Hallenstadion Zurich
Client
Hallenstadion Zurich
Project location
Zurich, Switzerland
Project date
2024
Electrician
Burkhalter Technics AG, Zurich | CH
A Grand Show for Sustainability
Renovation of more than 4,000 light fixtures
Nearly a million people flock to Zurich’s Hallenstadion every year—for concerts, events, parties, sporting events, and much more. With a capacity of 15,000, it is not only Switzerland’s largest multipurpose arena but also one of the largest in Europe. The Hallenstadion is probably best known for its arena, where numerous stars and legends—from ABBA to ZZ Top—have performed. But there are also many other spaces—from VIP boxes and backstage areas to offices and technical rooms—that are primarily used by artists and staff. Without exception, all areas now shine in a new light following a comprehensive lighting renovation. Or rather: modernized light. Thanks to reuse, upcycling, and 1-to-1 replacement, large parts of the existing conventional lighting system could be reused and repurposed for the new LED lighting.
The Turning Point: Efficient, Modern, Sustainable
After more than 20 years, it was time to upgrade the lighting. The conventional T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes had reached the end of their service life, as Michael Pache, Head of Facility Management at the Hallenstadion, confirms: “The old tubes were no longer rendering colors accurately. In addition, lamps had to be replaced more and more frequently, which was always a major undertaking due to the ceiling height. “The ban on fluorescent lamps and rising electricity prices were further reasons for switching to long-lasting and energy-efficient LED luminaires.
To keep internal organizational effort to a minimum, a full-service provider was sought for the lighting renovation—and found in Zumtobel Licht AG. “That was very important to us because we simply don’t have the expertise or capacity to handle all of the implementation planning ourselves,” recalls Philipp Musshafen, CEO of the Hallenstadion. For Zumtobel, it was even something of a comeback. After all, the lighting renovation 20 years ago had also been carried out by a team from Zurich. For Musshafen, it was therefore a natural choice to work with the “neighborhood pros” again. With Zumtobel’s turnkey package, the Hallenstadion Zurich received a complete, all-inclusive solution that included not only the delivery of luminaires but also installation. Plus after-sales services and assistance with applying for potential grants.
“We chose the all-inclusive package because it provides everything from a single source. You have a single point of contact and don’t have to worry about a thing. It’s very efficient and cost-effective.”
Michael Pache, Head of Facility Management, Hallenstadion Zurich
Sustainable renovation of existing buildings
The lighting at the Hallenstadion was upgraded through a one-for-one replacement while complying with existing standards. The original number of nearly 4,000 light fixtures was retained. For the Hallenstadion management, sustainability and energy savings were top priorities. “Sustainability is a very important aspect,” says CEO Philipp Musshafen. “Through the upcycling of existing luminaires and the use of flexible, adaptable systems, Zumtobel was able to reuse a great deal of the existing infrastructure.”
Historic Preservation and Special Solutions
Since the multipurpose hall, built in 1939, is a listed building, care had to be taken not to alter the external appearance of the lights. To this end, specific custom solutions were developed and installed in areas such as the entrance hall and the VIP boxes. “We needed a special lighting solution for the boxes,” confirms Deniz Mazza, project manager at the electrical contractor Burkhalter Technics AG. “The round recessed lights had to be retained for preservation reasons. To achieve this, we had an LED circuit board custom-made to fit exactly into the existing luminaire housings.”
Sustainably planned – reaping the benefits today
Twenty years ago, numerous TECTON continuous-row lighting systems and SLOTLIGHT linear lighting systems were installed throughout the Hallenstadion. It was an excellent decision, as the current modernization project has demonstrated. Thanks to Zumtobel’s flexible modular system and refurbishment range, both lighting solutions can be easily and quickly converted to LED. “About 90 percent of the existing lighting is based on TECTON and SLOTLIGHT,” says Zumtobel sales representative Nico Golia. “Since everyone is always talking about sustainability: we were already sustainable 20 years ago,” he adds with a smile.
Efficiency through easy installation
“The great thing about these systems is that they require very little installation effort,” says Deniz Mazza of Burkhalter Technics AG, the company entrusted with carrying out the lighting retrofit. “In the TECTON track system, the existing luminaire is simply clicked out and the new LED luminaire is inserted. No tools required. It’s relatively simple. With the SLOTLIGHT light line, you remove the old internal components and replace them with the LED retrofit kit, which only needs to be rewired,” he says, summarizing the advantages of the two lighting solutions.
The seminar rooms are equipped with the LITECOM lighting management system. A CIRCLE control panel allows users to switch between predefined lighting scenes
More than just good lighting
The overall verdict on the lighting renovation at the Hallenstadion in Zurich is entirely positive. “When you compare the new lighting solution with the old one, it’s obviously much better now,” says Facility Manager Michael Pache with satisfaction. “The lighting is now perfectly tailored to the different rooms and areas. We notice this especially in the offices and technical rooms, where working is now much more pleasant,” he adds.
But it’s not just the lighting solution; the project management and services associated with Zumtobel’s turnkey services are also well-received by the client. In addition, the managers at the Hallenstadion Zurich took advantage of the opportunity to extend the warranty from
5 to 7 years. “The reasoning behind the warranty extension was certainly to have a certain degree of security. This also helps us for the future—including for planning, for example, when it comes to replacing luminaires.”
The team at Zumtobel Licht AG also looks back positively on the Hallenstadion project. “It was an extremely exciting project,” sums up Ian Abegglen, who oversaw the project as a field service representative. “To offer the operators of the Hallenstadion Zurich a turnkey lighting renovation from a single source, we worked together across disciplines. From system planning to lighting design, from the office staff to sales management, everyone pulled together and made the project possible. Everyone put their heart and soul into the renovation of the Hallenstadion Zurich.”