Window installation at the Hotel Argentina in Dubrovnik
Placement of a 4-tonne glass pane under complex installation conditions
The Grand Villa Argentina, an elegant 5-star hotel near the old town of Dubrovnik (UNESCO World Heritage Site), has been undergoing extensive renovation since the end of 2023. The design is by renowned Croatian architect Marko Dabrović in collaboration with the Zagreb-based architectural firm 3LHD.
Heavydrive installed a four-tonne (8818 lbs) glass pane on behalf of local installation company Borovac. There were huge challenges to overcome.The glass element had to be precisely inserted into the façade under a three-metre-deep (9.8 ft) overhang. There was only six millimetres (0.24 in) of clearance around the frame and space was extremely limited.
The Heavydrive experts benefited from their experience installing an oversized glass pane at the Grand Park Hotel in Rovinj, which was designed by the same architectural firm.
The VSG 6000 counterweight beam and VSG 4000 KMH vacuum suction systems were used in Dubrovnik, with a suction length that could be extended to 18 metres (59.1 ft), plus an experienced team of English and Croatian-speaking equipment operators. Thanks to the precise controllability of the Heavydrive lifting technology and barrier-free communication, the element was efficiently inserted into the designated frame without any tension, and with millimetre precision.
A single construction crane would not have been able to handle the load. Therefore, two construction cranes were coupled via a counterweight beam and connected to the Heavydrive counterweight system. The synchronised movement of the cranes was controlled by radio remote control, enabling the glass pane to be moved in a controlled and safe manner.
As it was not possible to cordon off the thoroughfare, both the glass pane and the lifting equipment first had to be lifted over the hotel complex in front of the façade. The lorries were unloaded and the lifting system was assembled on site in close coordination with all parties involved.
The Heavydrive installation team unloaded the transported goods and successfully carried out a test lift on the façade. However, strong winds delayed the planned start of installation, resulting in increased time pressure.
Image rights: Heavydrive GmbH
The challenge:
The panes weighing 4 tonnes (8818 lb) had to be fitted with millimetre precision under a 3 m deep (9.8 ft) overhang. Only 6 mm (0.24 in) of clearance was available around the frame
The solution:
The VSG 4000 KMH vacuum suction system with counterweight system and the coupling of two construction cranes. The panes and lifting equipment were hoisted over the hotel complex to the façade.
Finally, however, the oversized glass element was installed in its final position within just one and a half hours.
The project demonstrates that precise and safe glass installation can be reliably achieved even in confined spaces, with heavy loads, and under weather-related constraints. This is achieved through coordinated technology, careful planning and precise execution.
Tags: #Heavydrive #GlassInstallation #SpecialInstallation #VacuumTechnology #InstallationTechnology #LargeGlass #FacadeConstruction #HotelConstruction #Dubrovnik #ConstructionSiteLogistics #LuxuryHotel #UNESCO #Borovac #3LHD #Sedakglass
