With the assistance of an Alimak transport platform, the top floor apartment of a Penthouse in Milano, Italy, underwent a successful renovation.
The transport platform supplied by Alimak were ideal for the reduced dimension specifications of the construction project. It included rear side brackets for additional anchoring security and landing via scaffolding walkways.
Alimak was selected for our reputation for quality workmanship and reliable products and service. Our valued partner A.C.G.S. S.R.L. specialises in using Alimak equipment and offers outstanding service during preliminary assessments, problem-solving, installation and maintenance processes.
As the penthouse apartment was to be completely renovated over two floors, including the demolition of internal walls, it was not possible to use a condominium lift to transport materials essential for the renovation work. The top floor of the apartment is situated further away from the building’s facade, so it was necessary to install scaffolding allowing workers to access the building. The work was to be carried out over three to four months.
One challenge centred on the minimal space for work on the ground and the facade. This required a vertical access solution that could work within these tight conditions and adjust to a retracted landing area.
All ties of the right mast have been fixed to the rear corner wall with custom-made support. As condominiums use the surrounding ground space as a parking area, there was only a small area available for work.
The Alimak TPL platform thus featured an additional appendix to replace the folding component with an entrance door and to reduce the platform size from 3.2m to 2.2m. These platforms are designed to allow for reliable, efficient access on construction sites where space is minimal. They offer improved functionality and performance in restricted dimensions and can be successfully employed to transport heavy loads to elevated areas on site quickly. With the support of Alimak’s products, the work on the Penthouse apartment could be carried out safely and successfully.
PLATFORM DETAILS
Project: Penthouse Renovation
Location: Porta Nuova, Milano, Italy
Application: Renovation of a top-floor apartment
Platform model: ALIMAK TPL 2000D
Capacity: 2,000 kg
Platform size: 3.2 m x 1.5 m
Speed: 12–24 m/min.
No. of landings: 2
Lifting height: 32 m
Alimak construction hoists and industrial elevators have been used during the construction and the ongoing maintenance of the world-famous Queensferry Crossing bridge in Scotland. The bridge, which opened in May 2017, is the world’s longest three-tower, cable stayed bridge and measures 1.7 miles (2.7 km) long.
CONSTRUCTION HOISTS
Six Alimak Scando 650 construction hoists provided access to the three concrete pylons of the suspension bridge during its build. Each machine was specially modified to create a side entrance – allowing passengers to exit from the hoist car on the same side as the mast tower – onto the moving concrete formwork.
Two hoists were installed on each pylon, one Scando 650 DOL serving sea level to road level, and one Scando 650 FC serving road level to the top of the pylon, which were over 200 metres tall.
Alimak designed and supplied tie installation platforms on each hoist, providing a safer working environment for the installation of ties. A bespoke rolling tie was also designed, to interface between the hoist and the moving concrete formwork, taking into account all structural forces and loads of operating this equipment in extreme environments.
INDUSTRIAL ELEVATORS
Three Alimak SE 500 industrial elevators are installed in the bridge pylons, with one elevator per pylon and each serving 17 landings. These provide safe access for routine maintenance of the bridge’s suspension cable.
The elevators were required to fit into shafts that had originally been designed for an alternative product. Alimak adapted the standard SE 500 product to ensure it would fit into the existing shaft.
PROJECT CHALLENGES
Joining the project at a relatively late stage, Alimak were required to work quickly to provide a suitable product within an acceptable timescale. As well as adapting the elevator cars to fit into the shaft, Alimak’s engineers designed special car doors and incorporated bespoke landing doors due to some landings having limited openings.
As a result of the tight timescale, installation began before the elevator cars were scheduled for delivery. In order to progress, an erection platform was designed and built in so that the mast and ties could be installed.
Access to the shaft was limited, with the elevator having to be installed via a roof hatch that was marginally bigger than the actual car. This meant the elevator car had to be removed from it’s backframe before lowering it into place.
