Project Overview
The Hoist People were commissioned by RCL Facades to provide a hoist solution for a major re-cladding project at the Ashburton Triangle, adjacent to Arsenal Football Stadium. This project aimed to replace the cladding on residential flats and the Arsenal Museum, supporting ongoing safety improvements across the building. With a 20-week timeline and the complexity of working around the stadium’s busy schedule, The Hoist People delivered a bespoke goods hoist installation designed for efficiency and adaptability.
Located next to the iconic Arsenal Stadium, the Ashburton Triangle project involved re-cladding residential flats and the museum. RCL Facades, a façade company specialising in re-cladding projects, especially those prompted by the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, required a reliable hoist to support their work. The project, scheduled for 20 weeks, required careful coordination due to the live nature of the stadium and its numerous football events, with work needing to be paused and equipment moved during matchdays.
Challenges Faced
The Ashburton Triangle project posed several unique challenges that required flexible planning and a bespoke hoist configuration.- Traffic and Pedestrian Management: Given the proximity to Arsenal Football Stadium, the project had to carefully navigate the surrounding pedestrian and vehicle traffic. The hoist installation site was located near a stadium entrance, meaning traffic management and pedestrian safety plans had to be developed and strictly followed, especially on matchdays.
- Scheduling Around Football Matches: As the stadium is in constant use, especially during football season, the work had to be timed carefully to avoid disruptions on matchdays. The team had to work flexibly, ensuring the hoist and other equipment could be removed from site before games to accommodate the large crowds attending matches.
- Ground Pressure Limitations: The ground around parts of the Ashburton Triangle was previously a landfill site, meaning it had limited capacity to support heavy loads. This created challenges in finding suitable locations for additional hoists or scaffolding, particularly at the rear of the building, where the ground could not bear the pressure required for heavy equipment.
Proposed Solutions
To address the unique demands of the project, The Hoist People proposed several tailored solutions to ensure the hoist installation was efficient and met the project’s requirements.- 1500 Z/ZP BS Hoist Installation: The primary solution was the installation of a 1500 Z/ZP BS hoist. This model was chosen for its robust performance and ability to handle the heavy loads associated with façade cladding. The hoist was set up on a concrete base at the front of the building, where the ground pressure could safely support it. As there was no need for custom modifications, this straightforward installation allowed the team to focus on ensuring timely delivery.
- Coordination with Football Match Schedules: A key aspect of the project was ensuring the hoist could be installed and removed quickly to accommodate the football matches at the adjacent stadium. The team worked closely with the Arsenal stadium staff to create a flexible plan, allowing the hoist to be dismantled and cleared from the site ahead of matchdays. This flexibility helped ensure minimal disruption to both the construction team and the stadium’s operations.
- Collaborative Traffic Management Plan: Given the busy nature of the area, The Hoist People worked closely with RCL Facades and the stadium management team to develop a detailed traffic and pedestrian management plan. This plan allowed construction vehicles to safely navigate the stadium’s perimeter and ensured that materials could be delivered and offloaded efficiently while maintaining pedestrian safety.
Results
The successful installation of the 1500 Z/ZP BS goods hoist for the Ashburton Triangle project was completed on time, with all challenges addressed effectively. The team’s ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders ensured the project ran smoothly despite the complex logistical demands.- Efficient Hoist Installation and Removal:The installation of the 1500 Z/ZP BS hoist was completed quickly and efficiently, with the hoist able to support the entire façade recladding process. The hoist was also easily removed and reinstalled as required around matchdays, ensuring no delays in the project timeline.
- Smooth Operation Despite Ground Limitations: Despite the challenges posed by the former landfill site at the rear of the building, the decision to position the hoist on a concrete base at the front proved to be a sound one. This ensured that the hoist could operate without concerns over ground pressure limits, while alternative access methods, such as suspended cradles, were considered for the rear elevations.
- Enhanced Flexibility for Football Season: The collaboration between The Hoist People, RCL Facades, and Arsenal stadium management resulted in a seamless operation. By adjusting the hoist setup around football matches, the team successfully balanced the needs of the construction project with the busy football season, minimising disruptions for both the client and the stadium.
By providing a custom hoist solution that adapted to the specific needs of the project, The Hoist People ensured that the re-cladding work at Ashburton Triangle progressed smoothly and without disruption. The flexibility of the 1500 Z/ZP BS hoist and the team’s ability to work around challenging logistics ensured the project was delivered efficiently and safely.
