Condair humidifies Hamburg’s iconic Elbphilharmonie

Just like the architecture and acoustics, the ventilation and air conditioning systems for the Great Hall also meet the highest standards.

The systems have to fulfil two essential tasks. First, tight limits for air temperature, humidity, air quality and air velocity must be maintained throughout the entire hall, with particular focus on the stage and orchestra area, all year round. This ensures optimal conditions for singers’ voices, musicians, often extremely valuable instruments, and the furnishings of the Great Hall, such as wood and plasterboard. At the same time, the systems must also provide optimum thermal comfort and high air quality for visitors, ensuring the best possible concert experience.

The planning realization of these requirements was entrusted to the specialist engineers of the m+p Group. Dipl.-Ing. Jörg Kegel from m+p, who helped plan and supervise the Elbphilharmonie project, explains why the following solutions were chosen:

To ensure the best possible thermal microclimate and good air quality for every visitor, there is a combined displacement/swirl diffuser under each of the 2,100 seats in the Great Hall. The supply air is blown in from each of these diffusers in such a way that there are no draughts for visitors.

For these tasks, a nominal outside air volume flow of 65,000 m³/h per unit is conditioned year-round in two identical central air conditioning units, so that the supply air always flows into the main hall at a set temperature of around 20 to 21 °C and a relative humidity of around 40 to 50 %.

All air conditioning systems in the concert areas must operate inaudibly. In addition to extensive sound insulation measures in the air conditioning units and at the air diffusers, all air ducts were also thoroughly soundproofed. The systems are controlled by sensors for temperature, humidity and air quality, which are positioned at various points in the main hall and connected to a comprehensive building automation system.