Alternative Access Logistics News

Alternative Access Logistics have been awarded the contract for the design, manufacture and installation of the Permanent Access to the new CO-OP Headquarters in Manchester by BAM Construction.

The video below, made by designer Richard Youel, shows the rigging process of our cradle designed for internal façade access. The cradle is suspended from 2 Interlift 400 Climbing trolleys, which run on over 170m of Koltek 106 monorail track. The track is bent on two axis to suit the curvature of the underside of the atrium roof. The extension on the cradle provides access to all the vertical glazing within the atria.

AALL are also providing Mansafe Systems, abseil posts and Invisirung ladders for internal and external access.

Alternative Access Logistics now provide installations for large systems (50kW+). Using over 35 years of experience at working at height, we are able to find the best solutions for any solar PV installation requirement.

We ensure that the Work at Height Regulations 2005 are always complied with to enable a safe and efficient installation environment for our teams. Commercial solar installations bring new challenges to the installations process as there are many other factors to consider such as access, guardrails, fragile roof components, installation time, HSE requirements and site logistics to name a few. AAL take all of these factors into account and provide a safe, cost effective, bespoke solution to the challenge.

AAL are also able to provide special framing systems for the solar panels to enable them to be angled correctly towards the sun for maximum efficiency. These can be ground mounted, added to roof structures of even facades of buildings, all dependant on the clients requirements.

Please contact us for more details: +44 1709 389 660 or info@alternativeaccess.com

Alternative Access Logistics Ltd last month, erected an atrium platform in Quadrant 3, Regent St. London for Sir Robert-McAlpine. The platform comprises of a space frame structure named the Beeche System. The platform, standing within the atrium on level 7 of the Quadrant 3 development is 450m², comprising of 75 Beeche modules.

The system provides a working deck without the need for a full scaffold below, enabling work to continue underneath whilst the atrium roof is being completed, all of which safely and securely. By using a space frame system, AAL were able to negotiate the obsticles of the structure such as the steelwork and working to fine tolerances across the whole platform.

The Beeche platform is due to stay within the Quadrant development until early spring next year.

Alternative Access Logistics have just completed a consultancy project for the Louvre, Abu Dhabi. Our client was Ateliers Jean Nouvel, an Architectural practise working on behalf of TDIC (Tourism Development & Investment Company) in Abu Dhabi.

The Louvre project is one of the museums being built as part of the cultural district of the Saadiyat Island development in Abu Dhabi. There is also due to be 5 other museums and cultural centres constructed on the same island over the coming years, including the Guggenheim and Maritime museums.

We were commissioned by Ateliers Jean Nouvel to review their Architectural report and provide the professional opinion of a contractor experienced in the design and construction of specialist, bespoke access systems in order to assist the decision making process. Particular regard was paid to providing access for the ongoing maintenance of the completed structures whilst not providing fully detailed design concepts.

The report will also be of use in the consideration of material selection for various components, and in the consideration of access requirements for construction of the various structures.

The Louvre museum project consists of a number of galleries covered by a Ø180m dome structure with a height of 30m at its’ apex. The inner and outer layers of the dome structure are to be clad with 5 layers of differing patterned sheets, this will create a unique surface with apertures through which shards of light should be visible due to the dusty environment.

Our strategic partner Litestructures commissioned AAL to install an innovative motorised truss grid for the Topshop flagship store, Oxford Circus. Litestructures were asked to design and supply a versatile rigging grid to bring a “rock ‘n’ roll” feel to the 15m high atrium. Their design team came up with an ingenious solution by combining a MaxiLive 4 trussing system, which incorporates 3 circuits, universal lighting track with a specific hoist system designed to eliminate the need for secondary safeties. This brief was fulfilled by 8 Lift Turn Move (LTM) LoadGuard™ BS97906 chain hoists which provide both inherent safety and reliable operation.

Alternative Access Logistics were asked to undertake the full project management on-site. Liaising with the structural engineers, we designed and manufactured custom brackets and installed the rigging. The install of the system was completed in less than 4 weeks time and, at the eleventh hour we were able to accommodate the installation of 1000Kg mirror ball as part of a spectacular exhibition.