Tabakfabrik Linz: Contemporary Renovations Require Modern Sun Protection

The multi-part building complex of the Tabakfabrik Linz was constructed between 1929 and 1935, based on plans by Peter Behrens and Alexander Popp. The heritage-protected industrial facility is Austria’s first steel skeleton building in the style of New Objectivity, making it architecturally significant. Initially, textiles were manufactured here, followed by tobacco products. This use continued into the new millennium, until 2009, when the then-Japanese owner, Japan Tobacco International, ceased operations. Subsequently, the city of Linz repurchased the 38,148 square meter factory site.

The architecturally unique industrial complex is now at the start of a comprehensive transformation process, offering space for various cultural and economic uses. The factory complex aims to become a flagship project of Upper Austria’s creative economy, attracting over 100,000 visitors annually for diverse events and exhibitions. Several sections of the buildings are already home to numerous creatives.

Trendy Sun Protection for the Former Pipe Tobacco Factory

The first phase, "Bau 2," has now been converted into a contemporary office building without losing its original charm. The four upper floors each offer approximately 600 square meters of space and are used in diverse ways. This is a high-tech work environment set within a heritage-protected structure. All rooms were brought up to modern building standards. A glass structure emphasizes transparency while maintaining the character of the building.

In close coordination with the construction management and the Austrian Federal Office for the Protection of Monuments, the exterior walls and original details were preserved during the renovation. To meet the demands of modern spaces, a second façade, set back 1.5 meters, was erected. Choosing the right sun protection was particularly crucial in this context. The contract was awarded to VALETTA Sonnenschutztechnik, one of Austria’s leading sun protection providers. "One major advantage of the solution is the wind and weather protection it provides and the reduced soiling of the textile coverings compared to those mounted directly on the outer façade," explains Andreas Klotzner, Managing Director of VALETTA Sonnenschutztechnik GmbH.

Architectural requirements are met here with 124 vertical roller blinds from VALETTA, in a trendy, muted gray. These blinds impress with their dimensions: up to 2.7 meters wide and 3.3 meters high. They perfectly match the façade, blocking excessive sunlight while allowing ample daylight into the rooms behind. "Sufficient natural light ensures not only comfort at work but also reduces the need for artificial lighting. At the same time, no one should be blinded. Many people work here on computers, and too much glare can tire the eyes," adds Andreas Klotzner.

The roller blinds are covered with Soltis 92, a micro-perforated composite material that combines excellent thermal properties with mechanical durability and a long lifespan. "Moreover, the blinds allow a view of the outside, which is particularly important for visual performance at office workplaces," explains the Managing Director of VALETTA.

SMI Technology with Intelligent Features

To ensure the sun protection is always in the correct position and tracks the current sun's position, it is motorized with SMI drives from SELVE. The large vertical roller blinds are equipped with 124 SMI tubular motors of the "SE Plus" type. "SMI motors were specified in the project tender, so VALETTA immediately thought of SELVE as their supplier," reports Dirk Theile, Export Area Manager at SELVE responsible for the Austrian market. In the Linz reference project, "our tubular motors with integrated SMI technology can fully showcase their benefits," says Theile. The SMI trademark stands for "Standard Motor Interface," a pioneering digital technology that enables innovative applications and functions. The universal precision standard allows for intelligent communication and tailored solutions in the automation of sun protection systems.

"Our motors, through their integrated SMI interface, seamlessly integrate into modern BUS-based building control systems, reducing both installation and maintenance efforts, as well as the building's energy consumption," reports the Area Sales Manager. Not surprisingly, SELVE's SMI drives are also in use in numerous other projects: "The reference list is long. Our SMI motors have been successfully passing practical tests with flawless performance for years, both in textile sun protection and in large roller shutter systems," emphasizes Dirk Theile. Internationally, SELVE is one of the few top suppliers for SMI tubular motors.

The intelligent SMI drives operate not only precisely but also very quietly, ensuring automated and noiseless sun protection. They adapt their behavior not only to the respective coverings they are integrated into but also to various requirements: from precise sun tracking to versatile automatic diagnostic functions. For instance, positional queries of all individual components are possible. These features make motors with the SMI precision standard a reliable and attractive technology for sun protection manufacturers, electrical planners, and professional customers—and therefore for the Tabakfabrik Linz project.

In addition to the vertical roller blinds, 100 manually operated interior blinds further reduce sunlight exposure. The choice here was the standard product in silver due to its minimalist appearance, which integrates perfectly into the overall aesthetic.

In summary: This prestigious project in Austria clearly demonstrates that contemporary renovations and modern sun protection go hand in hand. The latter is a crucial component of the comprehensive overall concept, transforming the former industrial complex into a modern and transparent facility that is optimally equipped for the years to come.

About Selve

SELVE is a global market leader in the field of roller shutter belt winders and a sought-after specialist for drives and controls in the areas of roller shutters and textile sun protection. Based in Lüdenscheid, Sauerland, SELVE represents a high level of expertise in the development and production of roller shutter components as well as innovative drives and controls for sun protection as a medium-sized family-owned company. Founded over 150 years ago in 1866 at its current location, SELVE remains under the ownership of the founding family to this day.