HORSCH Agricultural Machinery

Protection of the environment and the people is among HORSCH's top priorities. To this end, they develop technical and digital solutions for modern agriculture. As the requirements for energy efficiency and attractive working conditions are also becoming increasingly stringent in industrial buildings, HORSCH also followed these provisions when building the new production hall.

With widths of 2.56 metres and lengths of 102 metres and 96 metres respectively, the four polycarbonate Vario Therm continuous rooflights provide a large amount of daylight, creating bright workplaces and saving energy by minimizing the use of artificial light. Vario Therm continuous rooflights are also characterized by their energy efficiency thanks to their composite profiles free of thermal bridges. Its construction of a PVC multi-chamber insulation, aluminium cover profile for design and protective functions, as well as a thermal-bridge free aluminium glazing bar construction, enables for a heat transfer coefficient Ug of just 1.82 W/m²K. 

The opal polycarbonate multi-skin sheets ensure glare-free, diffused lighting throughout the workplace. The bright, homogeneously illuminated areas enable safe work processes and help to prevent accidents. 

Another important aspect in terms of safety is the 29 continuous rooflight flaps used for comfort ventilation and smoke extraction, which open automatically in the event of a fire. With the help of thermal buoyancy, toxic and flammable gases are extracted, ensuring better visibility when leaving the building, maintaining oxygen levels and facilitating rescue. The functionality of natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilators (NSHEV) is therefore essential, and their maintenance is required by law. This must be carried out at least once a year by a qualified specialist company such as VELUX Commercial. 

To ensure safety during maintenance of SHEV systems or, for example, cleaning the installed photovoltaic modules, the continuous rooflights were fitted with DSL-type fall-through protection. This includes a galvanized safety wire mesh with mesh sizes of 90 x 100 mm.

The Horsch production hall shows how the best working conditions with plenty of daylight can be realised in the industrial sector, while also complying with energy standards — an example that serves as a role model.