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.

Image 044_HQ.jpg

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.

Image 051_HQ.jpg

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.

Image 063_HQ.jpg:

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

Obere Balkone 4500.jpg

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.

Bunker Fruchtallee.jpg

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.

Apeldoorn with its 160,000 inhabitants is situated in the Dutch province of Geldern and is regarded as a garden city offering high quality living standards. Since its economic boom years in the early 60s, the city has seen great changes in its architectural environment. In the district of Zevenhuizen in the North-Eastern part of this sprawling city a considerable number of residential blocks that originated from this period have been handed down. Since the beginning of 2007 here, as everywhere in the city, extensive renovation and modernisation projects have been taking place with the aim of upgrading the out-of-date accommodation – not least in order to prevent the area from becoming run down.

The entire residential area to be renovated
Under the planning direction of the renowned architectural practice Groosmann Partners, Rotterdam, a green quarter is being created in the medium term with a variety of special living accommodation with restrictions on traffic. The idea is to create a variety of city dwellings such as terraced houses with gardens, semi-detached houses, residential flats, flats to work in and apartments. In total, 450 new dwelling places are planned, 100 of which are for rental accommodation and 350 as owner-occupier flats. Of the six 10-story blocks of flats with external stairway access which coin the style of the old centre of Zevenhuizen, five will be demolished in the next ten years in order to create space for new and more modern housing. The only multistory block which will stay is the “De Valk“ that has been refurbished from scratch. It is a deliberate choice by the residential building cooperative responsible “Ons Huis” of Apeldoorn, as Rob Greve, its representative in charge of developments explains: “It is a quarter with history. On one hand totally run down, but on the other hand a quarter in which many people liked to live. By renovating a block of flats, the people are given the opportunity to own it once again.“

Transparent façades for a feel good factor
The former “De Valk” was stripped down to the bare bones. All that remained was the concrete structure. Originally, the building consisted of a 100 meter long residential block, 10 stories high, and in the middle a stairwell including entrance hall and lifts. The newly refurbished building has been optically cleverly divided up into two residential blocks of 50 apartments each, the glass façades of which are either pointing to the East or the West. The concept of external stairway access was retained. An important aspect in the redesigning of the residential block, which has now been given the name “t’Podium“, was the wish of the property owner to achieve optimum transparency and the greatest visual openness of the building exterior. The decision was therefore to go for an innovative façade solution, as offered by the market-leading German system developer and manufacturer Solarlux of Bissendorf, whose tailor-made glazing systems also meet the high standards of commercial projects in terms of build-quality, functionality and design. In high-rise buildings, for example, the systems must withstand increasing winds.

The project was carried out by Solarlux´s subsidiary, Solarlux Netherlands at Nijverdal, who worked in close co-operation with the architects. Uppermost in the planner´s mind was to give the occupiers for the future a light and bright living space which connects the inside in a harmonious way with the outside, increasing quality of life in the long term. To achieve this, each flat was equipped with a glass folding façade which extends over the full width of the living room. Altogether 200 units of Solarlux´s well-proven System SL 60e were installed, a system which features slimline aluminium profiles, excellent thermal insulation and a high degree of impermeability to wind and rain. Each glass folding façade creates for every residential unit an almost four meter wide glass front which, together with a parapet of fixed units of the same profile series, creates a very attractive, transparent façade unit. In order to contain the strong winds on the building and to give the glass façades sufficient stability, special anchoring systems were developed. As project manager Wim Doppenberg of the contractor Draisma of Appeldorn, which is undertaking the work, put it: “The anchoring system really played an important part – after all we are dealing with glass façade modules of approximately 3 meters in height and 8 meters in length. For this an anchorage was developed from which you could suspend an elephant.”

Ease of operation of the glass folding façades and excellent use of light
The panels of the glass folding façade can be folded away completely with effortless ease like a concertina, thus providing maximum openings and excellent use of light. For safety reasons the decision in Zevenhuizen was to choose inward opening panels. Stainless steel runner assemblies and track ensure extremely easy gliding of the glass units. The folded-up panels can be stacked to the side, to the right or left, taking up very little room and without having to move furniture and plants out of the way. Thus the glass folding façade meets almost all room management requirements. Since the Solarlux-System SL 60e has been designed with removable hinge pins, it is easy to clean the outside panes of the top hung panels from the inside – a clear advantage in terms of easy handling and easy daily operation by the occupiers of “t’Podium“. 

Overall, the newly refurbished building presents itself with a highly transparent façade which provides the best light efficiency for the dwellings. The slimline Solarlux aluminium profiles tie in with the geometrically arranged wall covering in white producing an attractive combination of flowing lines which also highlight the conceptual and architectural potential of the innovative glazing systems from Solarlux.

