PKE GmbH successfully executes historic hall's transition from halogen to LED.
Stefaniensaal, a renowned concert hall in Graz, Austria, has recently enhanced its lighting system with the installation of Elation's cutting-edge FUZE PENDANT downlighting fixtures. This state-of-the-art upgrade was successfully implemented by PKE GmbH, with the lighting solutions specifically tailored to meet the needs of the historic venue.
Stefaniensaal, located in the heart of Graz's Congress Center, is celebrated for its stunning architecture and acoustics, including a magnificent pipe organ, making it one of the most beautiful concert halls in the world. The hall, which has a capacity of 1,100, is home to the city's Recreation Orchestra.
Hosting a wide range of events, from classical concerts and balls to conferences, congresses and presentations, the hall required a lighting solution that was not only versatile but also sensitive to the historic and aesthetic features of the space. PKE GmbH, an expert in media and technical installations, delivered the sophisticated solution.
PKE GmbH Leads the Installation
PKE GmbH's Graz branch was responsible for the overall coordination and successful execution of the lighting project, ensuring seamless integration with the hall's existing infrastructure. In collaboration with NFMedia, which supported the project in planning and product selection, PKE upgraded the hall's lighting system to meet modern energy and performance standards while preserving the integrity of the venue's rich history.
FUZE PENDANT
With energy savings an ever-important consideration, coupled with the increasing difficulty in finding replacement bulbs for halogen spotlights and lighting conditions that were too dim for many types of events, the decision was made to make the upgrade. A fixture demo with the FUZE PENDANT was conducted on-site, primarily to ensure that the beam angle was optimal.
The FUZE PENDANT system, selected for its fanless design, LED efficiency, and interchangeable lenses, was chosen to replace the venue's old 500W halogen spotlights. The FUZE fixtures not only provide energy savings-each fixture has a max power consumption of only 230W while producing a fraction of the heat of a traditional halogen system-but also offer high light output and maintenance-free operation, allowing for greater flexibility and enhanced creativity in lighting design for various events.
Change Ambiance as Needed
With each fixture individually controllable and capable of color temperature adjustment from 2,400K to 8,500K, the hall can easily change the feel of the room whenever needed. The fixture's full-spectrum RGBWL color-mixing system can deliver high-quality white light or seamlessly switch between beautiful saturates and pastels. Presets with various color temperatures were implemented for the client within the existing control system, while a lighting console is used to customize the design for more sophisticated events.
Silent Operation
A key feature of the FUZE PENDANT system is its innovative fanless operation, which ensures that the lighting remains completely silent during performances-an essential requirement for classical concerts. Additionally, the passive cooling system minimizes the risk of dust contamination and reduces the need for frequent maintenance. The fixtures fit perfectly into the existing ceiling openings and therefore flush with the Stefaniensaal's exquisite stucco ceiling, preserving the aesthetic beauty of the hall.
As is often the case in historically old buildings, wiring was an issue to be tackled. The existing dimmers were no longer needed, a fixed power line was laid, and DMX was installed, as it had not been necessary in this location before. Elektro Friebe GmbH was responsible for the electrical installation.
Aesthetic Enhancement
With the installation of 44 FUZE PENDANT fixtures (light throw is 12 meters), the lighting upgrade has vastly improved the illumination of the audience area, achieving a uniform light level of 500 lux, while also offering dynamic color-changing capabilities to suit a variety of events. The first event using the new lighting system, a dance ball, was held in mid-January, just one day after commissioning, and the client was extremely satisfied with the results.
A Future-Proof Solution for Historic Spaces
As a leader in the field of media installation, PKE GmbH continues to provide advanced technical solutions for spaces that require both innovation and sensitivity to historic architecture. The lighting upgrade at Stefaniensaal, in cooperation with NFMedia, is a testament to PKE's commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology while maintaining the integrity and charm of Austria's cultural landmarks.
