Linear actuators move sun protection in the “mountain oasis” of Tschuggen Grand Hotel in Arosa
Pößneck, December 2007 – The “light-sails” in the mountain oasis of the Tschuggen Grand Hotel in the Swiss canton of Grisons – designed by star architect Mario Botta – are a real eye-catcher. During the day they guide light into the interior of the building and at night they are illuminated above the resort of Arosa. The sun protection for these light-sails posed a particular challenge. As the glass fronts, which are as much as 13 meters high, were not to be covered, the planners designed a sun protection system that was accommodated on the inside of the triangular light-sails. The solution was formed by triangular wings that are moved just like butterfly wings by elero linear actuators.
Wellness on four floors
The Tschuggen Bergoase – which literally means mountain oasis – was opened in December 2006 after a three-year construction period and offers wellness on an area of 5,000 square meters with sauna and bathing sections, treatment and fitness rooms, as well as private spa suites. The special feature of the four-storey building are the light-sails made of glass and steel and ranging in height from nine to thirteen meters which allow light to enter the interior of the wellness oasis. These light-sails are positioned on a triangular base sloping down towards the valley and form a delightful contrast to the surrounding mountain landscape.
Individual shading in the light-sails
The shading has been implemented using solar wings inside the light-sails. This two-winged sun protection is affixed in the centre of a skylight and when folded together it divides the triangular area into two sections. Thus various different angles are possible and spa visitors can adjust the solar radiation in line with their individual needs and mood using a wall-mounted control. If both wings are fully outstretched, the room beneath is completely protected from dazzling sunlight. The elero linear actuators from the Econom 1 series, which move the two wings, are affixed on the upper surfaces and are thus not visible to the guests below.
Reliable drives for problem-free operation
The maintenance- and lubricant-free Econom drives exert a force of 10,000 Newtons when opening the two wings, each of which measures 2.8 x 4.5 meters and weighs 610 kilograms. Thanks to their reliability in all weather conditions and temperatures between -30° and +80° Celsius these drives, which have the protection classification IP 65, are also suited to the climatic conditions of a sauna and pool landscape. The rust-proof stainless steel housing means that increased volumes of condensed water caused by icy outside temperatures and high humidity cannot affect the drives.
When folded together the solar wings allow sunshine to totally flood the wellness area. Source: Tschuggen Grand Hotel
The “light-sails” in the mountain oasis of Tschuggen Grand Hotel in Arosa form an attractive contrast to the surrounding mountains.
Source: Tschuggen Grand Hotel
