the newly built residence which was completed in April 2008.

 

 

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