HOIST DETAILS
Location: Queensferry Crossing, Scotland, UK
Application: Bridge
Hoist models: 3 x Alimak Scando 650 FC
3 x Alimak Scando 650 DOL
Capacity: 2,000 kg
Hoist car sizes: 1.5 m x 3.2 m x 2.3 m (W x L x H)
Speed: 54 and 38 m/min
Lifting height: Up to 185 m
ELEVATOR DETAILS
Location: Queensferry Crossing, Scotland, UK
Application: Bridge pylon
Elevator model: 3 x Alimak SE 500
Capacity: 500 kg
Elevator car sizes: 0.78 m x 1.17 m x 2.21 m (W x L x H)
Speed: 0.6 m/s
Lifting height: Up to 140 m
Weston-Super-Mare’s seafront played host to SEE Monster, an innovative, temporary art installation set on a retired oil rig. An Alimak elevator was installed to provide access to each floor.
The impressive structure was one of the UK’s largest public art installations, running from July to November 2022. Visitors were able to see a wild garden, waterfall and were encouraged to learn more about sustainability and climate.
With a required lifting height of 27.5m, in order for SEE Monster to be accessible to all visitors, elevator access was esential. An Alimak SE 1200 FC industrial elevator was chosen by Newsubstance – the creative minds behind the art installation. Alimak industrial elevators are designed to withstand harsh environments, so were the ideal solution for a structure that would be exposed to the elements of the British seaside.
Alimak’s design team worked with Newsubstance engineers to interface both the elevator’s support structure and landing door interfaces with the fabric of SEE Monster, this to ensure full compliance with safety standards and to maintain reliable service for the period of intended use.
The Alimak SE 1200 FC travelled up to 33m and could transport a maximum of 16 passengers. SEE Monster proved so popular that its close date was extended to allow more people to visit. The Alimak team ensured that support was available throughout and were able to reschedule the planned dismantle to ensure there was no disruption to the public’s elevator access.
ELEVATOR DETAILS
Location: Weston-Super-Mare, UK
Industry type: Entertainment
Application: Public art installation
Elevator model: Alimak SE 1200 FC
Capacity: 1,200 kg
No. of landings: 4
Lifting height: 27.5 m
An Alimak TPL 500 Transport Platform was used during the restoration of the art treasure Baptistery of San Giovanni in Florence, Italy.
The Alimak TPL 500 Transport Platform was used during the restoration of the façade and the lantern at the ancient Baptistery of San Giovanni in Florence, Italy. With a lifting height of 24 meters, the transport platform was used to transport people and materials on nine different levels of the scaffolding covering the outer walls of the monument.
The restoration is financed by the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore. The project, which has a cost of approximately two million euros, will eliminate deposits of pollutants and help consolidate the marble elements. The Florence Baptistery is one of the most ancient churches in the city.
Alimak TPL transport platforms are specifically designed for smaller construction projects with limited space and where less payload capacity is required. Payload capacities vary from 300 to 2,000 kg and the machines are available in six different configurations.
Designed for a range of applications, Alimak TPL transport platforms offer additional functionality to drive productivity and enhance the safety of operations on-site.
PLATFORM DETAILS
Location: Baptistery of San Giovanni, Florence, Italy
Application: Restoration of ancient church
Platform type: ALIMAK TPL 500
Capacity: 500 kg
Platform size: 1.4 m x 1.6 m (W x L)
Speed: 12 m/min
Lifting height: 24 m
No. of landings 9
An Alimak TPL 2000 D Transport Platform was installed in Italy to speed up the erection time of scaffolding in an industrial plant.
Thanks to the excellent advice and collaboration from Alimak’s partner in Tuscany, Betti Rent, the construction company Termisol Termica S.r.l. chose to adopt a brand new Alimak TPL 2000 D transport platform as the ideal solution to speed up the erection of the traditional “tube and joint” scaffolding, satisfying the vertical transport needs, direct access to each floor and complete safety for the personnel.
The TPL 2000 D speed of 12 m/min, used as a transport platform and 24 m/min, as a material hoist, minimized the time spent for the transport of personnel and materials to each floor, while a generous load capacity of 2,000 kg and a platform area of 1,5 x 3,2m maximised load requirements.
The TPL 2000 D incorporates a safety device that engages in the event of the machine overspeeding as well as an overload detection device that prevents the use of the platform in case of overloading giving the guarantee of safety and extending the platform’s operation.
