In the charming heart of Kempten, one of Germany’s oldest towns, the historic Kornhaus building stands as a testament to Kempten’s rich heritage.
The building recently underwent a significant renovation across six floors to transform it into a modern cultural and event hub for Kempten.
At the centre of this ambitious transformation was the design challenge of integrating modern lighting and sound technology without compromising the building’s timeless character.
KSCAPE’s RAIL integrated lighting and audio system proved to be an ideal solution.
In collaboration with stakeholders, including integrators Zeiler Technik and distributors Medialantic and Musik Lenz, ABT Elektroplanung played a central role in the Kornhaus renovation.
As the project evolved, Ulf Klüpfel of ABT Elektroplanung took on the role of consultant, overseeing the design and integration of technologies across the Kornhaus.
“The city of Kempten wanted the Kornhaus to be technically state-of-the-art, whilst remaining visually true to its history,” Klüpfel explained.
“We were researching lighting and sound solutions that could work in this context.”
The space is open-plan, but serves multiple functions: a throughway foyer, a bar and catering area and an exhibition or museum zone.
Designing for all of these use cases required flexibility, both in lighting behaviour and sound distribution.
The turning point came during planning for the ground floor’s lighting design.
The architect envisioned a long, linear lighting axis running cleanly through the space, accentuating the geometry of the historic vaults and drawing visitors further into the space from the entrance.
But this vision also raised another question: how to evenly distribute high-quality audio without disrupting the interior design.
Mounting traditional loudspeakers on the walls was not an option.
“We were familiar with K-array products, as we were already considering their loudspeakers for other spaces in the Kornhaus,” said Klüpfel. “We then discovered KSCAPE RAIL, and the concept came together.” After testing and prototyping, the team committed to integrating KSCAPE RAIL 48V throughout the ground floor.”
The final installation includes a total of 138 RAIL modules, half with integrated audio and half with direct-diffuse and indirect RGBW lighting only.
Each contributes to continuous, uninterrupted parallel lines of light that run through the space.
The RAIL elements with audio provide consistent coverage along the main thoroughfares and event spaces.
Above the bar and in the exhibition zone, RAIL elements with track systems include KSCAPE projector spotlights that can be adjusted to highlight artwork or displays.
The rest of the zones employ diffuse direct and indirect lighting, all controlled via a DALI protocol, allowing exhibition curators or staff to easily reconfigure lighting for different uses, via faders linked to specific spotlights on the lighting desk, or with building-wide visualisation thanks to KNX integration.
“To bring the vision to life, lots of careful integration was required, such as bespoke adapter plates, mounting hardware and adjustable suspension systems, developed by Zeiler Technik,” explained Klüpfel.
“These extra details helped us to ensure the end result looks clean and contemporary.”
The attention to detail extended to the sound design, and K-array products were chosen for their discreet appearance and versatile yet high-quality audio performance.
Seven K-array Rumble KU210 subwoofers complement the audio-enabled RAIL modules.
On the first floor, the Small Kornhaus Hall features a four-point configuration of K-array Kobra KK102 loudspeakers, mounted in each corner of the room, and Rumble subwoofers hidden beneath window alcoves.
In the large foyer situated between halls, four K-array Kobra KK52 loudspeakers were installed, supported by a KGEAR GC8S in-ceiling subwoofer for low-frequency reinforcement.
The northern foyer of the small hall has been equipped with a further two K-array KK52 loudspeakers in combination with two Rumble KU44 subwoofers.
The result is a comprehensive sound and light ecosystem that can shift seamlessly between functions, from cultural exhibitions to receptions and public gatherings.
“What we’ve achieved is technically complex, but the experience is simple and intuitive,” confirmed Klüpfel.
“For everyday use, the staff don’t need a technician to set up lighting or audio for an event. It’s all preconfigured.
“The historic ambience is now effectively highlighted through a technically elegant and unobtrusive solution, and the client is very happy with the result.”
