Airtècnics’ distributor in France, Exeltec, was awarded the project to install Rund air curtains at several public entrances of the Grand Palais in Paris. This majestic building, a symbol of iron and glass engineering, required full respect for its iconic architecture. For this reason, the Rund air curtain — a model from the designer range — was selected.

Historical context challenge

The Grand Palais, with its stone, steel, and glass structure, was completed in 1900 for the Paris International Exposition. It features large open spaces, a glazed roof, and a continuous flow of visitors. The air conditioning requirements in this environment are very demanding, presenting challenges such as ensuring air renewal while minimizing drafts, avoiding thermal bridges, preserving aesthetics, and ensuring energy efficiency.

The choice of the Rund air curtain model was based on the following criteria:

• An air curtain that creates a laminar airflow separating the interior from the exterior, preventing energy losses and guaranteeing thermal comfort.
• Compact, quiet, and highly efficient design, allowing seamless integration into a heritage building without affecting its aesthetics.
• Ability to adapt to large doors and changing activities — essential features for the Grand Palais.

During the refurbishment and modernization works, which lasted from 2021 to 2025, several key aspects were identified regarding the complexity of air conditioning the building: large glass surfaces cause convection and thermal transmission effects; it is necessary to maintain a constant interior temperature despite frequent door openings; and large air volumes require more renewal without disturbing visitors.

Benefits of an air curtains

Installing an air curtain in a space like the Grand Palais provides various technical and visitor-experience benefits:

• Reduction of air drafts, resulting in lower air conditioning costs.
• Greater thermal comfort without compromising the aesthetic harmony of the spaces.
• Maximum adaptability of the air curtain to different entrances, large-scale events, fairs, and exhibitions.
• Modernization of a historic building by combining technology and heritage, improving comfort and ensuring sustainability.

The installation of the Rund air curtain at the Grand Palais is a perfect example of how climate-control technology can be integrated into a heritage environment without compromising its architectural value.

At Airtècnics, this project embodies our principles: comfort, efficiency, design, and respect for the environment. At a time when historic buildings demand modern solutions, this intervention demonstrates that high-end climate control and heritage can go hand in hand.

For more technical information about air curtains or to learn how this solution can be applied in other large or heritage buildings, our team of specialized technicians is at your disposal.