The Hangzhou Binjiang Science and Innovation Building development presented a unique facade access challenge. The 172.2-meter commercial tower features a segmented sloped roof at the parapet, requiring a building maintenance unit (BMU) capable of reaching every area of the facade while remaining completely concealed when parked.
To meet these requirements, CoxGomyl designed and delivered a sloped climbing BMU that combines full facade coverage, operational reliability, and architectural integration.
Hangzhou Binjiang Science and Innovation Building marked the debut of CoxGomyl’s first inclined climbing facade access system. To achieve complete facade coverage across the building’s segmented sloped roof, the team engineered a customized track layout featuring three inclined climbing sections and two horizontal platform segments, allowing the BMU to traverse the building’s apex with ease.
The solution achieves 100% facade coverage while preserving the building’s visual appearance. When not in operation, the BMU remains hidden from view, supporting the architect’s design intent.
The BMU features a 15.2-meter outreach and a 400kg GHU capacity, providing efficient access for facade maintenance throughout the building’s lifecycle.
Safety played a central role in the project. Although the original specification called for two drive motors, CoxGomyl increased the number to four to enhance stability and performance on the inclined track sections.
The BMU generates climbing power through a drive mechanism that combines motors, gears, and racks at the base. This system enables autonomous load balancing and directional adjustment during traversal, helping operators maintain safe and controlled movement across the facade.
The project team also faced a significant construction challenge. With no tower crane available on site, CoxGomyl conducted detailed technical reviews and implemented a tower-crane-free installation strategy.
Using a temporary mast hoist, the team completed the installation safely and efficiently while maintaining project progress.
CoxGomyl successfully delivered a facade access solution that met the client’s functional and architectural requirements. The sloped climbing BMU provides complete access across the building’s segmented roof geometry while remaining concealed when parked, preserving the tower’s visual appeal.
The custom track arrangement enables smooth movement across inclined and horizontal sections, ensuring efficient maintenance access throughout the facade. By incorporating four drive motors and an advanced climbing mechanism with autonomous load balancing, CoxGomyl also strengthened operational safety and system reliability.
The project demonstrates CoxGomyl’s ability to solve complex facade access challenges through innovative engineering, proven safety expertise, and practical installation planning. It also marks an important milestone as the company’s first inclined climbing facade access system production project.
From sloped roofs and unique architectural features to challenging installation conditions, CoxGomyl delivers innovative facade access solutions that prioritize safety, performance, and long-term reliability. Contact our team to discuss how we can support your next project.
The building features a segmented sloped roof that required a specialized system capable of achieving complete facade coverage across inclined and horizontal sections.
CoxGomyl designed a track layout with three inclined climbing sections and two horizontal platform segments, enabling the BMU to access every part of the facade.
The system features a 15.2-meter outreach, a 400kg GHU capacity, and four drive motors for enhanced safety and performance.
CoxGomyl used a temporary mast hoist and carried out detailed technical reviews to support a safe tower-crane-free installation process.
The client chose CoxGomyl for its proven expertise in designing and installing inclined climbing facade access systems backed by the engineering capabilities of the Alimak Group.
