Modernising ventilation systems of an ancient castle in Germany

The flexibility and modular features of Geniox air handling units make it the perfect choice for renovating the historic venue, which now stands as a world-class four-star hotel and conference centre.

Montabaur Castle, Germany

Geniox Air Handling Units (AHUs) were selected for the renovation of Montabaur Castle (built circa 959 AD) in Rhineland Palatinate, Germany, due to their exceptional flexibility—crucial for upgrading the HVAC systems in this historically listed building.

20 %

reduced energy use

85 %

heat recovery

Compact Footprint

The Geniox AHUs are designed to fit into tight or restricted areas without compromising performance

Modular Configuration

Composed of many small modules, the Geniox AHUs allow for versatile installation options and easier handling

Efficient energy use

The system design combines climate floors with a customised ventilation system for the new event centre, reducing energy usage by about 20%. The central ventilation unit with an integrated rotating heat exchanger contributes to up to 85% heat recovery.

Technical Support

The Systemair team supported the consultants and architects with solutions that addressed aesthetic concerns and ensured compliance with the Green Building Programme.

Knock-Down Ready

The chosen solutions were easily disassembled for transport and reassembled on-site, ideal for challenging spaces.

: Europe
: 2011
Consulting firm:: Will engineering GmbH

A showcase of history combined with modern design

For over a thousand years, the Montabaur Castle has towered over the city of Montabaur in the West of Germany, an iconic landmark visible from surrounding vantage points. First mentioned in historical documents in 959, it served as the residence of the prince-electors and archbishops of Trier.

Today, Montabaur Castle is a four-star hotel with almost 300 rooms, set apart for its exceptional atmosphere. Since 2009, the whole building has been certified as a “Partner of the European GreenBuilding Programme,” an initiative from the European Commission to promote energy efficiency in non-residential buildings.

Additionally, the historic venue offers history, outstanding interior design, and modern technology, creating the ideal setting for conferences and events. In 2011, the new event centre was opened under an elegant glass dome, offering a truly unique and first-class space. Systemair delivered the heart of this new event centre’s ventilation system and air handling units.

Even in summer the temperature in the glass dome will not rise above 24 degrees thanks to the ventilation in the circumferential balustrade. On the right hand side you can see the “tower” with the duct of the exhaust air.

The journey towards modernising a historical landmark

From the very beginning, the project had high architectural demands that had to be combined with technical functionality. Due to the glass dome, the supply air duct was placed in the circumferential balustrade bearing, and the light dome construction was made out of steel and glass, ensuring a generous and consistent air distribution. For the exhaust air duct, the architect placed high importance on ensuring an aesthetic solution, and the team collaborated, resulting in almost 20 drafts before a final solution could be reached. Ultimately, the design called for an approximately five-meter high, slim “tower” rising from the middle alongside the glass dome. This “tower” serves as the exhaust pathway, taking out air volume of up to 10,000 m3 per hour.

Sensors all over the event centre regulated the air volume, temperature, and humidity. However, to ensure the users' comfort, the temperature and fresh air supply were also required to be regulated individually. Therefore, all heating circuits are.

linked to media technology, allowing users to adjust all components individually to meet their needs.

Delivering the heart of the ventilation system

To meet the requirements of the “GreenBuilding Programme,” the consultant implemented a combination of climate-controlled flooring and a specially coordinated air handling system. At the core of this design are two Geniox AHUs, which reduced energy consumption by 20%.

One key challenge was the limited space available for ventilation equipment within the castle. The compact design of the Geniox AHUs made them an ideal solution. With a height of just 350 mm and an integrated rotating heat exchanger, the Geniox units fit perfectly into the confined space without sacrificing performance.

Their knock-down readiness allowed for easy disassembly during transport and quick reassembly on-site—an essential feature for such constrained environments. Additionally, their compact footprint and modular configuration provided flexible installation options, ensuring smooth handling and optimal performance in restricted areas. Given the unique demands of the historical landmark, Systemair also provided additional products, including the Geniox Heat recovery units, as well as the Geniox Supply Unit k MUB/T exhaust for kitchens.

Knock-down ready instruction videos

Step-by-step quick guide to disassembly and reassembly

Geniox Core air handling unit with rotary heat exchanger

Geniox Core air handling unit with counterflow heat exchanger

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Feel free to contact our nearest Systemair office, where our team of experts can guide you towards the best solution to meet your project goals.