2024 was another busy year for our installation partner Integral Cradles, as the façade access specialist continued to expand its impressive portfolio of installations across London’s most prestigious developments.
Building on its 20-year legacy of excellence, the company strengthened key partnerships with tier one clients including Canary Wharf Contractors Limited, Multiplex, and Laing O’Rourke, while delivering innovative access solutions for some of the capital’s most iconic structures.
HSBC Tower, Canary Wharf (February)
In February, Integral Cradles successfully completed the installation of a new building maintenance unit (BMU) at HSBC Tower, Level 5 in Canary Wharf. This project further solidified the company’s longstanding relationship with the iconic tower, following their successful replacement of two BMUs on Level 44 back in 2015.
The installation demonstrated Integral Cradles’ expertise, as their specialist lifting teams executed the removal of the existing unit and replaced necessary tracks while engineering a solution that allowed for the re-use of the low garage to park the replacement BMU. Despite the challenge of conforming to updated standards, Integral Cradles’ design team created a solution that seamlessly integrated with the existing structure.
Olympia Development (February to December)
The prestigious Olympia development saw Integral Cradles working alongside Laing O’Rourke throughout the year on multiple access solutions. February marked the beginning of abseil rails installation, followed by a gantry with cradle installation in March. The project continued with abseil davits installation in November, culminating with a BMU installation in December.
This comprehensive project showcased Integral Cradles’ ability to deliver complex, multi-phase access solutions for landmark developments, ensuring safe and efficient maintenance capabilities for years to come.
Wood Wharf J1J3, Canary Wharf (May)
May brought the successful installation of a BMU at Wood Wharf J1J3 for Canary Wharf Contractors Limited. This project forms part of the impressive Wood Wharf development, billed as ‘Canary Wharf’s new neighbourhood’, which will provide up to 3,600 new homes, 2 million square feet of office space, and 350,000 square feet of retail space across nine acres of public spaces, squares and parks.
The installation demonstrated Integral Cradles’ ongoing partnership with CWCL and their ability to develop bespoke access solutions that meet the specific needs of this ambitious development.
1 Leadenhall Street (June)
In June, Integral Cradles completed twin BMU and Lift Tables installation at 1 Leadenhall Street for Multiplex, another of the company’s key long-term clients. This installation reflects Integral Cradles’ commitment to delivering innovative and safety-focused solutions for high-profile developments in the heart of London.
Wood Wharf E3/E4, Canary Wharf (July)
July saw Integral Cradles return to the Wood Wharf development for a project at the E3/E4 building. Kevin Walton, Managing Director at Integral Cradles, noted: “Due to the building’s bowed elevations, our BMU track system has been specially designed to curve around the building, enabling full façade access.”
This bespoke system design provides assurance that maintenance can be carried out on all areas of the building, demonstrating the company’s innovative approach to complex architectural challenges. Following the completion of factory testing, the team progressed with the installation of the BMU track and access systems to enable comprehensive access to all of the building’s façades.
Design Excellence
The company’s 2024 Design Highlights include impressive 3D renderings of bespoke façade access solutions, showcasing Integral Cradles’ commitment to advanced BIM and 3D modelling technology that ensures seamless integration with architectural designs.
Poised for Future Growth
As Integral Cradles has installed its next two projects during the beginning of 2025, the company continues to channel its efforts into delivering safely and effectively on significant projects secured in 2024 for some of the construction industry’s most prestigious clients.
Kevin Walton, Managing Director of Integral Cradles, reflected on the company’s achievements: “Our success in securing high-profile projects throughout 2024 demonstrates the confidence our clients have in us to deliver innovative, high-quality solutions. As we advance into 2025, we’re laser-focused on exceeding expectations by pushing boundaries in the building access industry and driving forward our sustainability goals.”
For more information on Integral Cradles and its comprehensive access solutions, please visit www.i-cradles.com.