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How the first A380 was created in Switzerland
It was already 15 years ago when HP Gasser AG took on a special challenge in the Membrane Construction division. A 1:1 scale model of a fuselage section of the new Airbus A380 was to be built, giving a lifelike impression of how it would later feel in the real aircraft. This is no everyday business for a specialist in membrane construction, especially not when it comes to a model that is not only to be looked at and marveled at, but also to be walked on.
Prefabrication in Lungern/CH, location in the Senckenberg Museum in Frankfurt am Main/Germany
The unusual order was accepted with some excitement and at the same time a great deal of pride. It was clear from the outset that the model of the A380 fuselage from Lungern was not just to be an elevation model. Everything had to be done in such a way that, after final assembly, real people would be able to sit in real seats. Even the smallest details had to be taken into account to give an identical impression of flying in the A380. The aircraft was not even available on the market yet.
So the model construction specialists in Lungern set about rebuilding a section of the A380’s fuselage part by part, as it were, according to the manufacturer’s specifications. The trick was also to produce the entire object in parts that had to be brought to Germany for final assembly. It was only in Frankfurt that the model was finally to be assembled and made available for use by interested parties. A task that made the challenge in model making even more exciting. Ultimately, the entire project had to be planned and implemented in great detail.
Highest precision in a small time window
From the award of the contract to the installation and handover at the Senckenberg Museum in Frankfurt am Main, there was a very small time window. And yet, high-quality, absolutely precise work was expected, which would be more appropriate for an aircraft manufacturer than for a company in the field of membrane construction. So the specialists at HP Gasser AG set about implementing a project that was more unusual than commonplace.
In the Swiss precision coveted worldwide, the individual parts were manufactured with millimeter precision according to the drawings assembled in small subassemblies and then transported to Frankfurt am Main. There, a team was already standing by, which now had to precisely assemble the individual parts. Precise prefabrication at the Swiss factory in Lungern was the prerequisite for the fuselage section model to be assembled perfectly in Frankfurt. Even though the allotted time was very tight, the 1:1 model presented itself on time for the agreed handover date as a lifelike model of a section of the Airbus A380, which could now be marveled at and tried out by interested parties and potential customers.
Exceptional solutions need exceptional performance
In addition to the pride with which the employees and managers of HP Gasser AG look back on this special project, one realization also remains: Exceptional solutions require exceptional partners who can provide equally exceptional services. HP Gasser AG has proven that it is one of these special service providers and that it is always fully involved in the solution of even difficult projects, not only with the model of a fuselage section of the Airbus A380. Many other projects prove that at HP Gasser even the extraordinary is possible. We will also present some of such projects to you in succession.
HP Gasser AG turns the temporary solution into a permanent one
Since 1957, the Menuhin Festival has held a special place in the world of music and culture in the Saanenland region, especially in the community of Gstaad. Every year, artists and audiences meet here for a rendezvous of classical music and selected chamber music. What started out as a rather small concert series is gaining more and more friends every year and also enjoys an increasingly significant international reputation. It’s no wonder that the flocks of festival friends are growing larger and larger, and the space for the audience in the churches, small halls and in the monasteries in and around Gstaad is becoming increasingly cramped.
In 1989, the “Alpengala AG” and the “Gstaad Menuhin Festival” merge to form the “Musiksommer Gstaad-Saanenland AG”. Alpengala AG also brings a large festival tent from SarnaTent to Gstaad, which was previously used in Wengen. So it is now also possible to organize large symphony concerts. However, only during the festival itself, as this festival tent is designed as a summer-only tent.
In 1999, Sarna Tent is taken over by HP Gasser AG. Now the responsibility for the Gstaad festival tent also falls to HP Gasser AG. It meets the new challenge with an impressive, very special solution. The tent is to become a concert hall.
Impressive membrane building for multiple use
In tailor-made specialist work, a festival tent is being built as a venue for large concerts and events in August 2000, which will set the tone not only with its extraordinary architecture, but also with its impressive size and functional equipment.
In a square of 44 by 44 meters, a footprint of almost 2,000 square meters is built over. The main masts are a full 24 meters high. The suspensions are located at five high points at different heights. A side extension with a further 480 square meters and the extension to the tennis hall with an area of 220 square meters complete the impressive membrane structure. The tent membrane itself is made of a high-strength, opaque polyester fabric coated on both sides with PVC for weatherproof properties. What in its outer form is reminiscent of the mountain ranges of the Swiss Alps and fits excellently into the natural environment, offers space for up to 2,000 visitors on the inside. These are numbers that give an idea of the grandeur of this venue.
To avoid the annual extremely costly assembly and disassembly for the future, HP Gasser AG is already modifying the festival tent after the first season so that it can remain assembled throughout the year and be used year-round for various events. This requires some modifications and an emergency concept for the winter, when the large tent roof has to be cleared of snow.
