Modernization of stage and event technology at VHS Hietzing

The Volkshochschule Hietzing (VHS Hietzing) is a major educational and cultural center located in Vienna’s 13th district. Each year, it offers a wide range of courses, seminars, and events. The venue’s event hall, designed by architect Fred Freyler, was built between 1971 and 1974 and accommodates up to 220 people.

In 2024, the hall underwent a comprehensive modernization and was upgraded to meet current technical standards.

TUCHLER delivered a turnkey stage and event technology solution that meets the highest technical requirements and caters to the diverse needs of school stages, municipal halls, cultural centers, and seminar rooms.

Challenge and Solution by TUCHLER

The modernization involved implementing a flexible, safe, and easily controllable stage machinery system that complies with the latest regulations. TUCHLER installed three motorized scenery hoists, fully compliant with current DGUV Regulation 17/18 (formerly BGV-C1). These hoists are equipped with load cells, overload and underload (slack rope) cut-offs, and feature adjustable speed control.

Operation is handled via the TUCHLER-Logo control system, which manages both the scenery hoists and the electric curtain tracks.

Six DST-0001_R1 rotating drape carriers were mounted on TX33 aluminum trusses. These hold movable curtains made of premium stage velvet, which can serve as adjustable side wings for entrances or as a closed stage backdrop.

Behind the background curtain, which also functions as side masking, a tensioned projection screen was installed.

For professional stage lighting, lighting bars were mounted on the walls of the auditorium, along with a lighting rig above the stage. This setup allows precise and flexible lighting for a wide variety of event formats.

Technical Description of Products and Services Used

• Scenery hoists with TÜCHLER LIFT-IT winch: Three motorized hoists for precise stage movements with safety features in accordance with DGUV 17/18.

• Aluminum truss TX33: Stable and lightweight aluminum trusses for stage setups, lighting, and mounting rotating drape carriers.

• Cable chains: Provide power and control signals to the spotlights mounted on the truss.

• Rotating drape carriers DST-0001_R1: Six movable elements for flexible stage configurations using velvet curtains.

• TÜCHLER-Logo control system: Centralized control system for scenery hoists and curtain tracks.

• Electric curtain drives TT2 with Universal RS 3P motor: Motorized curtain systems for main and background drapes.

• Tensioned projection screen: Rear-mounted screen for visual displays.

• Spotlight bars and rigg: Flexible mounting points for stage lighting in the auditorium and above the stage.

• Stage velvet curtains: High-quality velvet curtains for a professional look, improved acoustics, and a pleasant atmosphere.

Thanks to the modernization in 2024, VHS Hietzing has become a first-class event venue, perfectly suited to the needs of school stages, community theaters, and more.