art'Otel Hoxton - Facade Access solution
Zarafa was commissioned to design, supply, and install a 7-tonne fixed jib luffing Building Maintenance Unit (BMU) for the striking new art'otel development in Hoxton, East London. This vibrant, design-led hotel required a facade access solution that was not only highly functional but also discreet enough to blend with the architectural vision of the building.
Our specialist team collaborated closely with the client and access consultant from the early stages to deliver a system that aligned seamlessly with the building’s overall access strategy, ensuring safe and reliable maintenance access without compromising aesthetics.
The key features of this project included:
- A 7-tonne fixed jib luffing BMU, purpose-designed to reach all external surfaces of the building, including difficult-to-access recessed glazing.
- Precise engineering to accommodate the building's complex façade layout, including various offsets and projections that required dynamic reach capability.
- A central parking location within the building, allowing the BMU to be safely stored out of sight when not in operation—maintaining the clean architectural lines of the rooftop.
- Careful coordination with the wider construction programme to ensure timely delivery, installation, and commissioning, with all works carried out under strict safety and quality control procedures.
- Contribution to a long-term building maintenance strategy, ensuring cleaning, inspection, and façade upkeep can be performed efficiently and in compliance with UK working at height regulations.
The system now enables comprehensive access across the entire façade of the art'otel, supporting ongoing operations while remaining largely invisible to guests and the public. The luffing jib function ensures precision positioning of the cradle, particularly important for recessed and set-back areas of the building.
Zarafa’s ability to deliver complex, visually unobtrusive BMU solutions makes us a trusted partner on high-profile developments across London and the UK. This project showcases our strength in collaborative engineering, working alongside developers, consultants, and architects to provide innovative, compliant, and long-lasting access systems.
