The innovative ARA Thunersee project demonstrates how lightweight steel construction contributes to the creation of sustainable, efficient, and long-lasting structures.
Pioneer in the Water Industry: The ARA Thunersee Project
When innovative technology meets well-thought-out design, flagship projects are created – such as at ARA Thunersee. Here, dhp Technology has implemented the world’s largest movable solar folding roof. A key element: the lightweight steel construction. The delicate yet extremely load-bearing structure enables reliable energy generation above existing treatment basins, impressing with quality, efficiency, and sustainability.
Lightweight Steel Construction as a Crucial Foundation for the Project
For the installation, 174 tonnes of steel were installed on 624 anchor points – embedded up to one metre deep. The galvanised steel was supplied by partner Stalfa from Poland in ten precisely scheduled deliveries.
Roman Inhelder, Procurement at dhp Technology, explains: “With Stalfa, we have a supplier who excels in quality, on-time delivery, and flexibility – essential for a project of this scale.”
The structure is not only lightweight and modular, but thanks to high-quality galvanisation also designed for a long service life – ideal for the harsh environment of a wastewater treatment plant.
Technical and Environmental Advantages at a Glance
Lightweight steel construction offers clear benefits: low self-weight, modular and flexible adaptability, fast assembly during ongoing operations, high corrosion resistance, and reduced material use and CO₂ footprint.
Lars Färber, COO at dhp Technology, emphasises: “Our lightweight steel solution is the perfect backbone for a movable solar technology – strong, efficient, and future-proof.”
Meticulous Quality Assurance
Christian Studer from Kurita inspected the steel construction on behalf of ARA Thunersee, visually checking for rust, cracks, weld seams, and coatings.
“Quality assurance started right at the drawing board. The first inspections delivered excellent results – implemented very professionally,” says Studer.
Partnership-Driven Collaboration as the Key
The project benefited from close coordination between procurement, project management, the supplier, and inspectors. Originally planned as a single construction phase, the facility was implemented in two stages – for pragmatic reasons during the approval process.
Ingo Schoppe, Managing Director of ARA Thunersee, highlights: “Collaboration with dhp was open and solution-oriented. The combination of folding roof and lightweight steel delivers real added value.” He adds: “We are strengthening our energy self-sufficiency and are already planning to enter the balancing energy market with battery storage.”
Installation Under Special Conditions
The installation was carried out mainly above existing basins – with tight space constraints and complex logistics. Despite these challenges, the team was able to complete construction precisely and on schedule.
Nicole Keller, Project Manager at dhp Technology, underlines the advantages: “The combination of folding roof and lightweight steel structure enables sustainable dual use – without any interruption to operations.”
A Model for the Water Industry
The solution at ARA Thunersee demonstrates impressively how existing infrastructure can be used twice – without occupying additional land. The solar folding roof is thus economical, sustainable, and durable.
With the world’s largest solar folding roof, dhp Technology is not only making a technical statement but also sending a strong signal for the future of the water industry.
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