RBG Kew - Treetops Walkway Lift
Client:
Year:
Value:
Contract:
Scope:
Duration:
RBG Kew
2021
Confidential
JCT D&B
New Build Lift
42 weeks
CityAxis were commissioned to Design and Build a new 23 metre high lift to service the existing Treetops Walkway, an award winning raw Cortain steel structure, winding through the tree canopy, within Kew Gardens. The scheme presented many challenges from initial appraisal through to the final detailing. The existing lift failed rapidly due to prolonged exposure to the harsh outdoor conditions at Kew Gardens. The replacement lift was therefore designed by CityAxis to be fully glazed within both lift car and structure to withstand the effects of adverse weather, and to remain robust in terms of future maintenance. Due to the semi ambulant demands of the Walkway users, and with the lift having only two entrances, one at ground level and one at 18 meters, the new lift had to be designed for full evacuation, with manual overrides and power availability to bring occupiers down to ground level in any emergency or breakdown.
Works included:
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Design of a new fully glazed within both lift car and structure
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Implementation of a tree root and bough protection strategy
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Use of five number piles and a thick pile cap for structural stability of the lift above
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Carefully designed lift pit and machine room to prevent water ingress and condensation
Key challenges:
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Protecting Kew visitors
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Accessing heaving goods and Plant
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Protection of existing Flora
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Design of foundations
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Meeting excessive tolerances of Walkway
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Maintenance and cleaning of lift enclosure
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Durability of lift car
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Handover and induction of Operation manuals
Key achievements:
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Segregation of public and operatives
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Planned times of ingress exit
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Protection zones, designated routes
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Design “table leg” structure over existing
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Careful engineering of link walkway
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Careful design for accessibility
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Careful selection of products
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Detailed handover inductions