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Renovating a protected historical building: Mannheim Palace
… began in 1720 and ended in 1760. For many years, the palace served as home to the electors of the Palatinate region; it was converted into a palace museum in 1926 after the end of the monarchy. The palace was almost completely destroyed during the Second World War, and for many years rebuilding seemed impossible. However, the palace was rebuilt between 1957 and 1964. Since that time, this magnificent edifice has been used by the University of Mannheim and as the university library. Now, as part of a building renovation in line with historical preservation requirements, the entire area between the auditorium, connecting building and art tower has been renovated. The project began in 2016. The goals of the building renovation were to improve fire protection, accessibility, and energy efficiency. For Gessert, the focus of the project was on meeting current fire protection and accessibility requirements, which are particularly high in a public building like a university. Energy efficiency was also to be improved. As it had in many previous project, Gessert used high-performing products from GEZE for the doors. These not only meet all applicable statutory requirements, but are also simple to assemble and install. These advantages are essential especially in a complex and prestigious project like Mannheim Palace – and ultimately save time and costs as well. What were the biggest challenges related to the building renovation? Key challenges during the rebuilding of the historically preserved Mannheim Palace included: Historical preservation and fire protection: The door systems needed to meet strict historical preservation requirements, while at the same time fulfilling fire protection regulations. Accessibility: For the university as a public institution, ensuring accessibility for all users in accordance with DIN 18040-1 was a key concern. Safe escape routes: Escape and rescue routes in public buildings must be accessible to persons with disabilities. An impressive team: GASSERT GmbH and GEZE GmbH GASSERT GmbH , an established specialist manufacturer of doors and windows, was responsible for installing accessible emergency exits. Since the 1960s, the company has developed from a classic steel construction firm to work with highly specialised fire protection solutions and door automation. This makes GASSERT GmbH a competent partner for challenging construction projects – and for GEZE, which delivers the right products for this speciality area. The Gassert/GEZE team has already completed a range of projects together. Simple installation, high quality and outstanding service have impressed the installation company time and again. Thus far, Gassert's collaboration with GEZE has been positive in all of the projects the team has completed. GEZE offers not only the right products to meet all requirements, but excellent service as well. The availability of contact persons and quick support with questions make the company a competent and reliable partner for us, including in future projects. Mr Arifi, Automation and Maintenance Project Manager, GASSERT GmbH So it's no wonder that GASSERT GmbH decided to use GEZE products for the building renovation of Mannheim Palace - based on many years of trusting cooperation and the numerous advantages that these solutions offer. The decisive factors for Mannheim Palace were, above all: Technical adaptability: GEZE door systems are not only very narrow, but also enable custom colour designs that meet historical preservation requirements. Safety and functionality: IQ motor locks and panic locks have been integrated into the GEZE door systems, which fulfil high safety standards and meet the requirements for emergency exit safety . Mr Arifi from GASSERT GmbH, who was responsible for the assembly and acceptance of the door systems, also emphasised that the intuitive handling of the products, including the user-friendly cable routing, made installation much easier. For fire protection and access for all: GEZE Slimdrive EMD-F and TS 5000 R-ISM door systems Slimdrive EMD-F/R-IS and GC 342 laser scanner on a 2-leaf door at the University Schloss Mannheim © Nico Walke / GEZE GmbH Many basic functions of a door closer can be individually adjusted. © GEZE GmbH The particularly narrow Slimdrive EMD-F swing door drive was used for single-leaf doors, while the TS 5000 R-ISM was used for double-leaf doors: The system consists of two door closers, the TS 5000 R-ISM and the HM overhead door closer system with guide rail. The door system has a closing sequence control that ensures that the active leaf remains in the waiting position until the passive leaf is completely closed. This is particularly practical in a university building such as Mannheim Palace, where slamming doors would be very disruptive: An integrated hydraulic back check ensures that doors that are thrown open wide are gently slowed down, while the hydraulic latching action accelerates the door just before it reaches the closed position so that it closes quietly but securely. The system also includes an integrated smoke switch control centre that sends a signal in the event of a fire, causing the door to close automatically. The smoke switch is equipped with a contamination indicator and enables adaptation of the alarm threshold to ensure functionality at all times. Furthermore, additional smoke detectors can be connected to further increase fire safety. Mr Arifi also points out the user-friendliness of GEZE door systems: "The closing speed can be easily customised. Particularly practical: all functions can be adjusted from the front and a closing force display makes it easy to check whether the setting is correct”. Learn more about setting door closers correctly GEZE systems are designed to be very intuitive, which makes assembly and later use easier for everyone involved. I would rate the user-friendliness and the installation system of GEZE products a
