Eleven bioclimatic pergolas of the VENTUR variant as well as 17 VENTUR Side systems have been installed on the lake terrace of the 4-star hotel. The sun protection systems are not only a visual eye-catcher - over several months they enable planning security for the lakeside terrace, which offers more than 100 seats for the hotel guests. We spoke to Peter Pölzl, who runs the family business in the second generation.
Mr. Pölzl, why did you decide on pergolas as a sun protection solution for your lakeside terrace?
Peter Pölzl: Since pergolas have been on the market, we have wanted to implement this type of sun protection product with us, as they protect against all weathers! In the past, we have used different types of weather protection systems, but they were never satisfactory for us. With awnings, you either have full sun or complete shade and the heat builds up underneath. With pergola systems, the draught is guaranteed by opening or controlling the slatted roof. And sunshades are - as the name suggests - sunshades and not umbrellas. We compared the pergolas of different companies. In the end, we decided on the VENTUR pergola because the product and its quality fully met our requirements.
Which additional equipment did you choose and why?
PP: The most valuable additional equipment for us is the vertical shading of the facilities, this ensures the best possible transparency. This means that guests always have a view of the garden and lake, but at the same time are protected from the heat and above all from the wind and weather. In late summer, the VENTUR Side protects against the low sun. We have a pre-programmed setting for this. Then, with the help of the control system, the side unit automatically moves down one metre so that the sun does not dazzle. We have also installed the ONYX.WEATHER weather station, a rain sensor and LED lighting, which creates a great evening atmosphere.
Keyword: programming and control - how do you control the pergolas?
PP: The control system is the ONYX control system from HELLA. We have certain presettings or control the sun protection centrally via a tablet, which all employees have access to. I control via an app on my smartphone. In addition to the sensors, we have also chosen favourite settings, mainly for controlling the slatted roof. We start the morning with the automatic, vertical setting of the slats to let as much sun as possible onto the terrace. At noon, there are then different settings that influence the light and shade. These are saved as favourites. We also have similar settings for the screens.
What are the advantages for your business with the sun protection systems?
PP: Of course, guests want to have dinner on the terrace as often as possible in summer. However, we used to depend on the weather forecast when deciding whether to set up indoors or outdoors. So we often prepared the hall for dinner when the weather forecast was bad. In summer, the weather sometimes changes abruptly. Then the guests are disappointed when it would be nice enough to eat outside. Sometimes we just risked it, then a short rain shower soaked the entire furniture. At that time, we needed more than an hour to get back into operation. That was also a big stress factor for our staff. Now, when it rains, we close the slatted roof and the vertical shading, and when the sun comes out again, we open it. It’s that simple! This also allows us to extend the outdoor season for our guests. The guests love this comfort.
The Hotel SeeRose is - just like HELLA - a family-run business that was founded over 60 years ago. To what extent do you think this factor plays a role for the employees but also for your guests?
PP: For me, what makes a family-run company is the presence of the family. We want to give our employees security by also lending a hand. We want our warm host DNA to be amplified through our employees and passed on to our guests by everyone.