Excellent logistics and liaison
An integral part of the system developer´s and manufacturer´s range of products and services is the support the company gives to its clients throughout the entire planning and implementation process even when there are technical challenges to be faced. Thus, in the course of the Zevenhuizen project, the large glass folding façades and parapet units were delivered by Solarlux Netherlands on special trestles in order to be lifted by crane for direct installation in the building.  “We worked without any scaffolding whatsoever and without any additional safety measures. Due to excellent logistics we were able to fit out two stories in a fortnight, managing to get ahead of the time schedule by a few weeks” Fred Mak, the manager in charge of the Dutch Solarlux office confirms the excellent  teamwork of all partners in the project. This is just one of the many reasons why Solarlux Netherlands is a well-known and sought-after partner among Dutch architects.

High transparency and visual openness were created with the newly refurbished t’Podium in Apeldoorn, Netherlands, by using Solarlux´s innovative glass folding façades.

This is the dismal appearance of the „De Valk“ block of flats in Apeldoorn prior to refurbishment.

Star architect Sebastian Mariscal who lives in America became famous for his houses, where the building materials were essentially reduced to concrete and timber and with which he aimed for a smooth transition between the inside and the outside. “Architecture is about space”, he says, “and the more material you use, the less you are aware of space.” It was quite natural that Mariscal would use his own house, which was completed in 2007, to celebrate open space incorporating the spectacular backdrop of the Pacific Ocean into his everyday living experience.

The means to carry out such ideas are provided by units such as the horizontal sliding wall SL 50-HSW from the German system developer and manufacturer Solarlux in Bissendorf. Twenty five panels of the top hung aluminium profile system were installed on three outside walls of Mariscal´s residence. They can be simply moved out of view, thus creating maximum openings which quickly extend the living room into the garden. The special feature of the Solarlux design is that all the glass panels can be slid out of the way and around the two outside corners in order to disappear in an inconspicuous parking niche. The house then stands on pillars and the inside, which is at ground level, continues seamlessly into the outside environment.

The flexible individual glass panels are smooth running and extremely easy to handle. And if the occupants do not happen to feel like being “al fresco“ they can just move individual panels or step outside through the integrated entry / exit panels. 

The fascinating view of the landscape with the view of the Pacific Ocean can be appreciated at any time and in any weather due to the extraordinary transparency of the Solarlux system since the SL 50-HSW is thermally insulated and provides inner tranquillity even in stormy weather. In California, however, the climate is so mild that the occupants of the “Fay Residence“ open up their glass façades much more frequently so that they can dine in their central kitchen as if in the open air.

Solarlux SL 50-HSW closed.jpg

Even when closed, the flexible SL 50-HSW Solarlux glazing is stunningly beautiful in its transparency. Integrated entry / exit panels facilitate easy entry and exit.

photo: Hisao Suzuki

Solarlux SL 50-HSW open.jpg

The flexible glass panels of the SL 50-HSW system from Solarlux are simply moved out of the ways so that the living room space flows seamlessly into the open.

photo: Hisao Suzuki

The Solarlux SL 60e glass folding façade can be provided with runner as-semblies either at the top or bottom. In the design of doorways in modern facades the bottom track can be recessed into the floor for unhindered ac-cess.

Due to its wide choice of features, its excellent protection from driving rain and its notable heat insulation, it is possible to use the system in challenging projects. Decision makers in the residential property sector, architects and specifiers alike can trust in Solarlux to give them both individual solutions and comprehensive support.

The heat-insulated version of the SL modular balcony system together with the integrated SL 60e Solarlux folding façade helps to make the most of a property: it offers greater space for enjoyment. The glazing can be opened up over the full width and special removable hinge pins facilitate the cleaning of the external panes.	The significant heat insulation capability and the impermeability to weather conditions coupled with the flexible way, in which its pa-nels can be opened, make the SL 60e glass folding façade from Solarlux a convincing feature of modern façades, not least for large projects.

However, such demands are easily met by the SL 80 glass façade from the system developer and manufacturer Solarlux. This product is well placed to meet the highest expectations. The applications for these heat insulated folding façades are numerous: they can be used as external walls for living rooms which can be opened up completely, as the vertical glazing of winter gardens, as business entrances or for swimming pool glazing and make therefore the ideal product for forward looking façade design.

The profiles of the glass folding façade offer improved U values and can accommodate glazing up to a thickness of 40 mm and even triple glazing, which is developing into the new standard with a Ug value of 0.7 W/m2K or even more enhanced Ug values than that.