Smoke and heat extraction solutions for the Dresden Frauenkirche – GEZE
… began in 1994 under the leadership of planning and engineering firm IPRO Dresden, and was completed on 30 October 2005 with a consecration ceremony. The tailor-made smoke and heat extraction system by GEZE is a central preventive fire protection element in the rebuilt Frauenkirche, and fulfils the highest demands for personal and building protection. Specialised smoke and heat extraction solution for emergency exit protection Impressive baroque windows with an invisibly integrated smoke and heat extraction system. © MM Fotowerbung / GEZE GmbH In addition to its famous dome, the new building is true to the original, with windows in very high and difficult to access areas. These proved to be the biggest technical challenge in installing a modern smoke and heat extraction system. During a fire, the system must ensure smoke, combustion gases and heat can dissipate in a controlled manner, allowing people to leave the church in an orderly fashion, and rescue operations to proceed unhindered. Historic windows with tailor-made window drive GEZE E206-RWA electric linear drive on a semicircular arched window in the Frauenkirche. © MM Fotowerbung / GEZE GmbH Modern smoke and heat extraction systems generally consist of at least three components: an opening system, in this case the windows of the Frauenkirche an emergency power supply control unit a fire button Specific technical adjustments were required to reconstruct the church in its original design as far as possible. Typically, smoke and heat extraction systems run on a 24 V working voltage. The smoke and heat extraction system drive on the high windows, however, could only be supplied with voltage through a long supply line. For aesthetic reasons, small line dimensions needed to be used, requiring only minimum recesses on the interior walls. A customised solution was in order. In coordination with the German Association for Technical Inspection (TÜV), the planning company opted for a well-proven GEZE smoke and heat extraction system that works on 230 V power. The windows in the upper part of the church were equipped with two GEZE E206 window drives each because of the weight of the bottom-hung and top-hung leaves. The window technology was included in a special construction whose design integrates discreetly into the building. Reliable smoke extraction, even during a power failure One key safety aspect that all smoke and heat extraction systems must fulfil is their ability to work independently of the power grid. 24 V systems ensure this using a rechargeable battery integrated into the smoke and heat extraction system emergency power supply control unit. Since the smoke and heat extraction system in the Frauenkirche used a 230 V variation, the GEZE E260 N 2/1 emergency power supply control unit was installed in a special version. The entire smoke and heat extraction system is connected to the on-site backup power unit to ensure grid-independent function in any situation. Overall, the Frauenkirche in Dresden is another successful example of how highly modern GEZE smoke and heat extraction systems can be integrated into historical buildings with specific requirements. GEZE products in the Dresden Frauenkirche Smoke and heat extraction systems (RWA) GEZE E206 window drives GEZE E260 N 2/1 emergency power supply control unit Related case studies and topics Historic buildings | References Fire protection at the Lutherkirche Historic architecture and modern building safety requirements come together at the Lutherkirche in Wittenberg: with tailor-made RWA solutions from GEZE. Read more Topics | Security | Emergency exit protection Safeguarding emergency exits Doors that are always open and yet safely locked - escape and rescue routes have to meet some tough challenges. Intelligent emergency exit system solutions by GEZE are the perfect solution for this apparent contradiction. Read more Topics | Security | RWA | Fire protection Smoke and heat extraction Smoke and heat extraction (RWA) is part of preventive fire protection, and saves lives in the event of a fire. GEZE offers RWA solutions with intelligent drives for doors, windows and skylight domes. Read more
Emergency exit doors in the new Rome Cruise Terminal – GEZE
