Curved glass elements installed in extremely confined spaces
Heavydrive installs precision-made large-format panels under the roof of the mall
At Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier, a new development in HafenCity, the installation of curved glass elements presented specific challenges in terms of technology and workflow. Heavydrive provided just the right solution and assisted with the glazing of a complex façade section.
Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier opened in April 2025 and ranks as Europe’s largest inner-city regeneration project. Shopping, dining, exhibitions, and the city’s largest cinema are all combined in a single venue. The space between the "Luv & Lee" towers is bridged by a striking glass roof structure, which creates a weather-protected urban space but posed significant challenges for the installation of the façade elements.
The glass elements installed in the "Lee & Luv" towers measured up to 2,503 x 4,900 millimetres (8.2 x 16.1 ft) and weighed up to 958 kilograms (2,112 lbs). The main challenge was installing the glass panes vertically, while the available overhead space was extremely restricted. The glass elements were positioned and installed on the respective levels using a telescopic forklift equipped with a crane boom.
The Challenge:
Installation of the panes in a vertical position despite limited headroom
The Solution:
Vacuum Suction System VSG 1000 KR-35
The assignment was accomplished using the Heavydrive vacuum suction system VSG 1000 KR-35. With a load capacity of up to 1,000 kilograms (2,205 lbs) and a span of 4,500 millimetres (14.8 ft), it enabled the safe handling of concave and convex curved glass elements. The remote radio-controlled rotation and swivel function ensured precise positioning even in confined spaces.
Close collaboration with the client, Metal Yapi of Istanbul, and the on-site team allowed processes to be adapted flexibly and made sure the installation proceeded smoothly.
"It is especially in projects with limited space and complex geometries that we see just how crucial the right combination of technology and planning is," explains Günter Übelacker. "Only when both are precisely coordinated can assignments like these be completed efficiently and safely."
Tags: #WestfieldHamburg #HamburgÜberseequartier #MetalYapi #FaçadeConstruction #GlassInstallation #Heavydrive #VacuumTechnology #InstallationTechnology #Architecture #Construction Project