Termisol Termica S.r.l. is one of the most significant engineering contractors, in the field of thermal and acoustic insulation, in Italy and abroad since 1950, carrying out over 10 million square metres of insulation in industrial plants with the most updated technology and patented systems with quality certification system ISO 9001 since 1996, and environmental management system ISO 14001 since 2004. With this vast experience and technical knowledge, Termisol Termica S.r.l. works in the field of planning and assembly of metallic scaffolding, both in industrial and building construction.
Designed for a range of applications, Alimak TPL transport platforms offer additional functionality to drive productivity and enhance the safety of operations on-site. It’s simple, flexible and robust design puts it ahead of its competitors and is suitable for all vertical access to buildings or scaffoldings, either for new constructions or refurbishments.
PLATFORM DETAILS
Location: Livorno, Italy
Application: Industrial plant
Platform type: ALIMAK TPL 2000 D
Capacity: 2,000 kg
Platform size: 1.5 m x 3.2 m (W x L)
Speed (TP mode/MH mode): 12/24 m/min
Lifting height: 72 m
No. of landings: 33
The TPL 800 Transport Platform is a popular choice in Alimak’s light range of vertical access solutions which are suitable for use across a wide range of applications. For the reliable and efficient movement of both personnel and materials, Alimak’s rugged rack and pinion design makes for a hard-wearing transport solution which is capable of withstanding harsh environments such as construction sites.
A key benefit of the TPL 800 is its large car size, low power requirements and low forces to the structure. The TPL 800 allows flexibility for a variety of uses, including the glamorous world of Formula One motorsport at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps motor-racing circuit in Stavelot, Belgium. This venue is world-renowned as the home of many international motor racing events and hosted its first Grand Prix in 1925. With a rich history, the circuit is the current host of the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix and has held a Grand Prix virtually every year since 1983.
This kind of venue calls for a wide range of vital facilities both on and off the track, and the Alimak TPL 800 Transport Platform will form a key part of the circuit’s infrastructure for many years to come. In order to cement its position as a world-class motorsport venue, the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps has developed a new section and starting position for the F1 track.
An important factor in the redevelopment work was the new VIP viewing and hospitality area. Following the completion of construction work, the Alimak TPL 800 Transport Platform will remain in place for many years to come as a vital part of operations, providing a reliable, convenient and efficient vertical access solution for food and drink service, climbing 12 metres to the new VIP area.
In this context, the design and engineering of the drive unit are particularly important in delivering a smooth travelling motion and the minimum wear and tear during long term use. A series of guide rollers are mounted on a tandem frame to ensure pressure is distributed consistently whether the platform is being used to transport people, cargo or, in this instance, gourmet food and drink services.
PLATFORM DETAILS
Location: Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps motor-racing circuit in Stavelot, Belgium.
Application: Food and drink service
Platform type: Alimak TPL 800 Transport Platform
Capacity: 800 kg
Platform size: 1.0 m × 3.2 m (W x L)
Speed (TP mode/MH mode): 12/24 m/min
Lifting height: 12 m
20 Alimak construction hoists and 35 transport platforms improve safety and productivity during construction of Grand Paris Express transit lines.
The Paris Métro is one of the densest metro systems in the world, with 244 stations within the City of Paris. Grand Paris Express is a group of new rapid transit lines being built in the Île-de-France region. Four new métro lines will be built and two existing lines will be extended. A total of 200 kilometres of new track and 68 new stations will be added, serving 2 million passengers per day.
Alimak is currently involved in the construction of métro lines 14, 15, 16 and 18 with over 50 vertical access solutions for the transportation of construction workers and materials.
Alimak proposed installations of construction hoists and transport platforms without bottom frames on the ground. Alimak engineers designed steel structures to support each hoist and transport platform on the wall, without touching the bottom of the tunnel shaft. This allows the equipment to follow the construction progress of the metro tunnels in a flexible way.
The transport platforms were designed with closed cages and have a liaison bridge between the platform itself and the stair tower – which is being used by the construction workers. The project started in 2018 and is expected to continue until 2032.