… began operations just in time for the start of the holiday season. As a mooring for Mediterranean cruise liners and land excursions, it aims to offer passengers maximum comfort - even before boarding. Even the largest of ocean-going giants can be replenished and despatched quickly as well as efficiently. The most modern cruise liner terminal in Europe was named after the legendary sailor and explorer Amerigo Vespucci. The RCT operator network (Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Royal Caribbean) invested 20 million euro in the new 11,000m
Retrofitting smart window technology in historically preserved buildings
… began in 2017. In order to comply with the latest safety and preventive fire protection regulations, the architecture firm Tempesta Tramparulo Architectes from Lausanne relied on GEZE products, which can be easily installed and retrofitted. In particular, the firm needed to fulfil the high requirements for fire protection and the smoke and heat extraction system (RWA), to ensure the safety of passengers when opening and closing the windows, while at the same time taking into account the historical preservation of the building and associated structural requirements. The project managers opted for proven GEZE systems that work together intelligently. To avoid interrupting the overall design of the building, the products also needed to be produced in special colours specified by the customer. Automated windows for natural ventilation and heat extraction systems The Powerchain from GEZE opens heavy and large windows particularly quickly in the event of a fire. © Lorenz Frey / GEZE GmbH The historic Gare de Montreux also impresses with its generous windows, which allow plenty of light into the station building. The Powerchain was installed 42 times on particularly large windows. The powerful window drive ensures that the windows open in the event of a fire. It is particularly impressive due to the speed with which it moves even large and heavy windows with a wide opening width. The Powerchain is also a practical choice: it can be used for natural ventilation , and the drive stroke and opening speed for ventilation and in the case of fire offer custom can be individually and continuously adjusted. Modernising historical preservation in Switzerland The Gare de Montreux is listed in the "Swiss Inventory of Cultural Assets of National and Regional Importance". It is listed as an A project of national importance (as opposed to B projects of regional importance). However, historical preservation in Switzerland is governed by the respective cantons, which enact their own laws and are not bound by cultural property protection laws. This means there is no generally applicable historical preservation standard in Switzerland. It is therefore imperative that architects and planners research applicable laws. However, the Powerchain was the ideal solution for the Gare de Montreux for more than just its capabilities; aesthetic aspects played an important role here, too. The Powerchain was custom-manufactured in RAL 8014 sepia brown (dark bronze) according to the customer's requirements. The advantages of the Powerchain at a glance Tested to EN 12101-2 as a NSHEV (natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilator) IQ windowdrive - intelligent drive control Synchronisation of up to four drives without an external control unit Smart fix installation system Opens even very heavy windows quickly in case of fire Special versions (stroke, cable length, colour) available For inward and outward opening windows Window security of the highest protection class
GEZE’s wireless solutions for hold-open systems in the Magdeburg cathedral
… began in 1209, and the dedication took place in 1363. The elaborate church construction took over 300 years. In 1520, the two imposing church towers were completed – the north tower and its outdoor platform can be visited as part of guided tours. The number of visitors shows just how important the historic building is today: in addition to churchgoers attending services in the present Protestant parish church, more than 100,000 tourists visit the impressive Gothic building every year. All GEZE products in Magdeburg Cathedral at a glance Hold-open systems with customised TS 5000 R and R-ISM door hold-open devices Wireless modules for connecting wireless components to GEZE GC 171 hold-open systems GC 172 wireless smoke detector for wireless connection to the GC 171 wireless module Products used Guide rail 2-leaf TS 5000 R-ISM Overhead door closer system with guide rail for double leaf doors with closing sequence control and smoke switch Go to product Wireless extensions GC 171 Radio module for wireless connection of wireless components to GEZE hold-open systems Go to product Related references and topics Historic buildings | References GEZE hold-open systems for optimum fire protection, now with wireless kit FA GC 170 Renovating buildings and changing the fire protection concept in listed buildings poses challenges, e.g. laying the cables for the fire protection solution. GEZE hold-open systems are the solution, now with our wireless kit FA GC 170. Read more Historic buildings | References | Fire protection | Building refurbishment High-level technology in the Frauenkirche State-of-the-art window technology for the reconstructed Frauenkirche Dresden: GEZE has integrated tailor-made RWA systems into the historic building material. Read more Topics | Building renovation Building renovation You can increase the comfort, the security and the energy efficiency of your existing properties through building renovation works. GEZE supports you in this with the right products. Read more