The slim frame and panel profiles (with a panel joint of a mere 104 mm) fitted with special glazing reach a sound attenuation value of R´w=45 dB.

High specification runner assemblies, locking mechanisms and door furniture are all flush and inconspicuously integrated into the design of the system. A complete window system is also available from Solarlux which matches the SL 80: as tilt and turn, parallel slide and tilt units or as fixed units. The SL 80 glass folding façade offers maximum transparency and at the same time the largest possible flexible openings for modern architectural concepts.

Image: residential pacific.jpg

The profiles of the SL 80 glass folding façade offer improved U values and can accommodate glass thicknesses of up to 40 mm. Even triple glazing with a Ug value of 0.4 is possible.

Image: Dyke RD.jpg

The SL 80 Solarlux glass folding façade provides maximum transparency and at the same time flexible openings with improved U values.

Solarlux´s modular design is convincing with its tailor-made range, the aesthetic solutions and innovative designs of which meet the complex needs of architects and specifiers. For a special solution, Solarlux´s parapet units can even have the glazing fitted across the corner – without having corner profiles to obstruct the view. So far, this concept gives Solarlux a unique place in the market. The huge choice available in the design of parapet units makes it possible to provide building projects with individual details which enhance their appearance through attention to detail and which give greater scope for enjoyment of the living space for the long term.

Part of the system developer´s and manufacturer´s service is to support property owners during the phases of planning and implementation. Whether the decision is to modernise or construct new balconies and façades, this is a decisive factor in terms of cost and can be a great advantage for the client who can rely on the fact that they are in the hands of a  competent and accessible expert who undertakes the comprehensive planning and smooth co-ordination and implementation of a proposed development – even in complex projects.

 SL Modular balcony system. jpg

Solarlux´s SL Modular balcony system provides modern balcony and façade solutions with great scope for design variations.

SL Modular transparent glazing.jpg:

With its transparent glazing across corners offered by Solarlux the SL Modular balcony system commands a unique position in the market.

Since the balcony glazing is fitted with the SL 60e flexible glass folding façade which can be pulled to one side in its entirety, the character of a balcony is retained and the absence of any obstructing posts means that the maximum vista is maintained. The aluminium glazing system, with its wraparound slim frame helps to impart a particularly light and elegant impression. Continuous seals within the system as well as on the outside ensure impermeability to driving rain and prevent draughts. Removable special hinge pins in the balcony area make it possible to clean the outside panes from within.

Solarlux´s modular design is the obvious choice with its tailor-made range, where aesthetic solutions and innovative designs meet the complex needs of architects and specifiers. The great choice available in the design of parapet units makes it possible to provide building projects with individual details which enhance their appearance through attention to detail and which give you enduring enjoyment in your living space.

Part of the system developer´s and manufacturer´s service is to support property owners during the phases of planning and implementation. Whether the plan is to modernise or construct new balconies and façades, this is a decisive factor in terms of cost and can help considerably, knowing that the comprehensive planning and smooth co-ordination and implementation of a proposed development, which may be complex, is in the hands of a competent and accessible expert.

SL Modular living space.jpg:

The heat insulated version of the SL Modular balcony and façade system from Solarlux transforms balconies into fully-fledged living spaces. The SL 60e glass folding façade which has been retro-fitted can be opened up over the full width, thus retaining the original character of the balcony.

Solarlux´s modular design is convincing with its tailor-made range, the aes-thetic solutions and innovative designs of which meet the complex needs of architects and specifiers. For a special solution, Solarlux´s parapet units can even have the glazing fitted across the corner – without having corner pro-files to obstruct the view. So far, this concept gives Solarlux a unique place in the market. The huge choice available in the design of parapet units makes it possible to provide building projects with individual details which enhance their appearance through attention to detail and which give greater scope for enjoyment of the living space for the long term.

Part of the system developer´s and manufacturer´s service is to support property owners during the phases of planning and implementation. Whether the decision is to modernise or construct new balconies and façades, this is a decisive factor in terms of cost and can be a great advan-tage for the client who can rely on the fact that they are in the hands of a  competent and accessible expert who undertakes the comprehensive plan-ning and smooth co-ordination and implementation of a proposed develop-ment – even in complex projects.

Solarlux´s SL Modular balcony system provides modern balcony and façade solutions with great scope for design variations.	With its transparent glazing across corners offered by Solarlux the SL Modular balcony system commands a unique position in the market.

