Platform on new construction, renovation, restoration and transformation
With a height of 159 meters, a natural stone facade, and large glass windows, The BaanTower will become an icon in the Rotterdam skyline. Blitta Gevelsystemen is contributing to this with the complete engineering, production, installation, and wind and waterproofing of the facades. The project comprises approximately 1,500 prefabricated glazed window frame elements for the high-rise building, 251 m² of curtain walls for the two-story plinth, and 110 m² of window frames for the parking garage. A special feature of this project is that the window frames from the eighth to the fiftieth floor are being installed from a climbing scaffold in a five-day cycle per floor.
“The five-day cycle was decisive for both the design and the choice of working method,” says Sjors Nabben, project manager at Blitta Gevelsystemen. “In a pleasant and close collaboration with RED Company and RED Bouw, we developed a solution for the entire exterior facade, opting for prefabrication.” The prefab window frames were produced in advance at the factory in Venray. “The window frames up to the 47th floor are waiting in our storage location for the start of assembly. These window frames are fully glazed and fitted with glazing, aluminum panels, sashes, and edge insulation under the best working and climate conditions. The mounting anchors have also been prefabricated.” Following the window frames, these anchors will also be used for the installation of the natural stone. “This reduces the number of operations on the construction site to a minimum.”
The latter is particularly important, because every five days, 32 window frame elements weighing between 500 and 700 kilograms each have to be installed from the climbing scaffold, explains Nabben. “In the same cycle, we ensure that the facade is completely wind and watertight, in combination with the insulation behind the natural stone. In total, we are installing approximately 5,000 m² of rock wool insulation, with shot fastening ensuring a high construction speed.” Blitta Gevelsystemen had a glass suction cup made especially for this project, which allows the exterior window frames and balcony frames to be lowered between the climbing scaffolding and installed in the right places.
The Schüco AWS 75 window system, which has been further developed specifically for this project, forms the basis of the window frame elements. “In collaboration with Schüco and the architect, we have developed molded profiles with anodized profiles and a specific aesthetic,” says Nabben. “We have tested this system several times in our own test chamber. In addition, we worked with the entire construction team to create a mock-up on site, with two frames, concrete walls and floors, a balcony, natural stone, and aluminum sheet metal. This mock-up has been successfully tested by the independent testing institute SKG for wind and water tightness of 600 Pa. In combination with the glass, it also meets high sound requirements.”
