EMBASSY OF THE STATE OF QATAR – VIENNA

HVAC Engineering for the Restoration of the Historic Palais Clam-Gallas

Located in Vienna’s Alsergrund district, the historic Palais Clam-Gallas was restored and transformed to accommodate the Embassy of the State of Qatar and Qatar’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Vienna.

Originally constructed in 1834, the neoclassical palace represents an important part of Vienna’s architectural heritage. The approximately 8,000 m² restoration project required the integration of contemporary building services into a historically significant structure while preserving its architectural character.

Gerhman contributed to the project with a combination of displacement air distribution, swirl air distribution and airflow control solutions, specifically selected for the different architectural and functional requirements of the diplomatic complex.

Displacement Ventilation with RHO-CS

Gerhman RHO-CS displacement diffusers were selected for areas requiring low-velocity air distribution and a high level of thermal comfort.

The displacement ventilation principle introduces conditioned air into the occupied zone at relatively low velocity, allowing thermal forces within the room to support the movement of warmer air toward the upper level.

This approach is particularly suitable for representative and high-comfort spaces where low air velocity, low noise levels and controlled indoor comfort are important design criteria.

The RHO-CS solution also provided the flexibility required to integrate modern air distribution into the architectural environment of the restored palace.

Air Distribution with NEO Swirl Diffusers

For areas requiring higher induction and effective mixing of conditioned air, Gerhman NEO swirl diffusers were incorporated into the air distribution system.

Their swirl air pattern promotes rapid induction between supply and room air, supporting effective temperature equalization and comfortable air distribution within occupied spaces.

Using different air distribution principles according to the characteristics of each room allowed the HVAC system to respond more effectively to the varying functions within the embassy complex.

Airflow Control with RHO-S & BLUE-S

Gerhman RHO-S and BLUE-S dampers were used within the duct distribution system for airflow regulation and balancing.

Accurate airflow control is particularly important in a building containing different functional zones, including offices, meeting rooms, representative spaces and diplomatic facilities.

The dampers support the distribution of the required design airflow to individual zones while contributing to stable system balancing and efficient HVAC operation.

Engineering within Historic Architecture

One of the main challenges of the project was integrating modern HVAC systems without compromising the architectural identity of a nineteenth-century palace.

Different spaces required different solutions according to their geometry, occupancy, architectural detailing and comfort requirements.

Gerhman therefore combined:

Displacement Air Distribution — RHO-CS
Low-velocity air distribution for high-comfort spaces.

Swirl Air Distribution — NEO
High-induction air distribution for effective room-air mixing.

Airflow Control — RHO-S & BLUE-S
Airflow regulation and system balancing across different HVAC zones.

This combination allowed the air distribution concept to be adapted to individual spaces rather than applying a single ventilation principle throughout the historic building.

Engineering Outcome

The restoration of Palais Clam-Gallas demonstrates how contemporary HVAC technology can be integrated into a historically significant building while respecting its architectural character.

By combining RHO-CS displacement diffusers, NEO swirl diffusers, RHO-S and BLUE-S dampers, Gerhman provided different air distribution and control strategies according to the specific requirements of each space.

The result is an HVAC approach balancing historic preservation, architectural integration, thermal comfort and modern building performance within one of Vienna’s prestigious diplomatic developments.

Project Highlights

Project: Embassy of the State of Qatar – Palais Clam-Gallas
Location: Vienna, Austria
Building: Historic Palais Clam-Gallas
Original Construction: 1834
Project Period: 2023–2024
Project Area: Approx. 8,000 m²
Building Type: Embassy / Diplomatic Mission / Historic Restoration
End Use: Embassy of the State of Qatar & Permanent Mission to the United Nations
Client: Confidential
Gerhman Products: RHO-CS Displacement Diffusers · NEO Swirl Diffusers · RHO-S Dampers · BLUE-S Dampers
Gerhman Scope: Displacement Air Distribution · Swirl Air Distribution · Airflow Control · Product Selection · Engineering Support · Architectural Integration