Elevating The Lift Construction Process

7/6/23

Laing O'Rourke has devised a modular elevator solution with manufacturer Kone which will slash on site installation time, the companies say. The rule of thumb for elevator installation is typically one week per floor. The new system allows project teams to install a three-storey lift module in just 90 minutes.

Laing O'Rourke and Kone began testing the concept in 2020 on Building S5 in King's Cross, advancing a solution that was originally used on cruise ships around a decade earlier.

"We designed a working system, delivering two prototypes, both of which proved that the concept worked and that a lift could be modularised," said Sam Ward, programme leader at Laing O'Rourke's global technology and innovation group.

"Workers on site do not have to deal with the usual volume of deliveries or the proliferation of exclusion zones as the shafts are installed. This is because volumetric frames are fabricated offsite then assembled. The modular system also encourages a safer working environment for the fitters. We move work from a relatively confined dark, damp space on site to a controlled factory environment. Also, there is only one delivery instead of multiple deliveries with multiple small components."

Laing O'Rourke has a long-standing offsite strategy, with the aim of making 90% of its construction work factory built by 2025.

Sam Ward will be presenting 'Laing O'Rourke and Kone's Modular Elevator Solution' at the Tall Buildings Conference. For more information and to book your place go to: www.tallbuildingsconference.co.uk 

For more information:

www.laingorourke.com

www.kone.co.uk