Full façade access is a basic requirement of any building maintenance system when it comes to cleaning and maintaining the surface and preserving the aesthetic integrity of a building.
The upkeep of a skyscraper is often surpasses the act of cleaning the outside of the building. Additional functionality may be required of a façade access system. Environmental factors can cause wear and tear on some buildings meaning a building maintenance system may have to be developed to facilitate maintenance tasks in a practical and safe manner. This often includes the replacement of glass and other façade panels as well as other repair work which may require the lifting of heavy and bulky loads of materials and the passengers conducting the repair work themselves.
Manntech work with architects to meet the specific needs of a building, focusing on how comprehensive façade access can be achieved and factoring in future repair and maintenance works which may need to be carried out. The team at Manntech play a key role in preserving the appearance of a building, often assessing how façade and glass panels may be practically replaced.
The Ping An Finance Center in Shenzen presented a case in which heavy loading capacity was key in the development of a building maintenance system. The salty atmosphere of Shenzen necessitated a stainless-steel façade to withstand corrosion. Standing at 599 metres, the building holds the record for being the tallest structure in the world with a stainless-steel façade. Given the importance of the stainless steel and the attention on the building, Manntech conceptualised building maintenance units (BMU) with the functionality to replace panels and preserve the aesthetic quality of the building. A building maintenance unit featuring a cradle with a maximum loading capacity of 250kg was strategically placed at level 97 alongside an optional material hoist able to lift 600kg.
The Highlight Towers in Munich also required a BMU that facilitated the replacement of the building’s glass panels as and when necessary. The sloping design of the roofs of the two towers create one long line, solidifying the towers as a focal point of the city, and earning the design a place in the CTBUH’s Best Tall Buildings of 2012.
With the preservation of the building’s aesthetic integrity on the line, Manntech added a material hoist to the roof of each building, allowing for 600kg loading capacity for safe and practical glass replacement when needed.
Manntech work with architects and stakeholders to develop building maintenance units that cater specifically to the needs of a building.
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