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Interview with Hanspeter Gasser
Hanspeter Gasser, HP Gasser AG stands for Swiss quality craftsmanship, state-of-the-art technology and a spirit of innovation. What are the latest innovations in roof windows?
The invisible window and the space gain through roof modules are the latest innovations. In addition, we have special elements for areas above 700 meters above sea level, where a lot of snowfall is to be expected in winter. Furthermore, we offer our customers specially insulated roof egresses for flat roofs.
With the Schlossmattli project in Giswil, your company demonstrated the innovative spirit I mentioned. What made these roof windows so special?
The customer may wish the size of the roof window. In this project, for example, this was that the footprint of the bathtub is exactly the size of the roof cutout, and therefore the glazing. Thus, in the bathtub you can look at the sky. The walls go seamlessly to below the glass pane. These large glass panes are approved only because a special fabric is fixed over the glass on the outside. It is a fabric, thanks to which one can see through from the inside and almost does not notice the fabric. Moreover, from the outside, the glass pane is only slightly visible, and the fabric makes it possible to prevent reflection. With this unique solution, it is possible to work on roofs with large glass panes, without noticing them because of the reflection.
What do your current projects look like?
We are always guided by the customer’s wishes, which is why all our projects are very different. Since we deal with our customers’ wishes on a daily basis, we are absolute experts when it comes to roof windows. It doesn’t matter whether it’s steep or flat roofs.
What is the best way to integrate a roof window into a roof?
We have a team of about 70 people working in our company. Four to five employees plan the optimal installation of roof windows for our customers. Under the slogan “Light into the roof” we plan windows for the flat roof as well as the pitched roof. These do not always have to be roof windows. Rather, it is about modules that are visually attractive from the inside, for example, frameless. The entire assembly of vapor barrier, insulation, sub-roof or flat roof connection and sheeting also plays an important role. In addition, the statics and building physics of large elements must be taken into account.
Ever larger windows should allow more and more daylight into one’s own four walls. Where do you see the biggest challenges for HP Gasser AG?
With the size of the elements, especially the effort in consulting and logistics increases. However, HP Gasser is not only responsible for the delivery of the roof windows, but these must also be developed to meet the building physics
requirements. In addition, the desired volume gain through roof windows also brings with it some challenges. Because: The greater this volume gain, the greater the challenge.
How does your company ensure that your windows allow the desired light transmission while providing glare and heat protection?
Compared to a facade window, a roof window brings 30 percent more light into the living space. Together with our competent partners, we ensure that only high-quality glazing and procurement systems are used.
What are the trends in roof windows?
The demands of roof windows are increasing due to climate change as well as changing energy regulations and are thus moving away from standard solutions to object-specific special solutions. The building elements and visual expectations are increasing. One wants to create a pleasant atmosphere and more volume with a roof window.