Stadiums are the venues where spectacular and momentous events take place. At the centre of all this is the spectator, whether in the crowd or as an individual. One of the key questions that stadium planners have to address is how to achieve the best possible visibility for spectators. Of growing importance here is the develop-ment of the so-called luxury suites which are intended to be meeting places for VIPs. These must have close proximity to the heart of the game whilst at the same time providing the choice of being able to withdraw and be undisturbed. Well at-tended VIP lounges are of great importance for economic reasons and luxury lounges have a great deal of prestige. For example, a VIP lounge in the Yankee stadium in New York which was built in 1923 and which is appointed to a medium standard can cost, on average, $ 265,000 per baseball season or approximately $ 18,000 per game. Clients are provided with the exclusive luxury of a professionally appointed VIP lounge from where they can participate in the game or event as they please and structure their day as they wish. This is why glazing solutions which offer the best visibility and flexibility to meet any of these requirements are in de-mand. The development and application of flexible glazing concepts are therefore central in the delivery of such highly profitable aspects of contemporary stadium design. Tailor-made solutions of the highest quality are demanded in such locations.

As world market leader for glass folding façades, the German system developer and manufacturer Solarlux is a sought after partner for innovative glazing systems in stadiums. An important major project in which Solarlux has played an instrumen-tal role is the construction of the New Yankee Stadium in the Bronx district of New York. Since August 2006, the new home of the legendary New York Yankees, the Club of the Major League Baseball (MLB) par excellence, has been created in close proximity to the old stadium with an awards total of almost 486 million euros under the project management of Hochtief US subsidiary Turner Corporation. The open air arena, the conceptual design of which was carried out by the sports archi-tecture firm HOK Sports, Kansas, and which extends over 140,000 square metres, accommodating 53,000 seats with the playing surface covered with natural turf, will no doubt soon become the new symbol for the MLB once opened to the public during the 2009 season.

Although many features of the old arena will be retained to be reminiscent of the glorious tradition of the Club – features such as the impressive façade of the old stadium with its classical appearance and the famous frieze by the overhanging roof – the new stadium presently under construction will offer all the architectural and technical facilities of a post modern showcase arena. This includes 60 VIP suites, press lounges with a total of 1000 seats, and it is Solarlux who has de-signed and manufactured the tailor-made flexible façade openings and transparent glazing.

The luxury lounges which occupy a level on their own, situated between the upper and lower main stands, extend in the form of a continuous ring to the right and left from the “home plate“ with an excellent view of the central playing field where all the excitement of the game will take place. Solarlux specially developed the SL 25 XXL, an all-glass slide-and-turn system with 13.52 mm laminated safety glass and extremely slim horizontal aluminium profiles for the glazing of this lounge project.

Sixty two of these SL 25 XXL units in total were used within the exclusive lounge area with an average width of each unit of 3200 mm and a height of 1300 mm. Each SL 25 XXL unit sits on an approx. 600 mm high parapet from the Solarlux SL45 system. On the inside and on the level of the parapet there is a counter / bar with seating facilities. In addition, the side doors of the SL 45 system provide access to the seats outside.

The generous and variable Solarlux glazing systems give to the glass façades of the lounges a unique character with significant added value due to their high func-tionality and flexibility since each of the 340 panels of the suite level can be opened and easily moved to the side in order to experience the event live with close proximity to the heart of the game. For maximum transparency when closed, the horizontal frame elements of the SL 25 XXL are of a particularly slim design and yet meet the stringent requirements of the stadium with regard to resistance to flying objects. Regarding static structural loads, safe deflection up to 24 mm is possible.
The system profiles and door furniture which Solarlux uses have all been devel-oped and manufactured by Solarlux and have been issued with test certificates by renowned national and international institutes such as ift Rosenheim (D), Architec-tural Testing (USA), SHR (NL), etc.

In the new Yankee stadium, the press suites are created below the VIP lounges on their own level. Here too, Solarlux is implementing its solution-oriented engineering approach with a tailor-made answer. In order to ensure that the broadcasting booths, if needed, are sufficiently sound-proofed, 12 SL 50-HSW systems with an opening width of 3 to 5 metres are used. This horizontal sliding façade is also fitted with 13.52 mm laminated safety glass.
The all-glass slide-and-turn systems and the horizontal sliding façades from the Bissendorf innovators, are suitable for straight as well as curved segmented con-figurations as they are able to negotiate any angle from 90° to 180°. Individual panels can be folded away into niches, stacked behind columns or – as in New York – lined up parallel to the wall. High-spec roller assemblies ensure the smooth and easy operation of the glass units of all the systems – this is a factor not to be underestimated as the visitors who come to the lounges expect easy and flexible operation of the glass façades.

