When planning modern buildings, architects focus their attention not only on aesthetic and functional aspects, but also on safety during the construction work itself and during any maintenance and cleaning work on portions of the façade and on PV systems installed on the roofs of the finished buildings. The required safety solutions should offer all workers at these dangerous workplaces maximum protection, without being visually noticeable to an extent that defeats the overall architectural concept.
Especially in complex construction projects, which are now becoming increasingly common in contemporary architecture, this balancing act often poses an enormous challenge. The experts at INNOTECH also boast profound expertise in this area and know which fall protection system is best suited for which application and can also be seamlessly integrated into the existing structure of a building.
An example from practice is the protection of the PV system mounted on the roof of the MUMUTH at the Graz University of Music and Performing Arts. It demonstrates beautifully how the modern safety solutions devised by INNOTECH can be flawlessly incorporated into sophisticated construction projects and offer optimal protection.
MUMUTH – Graz University of Music and Performing Arts
The Graz University of Music and Performing Arts, with its stunning House of Music and Music Theatre (MUMUTH), manages to impress not only with its architecture, but also with its feats of technological innovation. One of these projects was the installation of a 107 kWp photovoltaic system on its rooftop. However, this undertaking presented those responsible with special safety-related challenges / steep requirements: How was it possible to integrate a reliable fall protection system without penetrating the roof?
The challenge - fall protection without penetrating the roof sealing
The planning and implementation of the PV system on top of the MUMUTH presented Solana Renewable Technologies GmbH with obstacles of particular magnitude. “We were forced to adjust and optimise the plan several times,” recalls Florian Wimmer, the company's project manager. Solana, who specialises in the planning, construction and operation of PV systems, was faced with the formidable task of installing a safe fall protection system without the option of penetrating the roof.
For us, this was a new situation...
recounts Wimmer, who also points out that Solana looks for customised solutions in any such cases in a bid to successfully implement projects even under strenuous conditions. The requirements at hand quickly led the heads of the university as well as Florian Wimmer to settle on the AIO lifeline system designed by INNOTECH and on the active support of the fitters in the employ of the Upper Austrian specialist company for fall protection systems.
The decision was motivated by the fact that this safety solution could be fitted directly over top of the substructure of the PV system. Aside from requiring absolutely no penetration of the roof sealing, this solution offered the added benefit of making the entire roof surface usable for PV modules. Naturally, this solution also comes with all necessary certifications, meeting all legal and safety requirements applicable to a professional fall protection system.
The solution: AIO by INNOTECH
In total, the finished project involved several 100 running metres of the AIO system on the K2 substructure as well as a great number of end anchor points, which were needed to properly secure the 220 PV modules. A final essential aspect was to ensure that the modules could be serviced and cleaned on a regular basis, allowing the solar power plant to operate at peak performance.
AIO at a glance:
- Designed specifically for challenges like these.
- Seamless integration into the PV substructure.
- Protection of the people on the roof without affecting the structure of the building.
- Flexible installation on various substructures.
- Effortless installation.
- No drilling required for the installation of the fall protection system.
- No leak points as there is no need to penetrate the roof sealing.
Why INNOTECH?
The reason why the AIO lifeline system from INNOTECH received the nod was not limited to the quality of the fall protection alone: ultimately, the deciding factor for the project managers was the comprehensive expertise the team of INNOTECH experts brought to the project. They managed to convince the decision-makers as early as the preliminary talks. The face-to-face and all-inclusive consultations along with the end-to-end support from INNOTECH throughout the duration of the project left all companies involved in the project with a feeling of profound satisfaction. “We even had a colleague from INNOTECH directly on site at the construction site, who supported us with the assembly and set-up of the system”, states Wimmer. This proximity and flexibility were instrumental in the project's smooth execution.
In addition, Solana also chose INNOTECH on account of the added value it represents for the region. As Florian Wimmer stresses: “As a Graz-based company, our focus is on creating value for the region, which is why we have selected INNOTECH, who manufacture all of their products in Austria.” Production in Austria ensures not only the highest quality, but also the rapid availability of the required components.
Summary
The project now adorning the roof of the House of Music and Music Theatre, or MUMUTH, at the Graz University of Music and Performing Arts impressively showcases how modern safety solutions can be seamlessly blended with demanding construction projects or special requirements. The combination of K2 substructures and the AIO lifeline system from INNOTECH offers a safe and sustainable solution for securing the PV system on the roof.
More information on this topic can be found in our ultimate architecture guide.
