From buildings of low complexity to the most complex architectural projects, gantries can be a practical, cost-effective and flexible component of many building maintenance solutions.
Consisting of an aluminium or steel truss on the sides with a deck or steps made of galvanised steel grating, gantries can be a particularly suitable building access solution where there is limited roof space available for a BMU or where building features are difficult to reach.
For instance, gantries can provide access where a roof area is not load-bearing and cannot be safely accessed on foot, where a ceiling is not accessible from the floor below, or where access is required for a structural feature above roof level such as a cone, dome or pyramid. Gantries can also be installed on the inside and outside of a skylight to safely access both sides of the glass and maintain what is often an important architectural feature.
CoxGomyl’s range of standard gantries and ability to develop customised building access solutions provides a high degree of flexibility. Gantries and tracks can be manufactured in steel or aluminium and can travel either manually or electronically along and around building features such as skylights.
To minimise the visual impact of building access machinery, gantries can be designed as horizontal, inclined, curved, telescoping or cantilevered systems to meet the individual demands of a project and blend with the architecture of the structure. Where a suitable parking area is provided, they can also be completely hidden from view when not in use.
The Shanghai World Financial Center is an example of a highly complex facade access solution which utilises a gantry for an important part of the building. At the time of its completion in 2008, the 492-metre tower was the tallest building in China and featured an observation deck at 474 metres.
The building’s access system includes a custom-made gantry which provides regular and convenient access to the glass-clad observation bridge at level 97. ([coxgomyl.com](https://www.coxgomyl.com/project/shanghai-world-financial-center-china/))
One Central Park in Sydney is a highly sustainable development featuring approximately 85,000 facade plants and 1,200 square metres of green walls.
To support the sustainability of the plants, CoxGomyl designed and supplied a moving roof gantry covered in reflective glass panels. These panels help direct sunlight towards areas of the vertical garden. ([coxgomyl.com](https://www.coxgomyl.com/news/how-sustainable-architecture-is-changing-the-built-environment/))
The International Commerce Centre in Hong Kong also required a highly integrated facade access solution. CoxGomyl designed multiple BMUs to provide access to the building facades and its distinctive ‘dragon tail’ feature.
A telescoping gantry was designed to service the ceiling inside the ‘dragon tail’. When not in use, the gantry retracts into a garage and is completely hidden from view.
Across a wide range of projects, gantries can form an important part of the facade access system, providing functionality tailored to the architectural challenges and maintenance requirements of each building.
Learn more about CoxGomyl’s Building Maintenance Units and facade access systems.
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