Vilotel Oberkochen: GraviVent® sets new standard in hotel air conditioning
The air conditioning of hotel rooms is often a sensitive issue: difficult to understand controls, disruptive draughts, noise or hygiene deficits due to dirty air filters are not uncommon. Nevertheless, the use of classic air conditioning systems with fan coils continues to dominate in the industry.
The Vilotel in Oberkochen, Baden-Württemberg, deliberately takes a different approach. It is the first hotel in the world to use the innovative GraviVent® gravity cooling system – a system that remains almost invisible to the guest but offers noticeably more comfort. The technology is seamlessly integrated into the interior: warm air is extracted above the head of the bed, cooled via a heat exchanger and fed back into the room as cool, heavier air under the bed. The result: natural, draught-free cooling without mechanical fan noise – quiet, efficient and low-maintenance.
The sustainable concept is complemented by a geothermal system for heat generation, a pre-conditioned fresh air supply via passive post-current elements and an integrated electric charging station. Digital services such as smartphone check-in are also part of the future-orientated overall system developed by the Transsolar planning office.
The investor and operator focussed on ecological responsibility right from the start – both during construction and in ongoing operation. The decision in favour of GraviVent® was made not least because of its high energy efficiency and low maintenance costs. For the hotel manager, however, the guest takes centre stage: ‘Our guests should feel comfortable – and have a clear conscience at the same time.’ A hotel concept that not only promises comfort, but also sets standards in terms of sustainability.