HOIST DETAILS
Project: Grand Paris Express
Location: Paris, France
Application: Metro Tunnel Construction
Product category: Construction Hoists
Hoist model: Alimak Scando 450
No. of hoists: 20
Hoist car size: 1.4 x 2.4 x 2.0 m (W x L x H)
Capacity: 1,200 & 1,100 kg
Speed: 30 m/min
Lifting height: Varies between: 15 m to 50 m
PLATFORM DETAILS
Project: Grand Paris Express
Location: Paris, France
Application: Metro Tunnel Construction
Product category: Transport Platforms
Platform model: Alimak TPL 500
No. of platforms: 35
Platform size: 1.4 m x 1.6 m x 2.2 m (W x L x H)
Capacity: 500 kg
Speed: 12 m/min
Lifting height: Varies between: 15 m to 50 m
Ten Alimak mast climbing work platforms are being used during the construction of a new building block in Berlin, Germany.
The German Trade Union Confederation, Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund (DGB) is building a new office and commercial building in the Berlin Schöneberg district.
The new office building of approximately 21,000 m² will be used by the federal board administration of the DGB. The new building elements with different heights blend together to create a distinct structure with a unified appearance.
Alimak was approached to supply an efficient vertical access solution for mounting the new façade elements and windows of the DGB building.
Anchoring of the mast towers created a challenge with reconstruction from standard anchoring to special consoles required. Alimak provided a forcible technical solution for the mounting of windows and facade with a total of ten mast climbing work platforms, from its German rental fleet. The project commenced in September 2021 and is ongoing until today.
PLATFORM DETAILS
Project: DGB – Schöneberg Office Tower
Location: Schöneberg, Berlin, Germany
Application: High-rise construction
Product category: Mast climbing work platforms
Models: Alimak MC 450 and MSHF
No. of platforms: 10
Platform sizes: 1.2–2.2 x 8.4–28.5 m (W x L)
Capacity: Up to 2,000 kg
Speed: 7–9 m/min
Lifting height: Varies between 22–49 m
Eight Alimak mast climbing work platforms have been used during renovation of the 96-metre tall tower, 160 Park View in Frankfurt. The tower consists of a first-class hotel and luxury residential apartments.
At this moment there are three twin-masted MC 450’s, one single-masted MC 450 and a single-masted MSHF in use on the project. The lifting heights vary from 24 to 94 metres. Alimak provided the most suitable technical solution for dismantling and reassembling of the façade and the products are from Alimak’s rental fleet in Germany.
The renovation project started in 2017 and is expected to be ready by 2023.
The MC 450 is Alimak´s medium range of mast climbing platforms boasting lengths of up to 10.2 m in a single mast configuration and up to 30.2 m in a twin mast configuration.
PLATFORM DETAILS
Project: 160 Park View
Location: Westend district, Frankfurt, Germany
Application: High-rise construction
Product category: Mast climbing work platforms
Models: Alimak MC 450 and MSHF
No. of platforms: 8
Platform sizes: 1.2–2.2 x 8–29.9 m (W x L)
Capacity: Up to 2,000 kg
Speed: 8-9.6 m/min
Lifting height: Varies between 24–94 m
The Amsterdam skyline has been enhanced by the development of two stand-out buildings situated along the IJ River and offering spectacular city views.
The Hotel Y-Towers stands 114 metres tall and will be operated by the Maritim hotel chain. The development features 579 rooms, conference facilities, and commercial features. The 103-metre-high residential complex includes 174 apartments available.
One of the first challenges posed by the project was to ensure that the work would be technically possible. Tower cranes are usually anchored to a building at one or two points; however, this project required four anchor points. This led to a problem cladding the building’s facade with natural stone between and above these anchors. The scaffolding option offered by a previous supplier was deemed expensive and unworkable.
Alimak was approached to provide a vertical access solution for the construction of the development consisting of four mast climbing work platforms from Alimak’s rental fleet in the Netherlands.
The Alimak team has developed a well-respected reputation in the Dutch construction industry for experienced and reliable drawing, calculation, and assembly services. Alimak had to ensure the mast climbers could be assembled safely and according to the strict regulations enforced throughout the Netherlands, particularly on construction sites.
