Prefabs on the rise

A good and safe elevator installation is essential for the accessibility of a building and the comfort of its occupants or users. Van den Beemd Stalen Liftschachten B.V. has been contributing to this for quite some time. "We advise, engineer, produce and assemble custom elevator shafts in all common shapes, sizes and finishes," says director Gerard van Dijk. "In doing so, we do not shy away from any challenge. Our enthusiastic, experienced and committed employees are constantly looking for innovative and creative solutions. The prefabricated steel elevator shaft including KONE elevator installation is a fine example of this and was first installed in project 'Groenzoom' in Leerdam."

On the Groenzoom, a gallery apartment from the 1960s has been upgraded and prepared for the future. "We were commissioned by GB Vastgoed to realize a new elevator shaft," says Van Dijk. "There was already an elevator system in the flat, but it no longer met current requirements. For example, when it comes to dimensions, accessibility and safety. Because expansion of the existing elevator shaft was not possible, we proposed a new installation against the building. The new elevator is wheelchair- and stretcher-accessible, ensuring the quality and future-proofing of the building."

Pilot for prefabrication

Project Groenzoom was seized upon by Van den Beemd Stalen Liftschachten B.V. and KONE as a pilot project, to test the possibilities for prefabrication in practice. "The steel elevator shaft for project Groenzoom has already been fitted with the complete elevator installation at our factory in Dongen," Van Dijk explains. "A major advantage of this working method is the speed at which the project is realized. There is a great need in the market for efficiency and minimizing lead time. Among other things in inner-city projects, where little space is available to store materials. It also minimizes inconvenience to both residents and the surrounding area. The complete installation can be installed and commissioned in just 2 to 3 days."

As a whole

A major advantage for this working method is that the elevator assembly is done completely horizontally in the factory, under the best labor and climate conditions. "This way we take care of maximum safety and minimum inconvenience" The 17-meter-long elevator shaft for project Groenzoom was transported in one piece and with special transport by M.J. van Riel B.V. to Leerdam and lifted into place. "We then took care of the connection to the new main entrance. Because the elevator shaft was placed in a position where the structural connection was missing, we installed precast concrete floors on the portal side."

A solution for every challenge

Van den Beemd works ambitiously on creative and innovative solutions. Sometimes the shaft has an extreme height, other times a special architectural construction or specific cladding is desired. Think, for example, of rebates, zinc, stone strips, iso-panels or glass. Soon, Van Dijk even hopes to realize the first green finish....