Quality pays off
With the new festival tent, Gstaad gained a venue in 2000 that has already paid off many times over the past 20 years. Not only as a concert hall, but also as a perfect location for other events such as presentations, banquets and similar occasions, the striking membrane structure offers excellent conditions. Sliding partition walls, for example, can always be arranged as the occasion requires, and attractive lighting solutions ensure an extravagant atmosphere in the huge tent. The whole thing is rounded off by a stable floor structure made of precisely fitting wooden elements, which do not impair the acoustics but ensure that the floor is always firm.
With the festival tent in Gstaad, HP Gasser AG has already proven in the first year after the acquisition of SarnaTent that membrane construction and custom construction are in exactly the right place here. Customized products even in oversized dimensions are one of the strengths of our company, of which we are rightly very proud. This is also evidenced by other outstanding projects, which we are pleased to present to you again and again.
Center of meeting and culture in Crissier
Since 1967, the Chisaz Events Hall has been the central event location in Crissier. From small chamber concerts to large parties and concerts by a wide variety of artists, the building provides the structural framework for socializing in the community.
Over the years, the center has established itself as a popular location for hundreds of events and thousands of visitors. As demand grew, there was a constant targeted search for ways to expand capacity. There was a particular demand for an architecturally modern and at the same time airy solution that would make it possible to expand in the outdoor area of the event hall.
HP Gasser wins tender and implements a modern concept
HP Gasser AG won the tender for the project and immediately set about implementing the architecturally sophisticated and at the same time extravagant solution. The Memstruc® tent roof, which can be used in any weather, is impressive not only because of the covered area of around 400 square meters, but above all because of its friendly transparent appearance, which conveys modernity and class at the same time. The technical concept was specially developed for the given framework conditions and fits perfectly into the character of the event center.
Expectations met in every respect
The quality of HP Gasser AG’s work in special construction is evidenced by the fact that once again all specifications were implemented in an exemplary manner. The specifications regarding the construction area itself were perfectly adhered to thanks to the precisely fitting prefabrication, and the time specifications of the municipality could also be implemented without compromises.
Uncompromising in quality, service and also in the reliable cooperation with all partners involved, an outdoor area could thus be won for use as an event venue with weatherproof roofing. Since the opening of the new space, events have been held here regularly, expanding the capacity of the Chisaz Events Center and providing a new meeting place for residents.
The extraordinary look of the Memstruc® tent roof has now become a sign of change at the Chisaz Events Center. And more than a few people make this special membrane building their meeting place. If only because of its unusual shape and high recognition value.
With special roof window elements to the individual living dream
The use of attic floors is not only a matter of common sense, but also poses special challenges in all areas of construction. For this, the results of professional work can definitely be seen and are for some owners or residents the fulfillment of a special lifelong dream. Living under the roof is always individual, charming and defined by the special flair of the attic.
Just when HP Gasser AG creates very special solutions for light and space with its special roof window elements, residents can always enjoy extravagant, modern and safe rooflights. We show you in our picture series what HP Gasser roof window elements can mean for life and living under the roof.
Gain in space and quality of life with HP Gasser roof window elements
For more natural light in the attic bathroom, HP Gasser has implemented a strikingly modern idea here. A frameless roof window element was installed in the pitched roof, which, positioned directly above the washing area, conjures up a genuine daylight bathroom with a feel-good effect from a poorly lit wet room. Of course, such solutions are not only possible in bathrooms and toilets. HPG roof window elements also bring more natural light into living rooms, offices or hallways directly under the roof.
HPG roof window elements – solutions with charm
The property owners achieve more perceived space even on a covered terrace by installing roof window elements from HP Gasser AG. Here, too, frameless window surfaces were installed, which, with the unobstructed view upwards, mean above all a perceived gain in space. This creates a clear feeling of freedom and generosity with large glazed areas in the pitched roof.
These two examples show what is possible with roof windows from HP Gasser AG and how much gain in quality of life can be achieved with the modern solutions. Even more examples of roof window elements in the size of your choice and the possibilities of implementation, we offer you gladly.
Special membrane covering makes roof window elements even more attractive
With large glass surfaces in the roof, it is always worth taking a second look for appearance and comfort. A special membrane covering of the outer surfaces of roof window elements meets several requirements at once. The transparent membrane significantly limits the noise of rain and hail. In addition, the breakage resistance increases compared to elements without this membrane covering. In addition, such coverings on roof window elements ensure the protection of the local image, since unwanted reflections of the glazed roof surfaces are discreetly prevented with the covering.
HPG roof window elements can be easily equipped with such a membrane covering in the majority of cases and further increase the visual as well as utility value.