Building automation and indoor climate for a building of the century
Hamburg's Elbphilharmonie is a spectacular building, not only on the outside, but also on the inside. The comfort of the visitors is the top priority. The technical solution was provided by GFR Gesellschaft für Regelungstechnik und Energieeinsparung mbH, which became Bosch Building Automation GmbH in 2022.
The glass facade sparkles from afar and the roof resembles a giant wave. The Elbphilharmonie had hardly opened its doors when it became the landmark of the Hanseatic city. The building combines three concert halls, a hotel, luxury apartments, and a public square. These areas may differ, but they all have two things in common: They place a premium on visitor comfort.
Their technical systems come from GFR, the Gesellschaft für Regelungstechnik und Energieeinsparung mbH, now Bosch Building Automation GmbH.
GFR ensures that the Elbphilharmonie has high-quality heating and air conditioning. This is especially important in large concert halls, the company put a complex control system into place. Different temperature zones can be generated for the stage and seating areas, depending on how warm or cool it should be to optimize the acoustics for singers and instruments. The technical systems operate exceptionally quietly, in order not to detract from listener enjoyment.
The control center for the building’s technical equipment was also provided by GFR. Among other tasks, it regulates around 260 ventilators, 1,900 fire dampers, and 600 smoke exhaust and multi-leaf dampers. A total of around 648,000 metres of cable were laid in the Elbe Philharmonic Hall during the project - this is roughly equivalent to the linear distance from Munich to Hamburg.
The Elbphilharmonie’s technical center is located in the building’s peak.
This is a superb position with a view of the Elbe River. It ensures the right air conditions for both people and musical instruments.
Room automation, air conditioning technology, building automation and technical facility management come from a single source.
The jury of the "Architects Darling Award" decided in 2018 that this was one of the "best reference projects". And GFR, which has been part of Bosch Energy and Building Solutions since October 2019, was delighted to be awarded bronze in this category.
Facts about this project
5,210
sensors and actuators implemented
89,000
communication points
940,000 m³
conditioned air per hour
Building automation solutions are becoming increasingly important
Ever greater importance is therefore being attached to the best possible control and regulation of building and room functions — such as air quality. Clients focus not only on comfort, but also on areas like employee health, sustainability, environmental protection, and energy consumption. Moreover, markets are changing due to the Internet of Things.
“There are now many ways of using smart technologies to control buildings, enhance their use, and make them more energy efficient,” notes Westerheide.
Numerous types of added value arise for building owners and users.
A well-equipped office building highlights an employer’s attractiveness. Shopping centers use automated air-conditioning systems to enhance customer comfort and thereby encourage them to stay longer.
“Our integrated overall solutions meet the future need for comprehensive and sustainable building automation.”