A variety of examples of glazed lounges and suites in renowned football, baseball, American football and multi-purpose stadiums in Europe and North America prove the competence of Solarlux, the manufacturer, and how sought after they are.  Projects such as the façade renovation of the Wembley Stadium in England (24 suites, sports architects firm HOK Sports Europe), the baseball stadium “Citizens Bank Park“ in the USA (98 suites, architects firm Ewing Cole / HOK Sports) and the US football stadium of the Philadelphia Eagles (196 suites, architects firm NBBJ) substantiate the wide spectrum which Solarlux covers with its product range. For areas threatened by hurricanes, specific concepts were developed and completely new systems created to meet the requirements stipulated by architects and specifiers. Solarlux´s leading market position is not only based on quality, design and innovative product details “made in Germany” but also on individual solutions and technical support for specifiers and architects. From the planning stage right through to realisation, Solarlux offers all services from one single source. With a network of subsidiaries, licensees and partners, competent local support is guaranteed and this is available on a worldwide basis.

Cross-section of the new Yankee stadium in New York currently under construction. The cross-section shows the luxury VIP lounges and the press area below the upper main stand. The flexible and highly transparent glazing systems are supplied by the German system developer and manufacturer Solarlux.	From the luxury lounges visitors will have the perfect view of the playing field of the new Yankee stadium. The flexible glazing was developed, manufactured and supplied by the system developer and manufacturer Solarlux.

Rendering of the new Yankee stadium in the Bronx district of New York. From April 2009 and an area of 140,000 square metres the 53,000 Yankee fans will be able to cheer their club. The 60 exclusive VIP lounges and the separate press area will be fitted with the individual, highly transparent and flexible system glazing supplied by the market leader Solarlux.

102 metres and 322 glass panels. At the Autzen stadium (USA) 33 VIP lounges and the entire press area were glazed with the SL50-HSW system from Solarlux. The system which width wise can be opened up completely meets the particularly stringent requirements regarding wind loads (1,400 Pascal).

Solarlux has further developed its all-glass slide-and-turn system SL 25 XXL especially for the glazing of the Yankee lounges. The detailed drawing shows the upper track with its height compensation profile and the 13.52 mm strong laminated safety glass.	Solarlux´s SL 25 XXL features extremely slim frames and 13.52 mm strong laminated safety glass as can be seen from the detail drawing of the lower track.

The highly transparent SL 25 all-glass slide-and-turn lounge glazing system of the Blackburn Rovers stadium in Lancashire, UK, was supplied by the German manufacturer Solarlux.

It was Solarlux´s active partner Engelbert Wolf GmbH who initiated the project. The Bavarian Zugspitzbahn Bergbahn AG awarded the building contract to Engelbert Wolf GmbH who are from Heufeld in Southern Germany. Solarlux supplied in total 46 units comprising three folding façades with 6 panels each and seven window units with four panels each.
Wolf won the order because Solarlux was the only supplier who could meet the client´s specifications and who could prove their capability by test cer-tificates.

Two conditions essential for winning this unusual contract were based on the climatic conditions which prevail on the highest mountain of Germany. One is that the windows ensure tightness despite temperature variations ranging from icy -40° C to spring-like +15° C. The other condition is that the windows must not give way at wind speeds up to 125 mph (wind force 16) with the associated pressure and suction.

The folding façade type used was the hurricane-tested SL 70e which is certified by institutes such as “ift” Rosenheim and A.T.I. Florida. Apart from its strength in the face of such enormous wind forces the system incorpo-rates the so-called “travelling” posts which offer structural advantages. The integrated hinges of the SL 70e system offer better adjustment facilities for individual panels so that tightness is always guaranteed within high tem-perature variations.

All window units were pre-assembled on Wolf´s premises and then trans-ported by the rack and pinion railway to the 8 000 feet high peak. Solarlux´s active partner managed to install all 46 units in five days despite the adverse weather conditions of frost and ice-cold winds. But not only the weather was a challenge. The height difference of 6,900 feet between the manufacturing location and the installation site was a challenge on its own. For this reason, the sealed units were manufactured with an air pressure of 1645 feet above sea level. The considerably lower air pressure on the Zugspitze would have led to a bulging of the panes since the air between the panes, which is more dense, would have expanded.

The problem was solved by fitting the edge of the sealed units with a valve which ensured that the pressure was equalised during transport. After the sealed units had “acclimatised” themselves at the height of 8,000 feet, the valves were shut and sealed.

The glass pavilion which is meant to be a hospitality venue for skiers is to be officially opened in October at the start of the skiing season.

 
Solarlux has made it to the top, the Zugspitze, the highest mountain in the German Alps. At the lofty height of 8,000 feet above sea level, the hurricane-testes SL 704 Solarlux folding façades were installed.

Foto: Bayerische Zugspitzbahn Bergbahn AG