Mast climbing work platforms are used to transport workers, equipment, and materials to and from a single point of entry. As they are limited in their operation, mast climbing work platforms are not designed to be used as construction hoists.
As the mast climbing work platforms could not pass the crane anchors, Alimak needed to mount a mast climbing platform between each anchor. A landing gate was mounted on the building just above each anchor to ensure the platforms could be accessed safely and following regulations.
According to EN 1495 regulations, the mast climbing work platform can only be entered from one position. Alimak worked to create a step-up point for each mast climber to provide a successful access solution.
PLATFORM DETAILS
Project: Hotel Y-Towers
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Application: High-rise construction
Product category: Mast climbing work platforms
Model: 4 x MSHF
Capacity: 1,200 kg across 4 mast climbers
Platform size: 10.3 m x 2.1 m
Speed: 7 m/min.
Lifting height: 115 m
No. of landings: 4
A large data centre located in Slough, UK, required an elevator to meet the building’s unique requirements. The ‘Mega-Centre’ type of data centre comprises a large and complex office space with a significant IT plant volume.
An important outcome for the client was the ability to locate heavy plant on the rooftop of the building while keeping valuable office space free internally.
This client required an elevator that could reach the rooftop to transport heavy equipment to the gantry level and be impermeable to external weather conditions.
The important IT plant located on the rooftop level needs to be always accessible, so it was essential to the client that the elevator was highly reliable and remained in service with minimal downtime.
As such a custom Alimak SE-H 3200 FC elevator was installed for this complex data centre building. The elevator solution met the client’s unique requirements, which featured an unusual elevator car height and weather-resistant design. The Alimak elevator provides reliable transport for personnel and IT plant and equipment weighing up to 3,200kg, from ground level to gantry with ease.
The Alimak SE-H range is renowned for its durable design for demanding industrial use. Alimak’s rack and pinion technology means there is no need for a shaft, making this elevator as easy to install as it is sturdy. A unique attribute is the elevator’s suitability for both indoor and outdoor applications, whilst also allowing for customisation to meet a client’s most unique requirements.
Alimak’s dedicated range of vertical access solutions developed for use in data centre environments is designed to operate in restricted spaces and increase productivity and enhance efficiency. Alimak’s capabilities to meet these requirements further fosters our reputation as a leading vertical access supplier for data centres and warehouses.
ELEVATOR DETAILS
Location: Slough, United Kingdom
Application: Data Centre
Elevator model: Alimak SE-H 3200 FC
Capacity: 3,200kg
Elevator car size: 1.56 m x 3.9 m x 2.8 m (W x L x H)
Speed: 0.7m/s
Lifting height: 11 m
No. of landings: 4
An Alimak industrial elevator has been installed at Rookery South Energy Recovery Facility (ERF). The elevator installation was completed in Janaury 2022, with the ERF due to be fully operational by the first quarter of 2022, in a project being led by Hitachi Zosen Inova. The facility will offer a sustainable alternative to landfill by generating clean electricity from waste.
Having provided industrial elevators on three previous projects, Alimak were HZI’s preferred supplier, working closely with them to produce a detailed specification to fulfil the project needs. Alimak also worked with the project architect enabling the integration of our drawings early in the design phase.
The Alimak SE 2000 FC rack and pinion elevator measures 2.60m x 1.56m, with a capacity of 2,000kg. It will travel 38.8m and will be used to transport heavy maintenance equipment and spare parts to the boiler hall.
Maintenance support, provided by Alimak Service, will be provided to Covanta, who are the plant operators.
To ensure the project kept within budget, traditional mechanically linked elevator doors were provided, instead of the new wireless communication type. This meant that Alimak’s engineers had to design a stabilisation system to ensure the elevator doors and landing doors remained connected to when opening and closing. this was achieved by using a third guide (T-guide) rail, which ran the full height of the installation to allow the correct interface of the doors and maintain a safe and reliable operation.
The most efficient way to install the elevator was to install the complete car in one piece over the top of the elevator shaft. Doing this allowed the elevator to be factory tested. being shipped in one piece meant it was in a fully operational condition when installed and power energised for the first time.
