Precision Lifting and Positioning at Art’otel, Old Street

Precision Lifting and Positioning at Art’otel, Old Street

Overcoming the Impossible: A Story of Precision and Expertise

Tucked away in the heart of Old Street, the prestigious Art’otel presented us with a challenge that would test the limits of precision lifting. Our task? To transport and position ten air handling unit (AHU) sections, ten electrical panels, and multiple steel beams—into the basement. The catch? The only way in was through a narrow lift shaft in a fully completed building.

This was no ordinary job. It required meticulous planning, exceptional skill, and a team that could adapt to every unexpected twist the site threw at them.

A Unique Access Challenge

With the building already completed, conventional access routes were off the table. The only way to get the equipment into the basement was through the lift shaft—an extremely confined space with no room for error.

After assessing every possible approach, our team devised a plan: we would use the Unic 547 spider crane. Compact yet powerful, this specialist crane was small enough to fit within the limited working area but strong enough to handle the weighty AHUs, panels, and steel beams.

The Balancing Act: Structural Integrity and Crane Positioning

Placing a crane inside a finished building is no small feat. Beneath the crane’s position were multiple floors, making structural integrity a top concern. To mitigate risk, we strategically positioned acro props beneath the crane’s outriggers, reinforcing the floors below and ensuring that the weight was distributed safely. Every detail had to be scrutinised—because in a job like this, precision is everything.

Threading the Needle: Precision Lifting in Tight Spaces

With the crane perfectly positioned and structural supports in place, the real challenge began. Lowering heavy equipment through a narrow lift shaft, while navigating an exceptionally tight slewing angle, required not only technical expertise but absolute coordination.

Our experienced crane operator worked in perfect harmony with the banksman and slinger, guiding each piece of equipment smoothly through the shaft. One miscalculation could mean costly delays or damage—but thanks to expert planning and steady hands, each lift was executed flawlessly.

The Lift-and-Shift Experts Take Over

Once in the basement, our lift-and-shift team sprang into action. Using specialist handling equipment, they carefully transported the AHUs, electrical panels, and steel beams to their designated positions. Every movement was deliberate, ensuring that the client’s specifications were met to the letter. The precision and attention to detail displayed by our team left no room for doubt—we were delivering nothing short of excellence.

A Testament to Skill, Planning, and Execution

This project was a masterclass in overcoming constraints with ingenuity. From leveraging the capabilities of the Unic 547 spider crane to reinforcing the structure with acro props and executing flawless lifting operations in a confined space, our team delivered a seamless, safe, and efficient solution.

The Art’otel project is more than just another successful job—it’s a story of adaptability, expertise, and commitment to excellence. When faced with challenges, we don’t just find solutions—we redefine what’s possible.