A skyline redefined
Standing at 310 metres tall, the Shard London Bridge is an impressive and much anticipated addition to the London skyline. It is over twice the height of the London Eye observation wheel and is now the tallest building in Western Europe.
The pointed, multipurpose skyscraper, designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano to resemble a shard of glass, is the first phase of the £2 billion London Bridge Quarter regeneration project covering almost 2 million square feet.
The building features world class office space, exclusive residential apartments, a 5-star hotel, and several restaurants. In addition, numerous viewing galleries offer unprecedented 360 degree views of the city making The Shard a must see for London residents and visitors alike.
Installation innovation
“One of the biggest logistical challenges during any construction project is getting building workers, materials and goods to the right place at the right time – with maximum safety and efficiency”, says Michael Williams, Managing Director of KONE Great Britain. The Shard project was no different.
An innovative solution was needed and KONE delivered. To maximise efficiency, productivity and safety during the construction process, KONE utilised its state of the art JumpLift™ solution. The KONE JumpLift™ is an advanced, self-climbing lift that can be used as an alternative to traditional exterior hoists during the construction process. This was the first time that KONE JumpLift™ technology had been used in Great Britain.
There are several benefits to this innovative solution. As Williams describes, “Workers spend less time waiting for exterior hoists and more time working. There is minimal disruption, a safer working environment and the ability for a team to continue to work in all weather conditions. The result is a faster enclosing and completed building, which can ultimately be handed over sooner”. Other trades and service partners onsite can also complete their work in a safer, more efficient manner.
Moving efficiently
In addition to KONE’s JumpLift™ technology, 13 double-deck lifts powered by the eco-efficient KONE EcoDisc® were installed. With two lift cars in the same hoistway, one on top of the other, the amount of floor space needed for lifts is kept to a minimum and the building benefits from significant space savings.
KONE’s double-deck solutions also offer increased traffic handling capacity, a critical factor in high-rise buildings. These lifts, along with the remaining lifts and escalators installed, ensure smooth people flow for this dynamic new London landmark.
Challenge
- To provide permanent vertical transportation solutions which also enable the efficient flow of people and materials during the construction process
- Maximise space and traffic handling capacity within the building
Solution
- Implementation of state of the art JumpLift™ installation methodology
- Optimised project planning and coordination from beginning to end
- Double-deck lifts offer key benefits for high-rise buildings
Shard London Bridge
- Completed: 2012
- Height: 310 m
- Floors: 80
- Total floor area: 54,488 sqm
KONE Solutions
- 32 lifts, including 13 double-deck lifts
- 10 escalators
- 9 KONE JumpLift™ units during construction