ELEVATOR DETAILS
Location: Rookery South Pit, Bedfordshire, UK
Applications: Energy From Waste
Elevator type: Rack and pinion
Elevator model: ALIMAK SE 2000 FC
Capacity: 2,000 kg
Elevator car size: 2.60 m x 1.56 m (W x L)
Lifting height: 38.8 m
No. of landings: 10
A second prestigious development at South Quay Plaza in Canary Wharf has chosen Alimak products to assist with the build. This is one of the first projects in which Alimak utilised its Building Information Modelling (BIM) gallery to assist with the planning.
CONSTRUCTION HOISTS & TRANSPORT PLATFORMS
There are five Alimak construction hoists at work on the South Quay Plaza 4 development project. A twin masted Mammoth, a Scando 650 XL FC-S and a Scando 650 FC are installed in a Triplex configuration, serving 55 landings up to 190m.
Two Alimak Scando 450 FC construction hoists serve 53 floors, including two basement floors, within the core of the building. Finally, an Alimak TPL 1000 transport platform will provide access to the top two floors of the building. Alimak’s experience on similar projects, including the first phases on SQP allowed us to digitally enhance the product BIM to ensure that design enhancements were validated prior to installation.
PROJECT
South Quay Plaza 4 is a Berkeley Group development and has been designed by Foster+Partners. When complete it will be 58 storeys high, incorporating both residential and retail units, as well as a communal terrace and sky garden.
ALIMAK BIM GALLERY
Alimak’s BIM gallery contains 3D models with key embedded information of our construction hoists. The BIM models can be configured to the customer’s needs allowing them to simulate the use of our products at the planning phase of a project.
The South Quay Plaza 4 project used the NAVIS model with Alimak BIM integrated. This meant they were able to configure the BIM models to their exact required configuration and simulate them within the specific project environment, all of which helped to achieve a ’right first time’ solution.
The BIM gallery has been developed by Alimak’s team in Boras, Sweden and is available on our website.
PROJECT CHALLENGES
The building is in very close proximity to London’s DLR train line so there was very limited space to install the hoist. Alimak’s engineers had to stay 5m away from the DLR and the hoist was not allowed to be lifted higher than the DLR bridge. During installation an exclusion zone was created by closing the site entrance and exit gates. The hoists were then carefully lifted into place.
To help ensure that Alimak’s products serve the build in the most efficient way, the hoists installed externally in the Triplex configuration have been sunk into the pit by 1.5m. The result of this is that the hoist floor is level with the ground providing quicker loading and unloading times.
Part of the build requires fa ade panels to be unloaded from a lorry onto a platform on wheels. To assist with this, Alimak’s engineers designed a bespoke 4.2m high gate for the Mammoth hoist (standard height is 2.8m.) These bespoke gates mean that the platform carrying the facade panels can be pushed straight onto the hoist ready to be transported to the relevant floor. The bespoke gates have a gate leaf steel extension which provides the extra height. When this is not required, the extension can be locked allowing for only the standard sized part of the gate to be opened.
HOIST DETAILS
Location: South Quay Plaza 4, London, UK
Application: High-rise building
Hoist models: x Alimak TM Mammoth 55/50, 1 x Alimak Scando 650 FC-S XL 25/50, 1 x Alimak Scando 650 FC 32/39, 2 x Alimak Scando 450 FC 17/22
Transport Platform model: 1 x Alimak TPL 1000
Capacity: 1,000 – 5,500 kg
Hoist car sizes (W x L x H): 3.0m x 5.0m x 3.0m, 2.0m x 5.0m x 2.8m, 1.5m x 3.9m x 2.3m, 1.4m x 2.2m x 2.0m
Transport Platform size: 2.4m x 1.9m x 2.4m
Speed: 24m/min – 100m/min
Lifting height: Varies between 99m – 190m
GALLERY
Alimak Scando 650 hoists and mast climbers provided vertical access for people and materials during the construction of the new Sara Cultural Centre in Skellefteå, Sweden. The cultural centre is one of the world’s tallest timber buildings to date.
