No chance for the crane
THE HELICOPTER DELIVERY SERVICE
FOR YANMAR HEAT PUMPS
The Fifty Five Westend project in Frankfurt required innovative building technology to be installed in an unusual way. As it was not possible to use a crane, several heat pumps weighing several tons were lifted precisely onto the roof by helicopter.
YANMAR coordinated the technical concept and worked with strong partners to ensure that everything ran smoothly. The project stands for efficient and modern building technology in urban areas.
Challenge
Urban densification meets
technical reality
In the heart of Frankfurt’s Westend district, the modernized office project “Fifty Five Westend” is being built, a building complex that will be raised to a completely new energy level in terms of building services. However, the location presented the project partners with a problem that is rare on construction sites of this size.
The underground subway tunnel below made it impossible to use a crane. There was only one solution for transporting the large components, including four modern heat pumps: a helicopter operation over a densely built-up urban area. At the same time, logistics, safety, and timing had to work seamlessly. The components had a total weight of around 17 tons and had to be placed at a height of 44 meters with pinpoint accuracy.
Solution
Precision, teamwork, and
a perfectly coordinated concept
From the outset, YANMA Energy System contributed its experience with similar special projects and took on the technical coordination of the heat pump installation. Together with Lauer GmbH and Swiss specialist HeliSwiss, a detailed schedule was drawn up, covering everything from delivery and load distribution to final positioning on the roof.
The result was a perfectly orchestrated helicopter flight along the facades, accompanied by roof teams who positioned and secured each component within seconds.
Result
Energy efficiency
gains height profile
The helicopter operation was more than just a spectacular sight. It was technically necessary and also the most efficient solution for bringing heavy components into the building without damaging the surrounding area. With the installation of the new heat pumps, the project sends a strong signal for modern building technology, efficiency, and sustainability in inner-city areas.
The teams involved particularly emphasize how quickly and precisely the entire process was implemented.
Lukas Heinz, Lauer GmbH
“It’s unbelievable how quickly that happened. The whole team was thrilled. We’re considering using something like this more often in the future.”
Sead Vehabovic,
YANMAR Energy System Europe,
Sales Region South
At a glance
FIFTY FIVE WESTEND
-
PROJECT
FIFTY FIVE WESTEND | Frankfurt am Main
Modernization of office building -
PRODUCTS
4 x Propane heat pumps -
TOTAL LOAD
approx. 17 tons -
SPECIAL FEATURE
Helicopter transport due to subway tunnel
-
ROOF HEIGHT
44 meters -
PARTNERS
YANMAR Energy System, Lauer GmbH, HeliSwiss,
GBP, Apoprojekt, FPS -
CORE OBJECTIVE
Energy-efficient building technology &
modernization under inner-city restrictions -
CONTACT PERSON
Sead Vehabovic | sead_vehabovic@yanmar.com
Impressions
of the helicopter deployment
