Zeche Zollverein Essen Ventilation towers complete industrial elegance
Gloss and patina at the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen
Four stainless steel ventilation towers from BerlinerLuft. Technik GmbH complement the architecture of Folkwang University of the Arts’ new building in Essen, which is designed in striking industrial aesthetics to match the neighbouring coal mine.
The future building of the Hochschule für Gestaltung (college for design) is not only architecturally impressive but also meets the prescribed design requirements: The building, designed by the Stuttgart architecture firm, MGF Architekten, is a structure divided into cubes of varying heights. The façade is made of galvanized sheet steel. Sunlight still reflects in the shiny façade, but over time this will take on a matt grey patina due to natural weathering.
Their brushed surfaces of the almost identical 1.4301 stainless steel louvre towers from BerlinerLuft. act as a design element and fit particularly well into the modern architecture.
Hidden beneath is a well thought-out and efficient ventilation concept: Three fresh air intake towers provide the fresh air supply of the building with flows rates of 26,000 m³/h per tower. The air is sucked in from below at a 45° angle via the flush louvres.
All towers “shine” with high ventilation performance without creating a disturbing flow noise.
The fourth tower is a “camouflaged” exhaust air tower in the identical shape, but with faux louvres. The exhaust air is blown out vertically with a flow rate of 30,000 m³/h upwards through a wire mesh grille. The towers are 4,460 mm high and their diameter measures 1,600 mm.
BerlinerLuft. manufactures and supplies components and complete systems for ventilation and air conditioning. Many years of experience, careful planning, high quality standards in materials and design guarantee low-noise, energy-efficient ventilation solutions.