Located in the heart of central Skellefteå, in Northern Sweden, you will find one of the world’s tallest wooden houses – the new Sara Cultural Centre, which will host venues for arts, performance and literature, as well as a hotel. Alimak construction hoists and mast climbing work platforms provided vertical access during the construction of the 80 metres tall timber building.
Two Alimak Scando 650 construction hoists, one on each side of the building, have been utilized on the site to transport workers and materials up and down the 20 floor building. The Swedish rental company Cramo was responsible for the delivery of the Alimak construction hoists for the project.
In addition to the Alimak construction hoists, several Alimak mast climbing work platforms have also been utilized for façade cladding and window installation. A total of 12 mast climbing work platforms were used in twin mast configuration on the project at different heights. Alimak’s rental partner Bennab was responsible for the delivery of all mast climbing work platforms to Cramo for the project.
The building consists of a low-rise section of four floors and a tower section on top, which extends a further 16 floors up.
Construction started at the end of 2018 and the building opened its doors to the public in September 2021. Sara Cultural Centre will become Skellefteå’s new meeting place for concerts, performances, meetings, exhibitions, events and congresses. The entire building will be buzzing with creativity and the new hotel offers a spa, restaurant with panoramic views and first-class accommodation.
The building has a high focus on sustainability, with the spa on the 20th floor offering views of the forests from which the raw material came from, and with its heating and cooling system being regulated by the power from the Skellefteå River.
The Swedish writer Sara Lidman has been given the name of Skellefteå’s new Cultural Centre.
HOIST DETAILS
Location: Sara Cultural Centre, Skellefteå
Application: New construction
No. of hoist cars: 2
Hoist models: Alimak Scando 650
Capacity: 2,000 kg
Hoist car size: 1.3 m x 2.2 m x 2.1 m (W x L x H)
Speed: 0.6 m/s
Lifting height: ~20 and 80 m
GALLERY
The SSE Great Island Power Station in Wexford replaced the old oil-fired station in 2015 with a new modern gas-fired station, which is among the cleanest and most efficient in Ireland, generating enough electricity to power half a million Irish homes.
In addition to providing their markets with the power they need, SSE Thermal is also committed to working towards a net-zero future with flexible and efficient thermal energy playing a crucial role in the security of power supply alongside renewable generation technologies.
A vital part of the infrastructure at the Great Island Power Station is the Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG). The generator improves overall efficiency by recovering exhaust heat from the power generation plant which would otherwise be wasted. A HRSG can be used to create steam which drives turbines and produces even more electricity. In some cases, this can bring overall efficiency up to 85%–90% while reducing environmental impacts.
Considering the extreme temperatures and pressures involved in the process and the large, complex HRSG machinery, reliable vertical access for regular inspections and maintenance work is vital. As the industry leader in vertical access solutions and an existing partner of SSE Thermal, an Alimak industrial elevator built on tried and trusted rack and pinion technology was the obvious choice for this project. In this case an Alimak SE industrial elevator engineered to withstand the most challenging environments was chosen.
The Alimak SE’s rack and pinion design does not require a lift shaft or a separate machine room. Neither are extensive support structures needed for the guide rail. This advanced design made the interface with the existing system at Great Island much more straightforward than the traction elevator alternative. Access space around the HSRG was extremely tight. Still, the Alimak SE 500 design allowed for an installation process whereby the elevator could be laid on its back and transported under the building steelwork. From there, it was lifted and turned using overhead beams and securely installed onto the mast. Landing door interface steelwork and mast tie in interfaces had already been prepared using intermediate scaffolds.
The flexible and innovative design delivered a smooth installation process for an existing building with tight space requirements, all without sacrificing any required functionality in operation.
ELEVATOR DETAILS
Location: Ireland, County Wexford
Application type: Power Station HRSG
Elevator type: Rack and pinion
Elevator model: Alimak SE 500 FC
Capacity: 500kg/6 passengers
Elevator car size: 1.04 m x 1.3 m x 2.08 m (W x L x H)
Speed: 0.6 m/s
Lifting height: 28.16 m
No. of landings: 3
Installation year: 2020
GALLERY
