DEAcoustic Ceiling for the Schwarzwandbahn Base Station in Zauchensee
BETWEEN MOUNTAIN AND VALLEY – An Acoustic Solution for Alpine Architecture
When architecture begins to tell the story of a landscape, it takes more than good ideas.
It requires clear responsibility, exceptional preparation – and partners who deliver when time pressure is at its highest.
With the construction of the Schwarzwandbahn base station in Zauchensee (Salzburg, Österreich), a project was realised that goes far beyond functional infrastructure. The goal was to create an arrival space that does not merely reflect the alpine environment, but makes it spatially, acoustically and atmospherically tangible – under demanding time and organisational constraints.
For ECHOJAZZ, Zauchensee was not just a project, but a learning process that continues to shape the way we work.
PROJECT CONTEXT – ALPINE INFRASTRUCTURE WITH THE HIGHEST DEMANDS
The new arrival hall of the Schwarzwandbahn is a central hub within the Zauchensee ski area. High visitor volumes, international sporting events such as the FIS Skiweltcup, gastronomy, ticketing and public circulation areas all converge here.
Architecture and acoustics had to perform simultaneously: enabling orientation, guiding visitor flows, creating a sense of calm and quality – while remaining true to the alpine landscape.
THE ACOUSTIC CEILING AS A LANDSCAPE
At the heart of the project is a custom acoustic ceiling composed of 1,400 individual acoustic baffles, each one different in shape.
Urst Tanner, developed the design concept and architectural idea. He translated the topography of the Zauch Valley – gentle slopes, open plateaus and distinctive mountain forms – into a flowing ceiling landscape.
Building on this architectural vision, ECHOJAZZ worked closely with the architect to further develop and optimise the acoustic solution.The ceiling was realised using EchoBaffle® in colour 810 Camel, selected for its warm, alpine character and its acoustic performance.
Already in the early design phase, ECHOJAZZ supported Urst Tanner in refining the geometry of the ceiling: edges were deliberately softened, transitions smoothed and forms precisely adjusted to create a coherent, calm surface – architecturally clear and technically feasible.
DIFFERENT ZONES, DIFFERENT SYSTEMS
The ceiling does not follow a single logic – instead, it responds to space, use and topography.
Three different suspension systems were employed, tailored to the size, weight and position of the individual baffles. Varying suspension heights across different zones allowed for conscious material and cost optimisation: in the “mountain zones”, volume was reduced without compromising the overall architectural impact.
This differentiated approach made the acoustic ceiling not only more efficient, but also more precise from an architectural standpoint.
FIRE SAFETY AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE
In a public space such as the Schwarzwandbahn base station, fire safety is a fundamental requirement. High visitor numbers and large-scale ceiling systems demand materials that perform not only architecturally and acoustically, but also in terms of safety.
The ECHOJAZZ acoustic elements used in Zauchensee comply with European standard EN 13501-1 and are classified B-s1,d0. Accredited laboratories in Europe conducted the fire performance tests, confirming the materials’ suitability for use in highly frequented public buildings.
For EchoJazz, fire safety is not an add-on, but an integral part of our responsibility towards clients, planners and users.
PREPLANNING AS THE KEY TO SUCCESS
ECHOJAZZ recognised early on that the complexity of this project could not be managed using conventional processes. As a result, an exceptionally detailed preplanning phase was initiated – long before production or installation began.
This included:
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precise material calculations per zone
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a clear definition of the acoustic solution as the basis for the quotation
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early determination of exact production and delivery schedules
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comprehensive documentation for all project stakeholders
This level of preparation created planning reliability, accelerated workflows and ensured that the fixed start of the winter season could be met.
LOGISTICS & INSTALLATION
1,400 individual elements mean an almost exponential risk of error. A single mistake can trigger a chain reaction.
Together with Pagitsch GesmbH, ECHOJAZZ therefore developed a highly precise packaging, labelling and sequencing system:
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each baffle clearly identified
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sorted by zone
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packed in the exact order required for installation
This system made installation errors virtually impossible and saved valuable time on site.
Hr. Rupert Pagitsch with his many years of experience, professionalism and cooperative approach, proved to be a decisive link in the success of the project. Without this close coordination, on-time completion would not have been possible.
PROJECT PARTNERS & RESPONSIBILITIES
A project of this scale can only succeed when responsibility is clearly defined and genuinely shared.
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Architecture & Construction Management
Tanner GmbH – development of the overall architectural concept and responsibility for on-time delivery -
Fabrication & Installation
Pagitsch GesmbH – installation of the acoustic ceiling, close coordination with EchoJazz, warranty provider to the client -
Client / Owner
Zauchensee Liftgesellschaft Benedikt Scheffer GmbH – decision-maker and investor -
Acoustic Solution & Supply
ECHOJAZZ – preplanning, material definition, quotation, documentation, production and delivery of the acoustic ceiling including substructure
This clear allocation of roles formed the foundation for trust, efficiency and reliability throughout the project.
PRECISION DESPITE TIME PRESSURE
The schedule was tight – but time pressure was never a reason to cut corners.
Even under high workload, planning and production followed the same standards of precision: baffle cutting layouts and fabrication processes were internally optimised to ensure efficient material use and minimal waste.
Responsibility, in this context, means safeguarding quality, respecting resources and delivering solutions that stand the test of time.
THE NEW ZAUCHENSEE STANDARD
Internally, we now refer to this approach as the „Zauchensee-Standard“.
It stands for:
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uncompromising preparation
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systematic error prevention
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services that go beyond the product
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responsibility for the entire process
This project has shown that acoustics are not just a component.
They are a service that requires planning depth, organisation and partnership.
CONCLUSION
Today, the new arrival hall of the Schwarzwandbahn is more than a functional space. It is a place of transition, orientation and experience.
Zauchensee was a demanding achievement – technically, organisationally and on a human level. That initial scepticism ultimately turned into recognition is, for us, the greatest compliment.
We are proud of this project. And we have learned a great deal from it.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – SCHWARZWANDBAHN ZAUCHENSEE PROJECT
What was ECHOJAZZ’s role in this project?
ECHOJAZZ was responsible for preplanning, quotation, production and delivery of the custom acoustic ceiling including the substructure, as well as the logistical preparation for error-free installation.
Why was preplanning so critical?
Only through intensive preplanning and clearly defined production and delivery schedules was it possible to manage the complexity of 1,400 individual acoustic baffles and meet the fixed start of the winter season.
Does the acoustic ceiling in Zauchensee meet fire safety requirements?
Yes. The acoustic elements used in the Schwarzwandbahn base station are based on ECHOJAZZ products that have been tested in accordance with EN 13501-1 and classified B-s1,d0 for the tested product configurations. The results confirm that the specified materials meet the fire safety requirements applicable to highly frequented public buildings.
Fire performance is verified on a product and system basis. Corresponding test documentation can be provided for the project configuration.
Who was responsible for installation?
Installation was carried out by Pagitsch GesmbH from Tamsweg, acting as fabricator and warranty provider to the client.
What does the “Zauchensee Standard” mean?
It describes an internal way of working at ECHOJAZZ, centred on preparation, responsibility and partnership.
Does ECHOJAZZ work on comparable large-scale projects?
Yes. ECHOJAZZ specialises in complex acoustic solutions for architecture, hospitality and public spaces – particularly where precision, reliability and trust are essential.
