In recent years, London’s skyline has changed dramatically. It features a number of new skyscrapers, each unique enough to be called iconic, with nicknames such as The Scalpel, The Cheesegrater and The Vase.
One of the most exciting things about the skyline is that it is in a constant state of change, with new buildings being added regularly to complement or compete with existing structures. Integral Cradles and GIND UK have been involved in many of these new buildings and are becoming ever more integral to their safety and functionality.
One Thames City is one of the latest projects to be given a unique façade access solution by Integral Cradles. This essentially means a machine allowing operatives to safely and effectively reach all parts of a building’s exterior to carry out cleaning, maintenance and repair work. Skyscrapers require solutions that are huge in stature and big on innovation – each as unique as the building it services.
The number one choice for One Thames City
With its waterside location, uninterrupted views and exemplary amenities, One Thames City is one of the most desirable destinations in London. Launching now are Building No.8 and Building No.9, two of the three towers that are at the centre of the development. No.8 is 53 storeys high – the jewel in the crown of the development.
Despite the project still being in the construction phase, Integral Cradles has completed the access solution at the earliest possible programme opportunity to help the client maximise the use of the systems during the construction phase. Utilising its in-house design capabilities, its team has been able to value engineer the solution to remove the need for additional systems to overcome the minimum reach conditions, by the incorporation of a secondary jib within the BMU structure.
It is understood that this innovation is the only such solution in the UK and reduces cost for the client during the build process as well as introducing long-term savings that would have resulted from additional testing and inspection during the lifecycle of the building. This is a prime example of innovation and commercial savings that Integral Cradles can bring to the project for the client’s benefit.
The ongoing fully comprehensive maintenance and servicing of the equipment during the construction phase and beyond will be provided by GIND UK.
GIND UK is also a preferred supply partner to CBRE.
Integral Cradles Ltd has experienced great growth over recent months, and is now recognised as one of the UK’s leading providers of façade access solutions. Working with its maintenance partner GIND UK, the two provide a whole-lifecycle solution for their clients. To reflect their success, both companies have launched a brand new website showcasing their industry-leading credentials.
www.i-cradles.com takes the visitor on a journey from the conception of a façade access solution to the design, manufacture and installation – through to completion. Collaboration is the key and great things happen when all parts of the supply chain work together. To date, Integral Cradles and GIND UK have formed successful and sustainable partnerships with Multiplex, Skanska, MACE and Canary Wharf – to name a few.
Gind.uk completes that journey, showing why it is fast becoming the go-to provider of maintenance solutions. Working with Integral Cradles, GIND UK ensures its partner’s installations remain in perfect working order. Whether working in the construction or rail sectors, GIND UK’s team of talented engineers and designers takes the same approach to excellence, ensuring the longevity of this highly specialised equipment.
The two brand-new websites showcase of some of the most impressive buildings in the UK.
Cutting-edge innovation at The Scalpel
At 52 Lime Street, London, the access solution Integral Cradles designed and installed for The Scalpel reached a level not seen before. Its team created two BMUs that are eight storeys tall – approximately the height of ten cars stacked one on top of the other. They are installed on either side of The Scalpel.
The larger unit installed on the west side of the building has a 19-metre operating radius, is 49 metres in height, weighs 41,300 kg and has a 1,000-kg glass replacement capacity.
An innovative roof system was also created for each BMU. For the larger unit, a five-panel louvre roof system was created. Each panel moves independently out of the way of the BMU, enabling it to be operated and then stored away neatly within the building.
A major interface was established between Integral Cradles and the company that provided the cladding for The Scalpel to provide a long-term facilities management solution for the skyscraper. A positive outcome of this is that no crane will be required by the client to access the exterior of the building, which would have been a major investment, both logistically and financially. Instead, GIND UK will service under warranty the two BMUs and associated systems.
Looking to the future
Both Integral Cradles and GIND UK have pledged to take their place amongst the most ambitious organisations, committing to becoming Net Zero Carbon businesses by 2026. With a commitment to being a responsible member of the communities in which they work, the partner companies employ a diverse workforce. 20% of Integral Cradles’ staff are female and a third of their management team is also female. At GIND UK, this figure is even higher. This is significant in a traditionally male-dominated industry sector. Furthermore, over half of the companies’ workforce was born outside the UK.
