Galicia Nueva – the jewel of Novohrad with high-tech shading

Galicia Nueva, or New Galicia, is an exceptional building. After a ten-year renovation, the cultural heritage monument of the Renaissance-Baroque castle in southern Slovakia's Halič opened to the public in 2016.

The building's owners were driven by the desire to preserve a piece of history for future generations. The castle now houses a hotel with wellness, a castle restaurant, a café, and a wine bar. Everything is set in the beautiful landscape of southern Slovakia, a short distance from the Hungarian border.

Historical Detour

The origins of the Halič castle can be traced back to the 12th century. The castle belonged to one of the oldest Hungarian families, the Forgáčs, until the 16th century. The castle has endured a number of historical twists. From 1993, the castle was ownerless and deteriorated until 2005, when it was purchased by a private investor.

The castle is dominated by a columned entrance hall with the most extensive fresco decoration in the territory of present-day Slovakia. A French park with a rose garden also belongs to the castle. The massive columned entrance hall proved to be the biggest challenge. Its glass dome is magnificent and lets in a stream of daylight, making it an impressive place, but during the day the glass heats up, causing heat and direct sunlight to permeate the hall. The atrium has an impressive area of 500 m² and a height of 15 m.

Technical Solution

We were approached by the roof construction supplier to provide shading, and this project became another challenge for us. For shading the atrium, we used the TESS 512 system from the English company Guthrie Douglas, which produces patented shading systems.

The unique oversized systems can shade non-standard areas. With over 30 years of experience in the development and implementation of tension systems, GD can shade essentially any surface - horizontal, vertical, slanted, curved, shaped, or extremely large glass surfaces and facades. Everything is developed and manufactured with engineering precision directly in Warwick.

Automatic shading systems allow for maximum energy savings and comfort. Unlike fixed aluminum shading systems (such as louvre types) or colored window films, the shading technology retracts and extends as needed by users and outdoor conditions.

The lengths of the systems at Halič Castle ranged from 10 to 18 m. TESS 512 is a horizontal shading system for terraces and atriums without bulky supporting frames. It is not tensioned, so this system can be covered with any material - whether exterior screen or interior screen, or polyester variants, Trevira, etc. This system can shade up to 100 m². It is subtle, and when retracted, only thin supporting cables are visible. It is fixed at two points on each side of the opening, with no lateral guiding or anchoring.

TESS 512 is a practical solution for extremely large spaces where elegance, style, and functionality are essential requirements. The fixing profiles can be painted in any RAL color. Control is solely motorized - either by remote control or connected to central control panels, and motor compatibility with smart control systems is also standard.

TESS 512 is truly unique - up to 100 m² without robust structures, profiles, or constructions. Only fixing profiles and rollers for winding cables.

Our technicians collaborated directly with the English manufacturer on the design of the solution and were present throughout the entire implementation phase - from design to manufacturing and assembly. The team of specialists spent over two weeks of intensive work on the assembly in Halič. Part of the installation was carried out while the restaurant was operating, so the work was done only at night. The systems weighing up to 100 kilograms were hoisted by ropes to a height of 15 meters, working on mobile scaffolding, and care was essential as the Venetian marble floors had already been laid.

The result is harmony and purity of shapes - the canopy system harmonizes with the overall atmosphere of the space - enhancing its generosity and luxury. It is tactful - the look does not disturb, it only complements and seems to levitate above the dining guests. Lightness and elegance - that is the overall impression of the atrium in Halič.

Technical Information

Typical Use	Skylights, glazed roofs, public spaces
Shape	Classic square
Position	Horizontal
Guiding System	Ø 6 mm stainless steel cables
Width	2000 mm - 6000 mm
Overhang	≤ 18000 mm
Maximum Area	≤ 100 m²
Surface	RAL - powder coating

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Project Details
Name: Castle Galicia Nueva
Investor: Imet, a.s. Košice
Project Cost: 14.3 million EUR, 3 million from EU and other funds
System Supplier: Bohemiaflex CS, s.r.o. and Guthrie Douglas
www.bohemiaflex-cs.cz
www.bohemiaflex.com
https://cestovanie.aktuality.sk/clanok/20388/halicsky-zamok-z-chatrajucej-ruiny-je-dnes-skvost-regionu/