Sliding door systems for state-of-the-art cave replica
… began to suffer damage, and so the caves were closed to the public from 1963 onwards. Following two successful replicas of the legendary 'Lascaux grotto', the third and most successful replica has been opened at the foot of the cave mound, with the official name of 'Centre International d'Art Pariétal - Lascaux IV' ( International Centre for Cave Art). This third replica was necessary because the first two replicas had reached their limits due to the constant throng of visitors. Facts and figures 8,500 m² total surface area 900 m² replica cave walls More than 2,000 paintings which are true to the originals Age of the original pictures: at least 19,000 years Total costs: almost €60 million Cave architecture with modern building technology 'Lascaux IV' is a complete replica of the original. The 150 m long sharp-edged building, with a single side façade and a completely glazed roof façade, is pushed back into the mountain, reflecting the route between the forest hills and the valley. It encompasses an underground complex of chambers and tunnels - a replica of the cave that is true to the original, with 900 square metres of cave walls. The cave, which attracted international attention, was designed by a team of architects from the Norwegian company Snøhetta, together with around 40 artists and 150 further organisations – all using state-of-the-art building and museum technology. Experts from the Bordeaux construction consultancy and project management firm VPEAS led the project. The choice of construction elements was the result of their expertise and many years of experience in museum buildings - including the decision to use door technology by GEZE. GEZE is one of the few businesses to offer multifunctional doors which fulfil the architects' design criteria as well as meeting safety requirements. Xavier Favand, building expert from the lead construction consultancy VPEAS "The GEZE project portfolio has provided perfect solutions for this unique object. The automatic door systems and door closers by GEZE combine the functionality and minimalist aesthetics that you need for the most significant architectural objects. GEZE is one of the few businesses to offer multifunctional doors which fulfil the architects' design criteria as well as meeting safety requirements," says Xavier Favand, building expert from the lead construction consultancy VPEAS. GEZE sliding door systems guide visitors Door technology by GEZE in the International Centre for Cave Paintings © Jean-Luc Kokel / GEZE GmbH The exterior doors for the two spacious vestibules comprise two automatic sliding door systems with Slimdrive SL NT drive systems harmoniously integrated into the impressive glass façade of the building complex. The same solution was chosen for the interior doors of the vestibules, with the Slimdrive which is only
GEZE door systems in Danish designer hotel Great Northern
… began to search for the best possible ways to meet the high functional and design standards set for the building’s doors. “In the hotel industry, doors are an increasingly important element of architecture and expression. The doors must comply with regulatory functional requirements such as fire and smoke safety, they must be soundproof and on top of this they must be stylish. Door closers and hinges must therefore be integrated into the doors, which requires our suppliers to develop very small, integrated door closers. Even a few millimetres can make a big difference. GEZE door closers met these high requirements in full.” Bo Vejen, Sales Manager at Vahle A/S. In total, Vahle A/S supplied 174 dark-finished oak interior doors for the hotel, spa and clubhouse. Of these, 110 of the doors are equipped with integrated door closers from GEZE. GEZE’s integrated door closers are the smallest and best designed on the market, and they fit the needs of the Great Northern Hotel perfectly. The look of the doors is not compromised by the hinges or door closers, which are concealed inside the door. Bo Vejen, Sales Manager at Vahle A/S Stylish solution: a glass sliding door with door automation from GEZE © Morten Bak / GEZE GmbH Stylish and functional: automated sliding doors An impressive double-telescopic sliding door, completely in glass, separates the restaurant and lounge area from the reception. GEZE door automation allows for full access with the option of locking the doors in the fully open position when appropriate. More about our GEZE sliding door system Slimdrive SLT Automatic door systems provide barrier-free ease of access At an upmarket hotel and restaurant like Great Northern, the utmost importance is attached to comfort. Guests and staff should be able to enjoy barrier- free ease of access throughout the site. With this in mind, all interior sliding doors are equipped with automated GEZE door systems, including those in the kitchen and restaurant, as well as the exterior and porch doors leading to the spa and clubhouse. Discreet solution: the automatic door system from GEZE is integrated in the door frame. © Morton Bak / GEZE GmbH Access control systems: for the hotel industry’s