HOMEB Accessibility

Berlin goes to school — with Schindler elevators.

submitted by Schindler
photos courtesy of Schindler

It’s a well-known struggle for parents, teachers and students alike: Studying in overcrowded classrooms and outdated sports halls is not ideal. At least in Berlin, this is changing, as the city government has embarked on an ambitious school construction initiative. This extensive program includes the modernization, renovation and construction of new school buildings in the German capital.

Among these new buildings are 32 three-story timber modular extension buildings (HOMEB). With the last of these structures completed earlier this year as part of a three-year effort, they are barrier-free and equipped with Schindler elevators. The novelty: The elevators are installed in wooden shafts using a certified high-efficiency assembly method conceived by Schindler.Schindler’s expertise in working with timber proved beneficial to this endeavor.

Wooden and Flexible

Wood is an ideal construction material due to its sustainability, energy efficiency and — not least — its aesthetic qualities. A representative of general contractor Kaufmann Bausysteme said:

“The natural properties of wood provide a warm atmosphere, reduce energy consumption and allow for flexible design of school buildings. Besides the sustainability of timber construction, the method is characterized by its speed and resource efficiency. The modules are manufactured in the factory with up to 90% prefabrication.”

Schindler Shell construction is thus completed in just 11 days, and the total construction period takes approximately 10 months from the time the site is ready for building.

Accessibility for Everyone

A modern school implies inclusivity and accessibility for everyone. This is where Schindler came into play. Schindler 3000 elevators — a popular solution for low-rise buildings — were deemed the optimal candidate for installation into the wooden shafts of the building modules to ensure barrier-free access to the classrooms.

A Novelty, Not an Obstacle

Schindler has completed a number of projects where timber was the main character. So, Schindler Germany relied on the OEM’s global know-how to tackle the recent challenge. In fact, even though we think of wood as a tricky partner when it comes to elevator installations, it actually offers a number of advantages over concrete. For one, drilling no longer produces fine dust, keeping the construction site and the elevator shaft significantly cleaner. Installation itself is much quicker. Timber is softer, so a cordless drill is enough here. No heavy equipment is needed. Importantly, wooden shaft projects are easier to plan: Flange channels or millings — elements that would normally have to be included into shaft design — are not needed.

From Challenge to Innovation

Even with all advantages considered, there was, of course, the question of fastening. The simplest solution, which would be screwing directly into walls, is not an option with timber. So Schindler professionals developed a system based on a dowel with a metric internal thread for the standard elevator screw. This was an innovative solution, as Schindler Sales Engineer Jan Rohdenburg explained:

“Comprehensive tests at the training center in Berlin confirmed the suitability of the assembly system for dynamic loads, and the system received certification. Based on a standard fastening used in timber construction, it is suitable for almost all types of wood used in construction, taking into account different strength classes.”

Predictive Maintenance, Extended Lifecycle

Schindler fully supports the entire lifecycle of the 32 new elevators, from installation to maintenance. Thanks to cutting-edge sensor technology, the units enjoy predictive maintenance, transmitting their condition data automatically and in real-time to the Technical Operations Center in Berlin. Based on these signals, minor issues can be detected and resolved before escalating into full-scale failures. In the unlikely event of an outage, a resolution can be initiated immediately. Apart from remote monitoring, Schindler 3000 series features an entire palette of cutting-edge technical solutions. Variable-frequency drive systems provide next-level precision when it comes to performance regulation, extending the lifespan of components while reducing energy consumption and noise levels. Smaller motors can be used thanks to lightweight and durable belts. Universal digital controllers in these models offer flexibility for access points, stops and elevator groups, as well as improved reliability through absolute positioning of the elevator cabin. Contactless sensors ensure precise floor alignment, facilitating safe entry and exit. Moreover, the Schindler 3000 elevators are equipped with regenerative drive technology, which significantly reduces energy consumption and even feeds recovered energy back into the building’s power grid.

The Schindler elevators are part and parcel of Berlin’s aspirations to establish itself as one of the world’s major metropolises for wood construction.^[1] Thanks to the cost-effectiveness of prefabricated wood panels, the speed of on-site construction and increased sustainability requirements around the world, wooden modular construction has experienced a boom in recent years, noted Metsä Wood, a company whose Kerto^® LVL beams were used in construction of the 32 new schools. As more wooden modular structures rise both in Germany and around the world, Schindler stands ready to provide accessibility with its energy-efficient elevators and expertise in working with wood.

Reference

[1] “Efficient and Sustainable Wooden Modular Construction of 32 Schools in Berlin,” Metsä Wood press release, February 17, 2022.