high safety requirements It is important that guest and service areas in hotels are separated in an unobtrusive manner. For this reason, GEZE supplied automatic door drives with an integrated personal security system. These can be used, for example, to secure the staff entrance to the spa and restrict access to the technical room. Find out more about safety and access control Ambitious architecture requires unique solutions To emphasise the building’s stylish design, the architects opted to automate the sliding doors with systems installed in the ceiling. GEZE solutions also proved impressive in this area: GEZE is the only supplier on the market that has developed sliding door automation for integrated all-glass systems. Discover individual sliding door solutions for unique applications More about our integrated all-glass systems Safe and practical: centralised building control In a major resort hotel like Great Northern, it is imperative that all processes work smoothly. A central building management system is enormously helpful in this regard. Building automation makes building operation safer, more comfortable and more energy efficient. This is why all GEZE solutions are combined in a single control system , allowing them all to be managed from one central location. The Great Northern Hotel is an incredibly exciting project, as the design architecture is extremely special and ambitious. We are enhancing our profile in hotel construction, and are delighted that we can help solve challenging tasks, such as concealing all automation in both ordinary doors and in all-glass systems, while at the same time satisfying the highest functional requirements in relation to statutory regulations such as fire and smoke safety. Poul Torndahl, GEZE Danmark At Great Northern, all elements are in complete harmony – from the stone walls and wood panelling to the glass sliding doors with discreet GEZE door systems. © Morten Bak / GEZE GmbH GEZE solutions, well thought-out down to the finest detail “The hotel industry is increasingly demanding solutions that are minimal and concealed and that can simultaneously operate large glazed doors or heavy metal doors. We are spending more time advising on the solutions and their limitations, and with GEZE in our camp, we can deliver exactly what the industry is demanding. We have an excellent partnership with GEZE and we understand their products very well. Great Northern is a large building, but it is the small, well-thought-out and aesthetic details that matter to us. And GEZE has contributed immensely to refining them,” says Bo Vejen, Sales Manager at Vahle A/S. GEZE products in the Great Northern Hotel at a glance Boxer Boxer integrated door closers with guide rails on 110 interior doors. Integrated door closers are used for concealed installation in door leaves and frames and have guide rail systems for single and double doors. The bespoke gear and spindle of the Boxer models ensure minimal opening resistance. Powerturn Powerturn door drive and safety sensors on external hinged doors. This door drive can also handle large, heavy doors, with one leaf or two, without any problems and integrates with its discreet design and just seven centimetres high in each installation scenario. IGG IGG integrated all-glass system on the outside porch. This frameless, all-glass system is built like thermoglass, but with all profiles, fittings, hinges, mortise locks, etc. concealed between the glazed surfaces. Slimdrive Slimdrive sliding door automation on glazed doors. This automatic sliding door system is ideally suited for glass façades where large door leaves are to be moved and all components must appear sleek and well presented. With its modest construction height of just seven centimetres, Slimdrive can be integrated almost invisibly into the façade and can be used for doors weighing up to 125 kg. Products used Boxer free swing door closers Boxer EFS 4-6 Integrated door closer for 1-leaf doors with a leaf width of up to 1400 mm with electric free swing Go to product Related case studies and topics Swing doors | Access and security | Topics | Security | Access control Access control Modern access control systems electronically regulate who goes where within a building or site, and when. Read more Hotels & restaurants | References Ease of access at over 1000 m As Germany's first mountain resort, the Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden surprises with its luxurious functionality. GEZE has contributed to this with innovative door closers and automatic doors. Read more Hotels & restaurants | References Sliding wall systems in the café The automatic doors and sliding wall systems by GEZE fit discreetly and efficiently into the historic architecture of the legendary Café Luitpold in Munich. Read more
160 years of liveable buildings: GEZE celebrates its anniversary
… began as a craftsman's shop in 1863 in Göppingen has developed into a global technology company. Today, GEZE is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and service partners for innovative, modern door, window and safety technology. The successful family business has enjoyed an eventful past, and looks forward to an exciting future.
Door closer TS 5000 on an exterior door to the inner courtyard of the Kö-Bogen II