Key Takeaways
This article explains how Sesame Access plans the safe movement of large lift components into tight or restricted building environments. The transcript focuses on delivering a bespoke piano lift into a basement through a narrow window opening using specialist lifting equipment, skates, ramps and temporary gantry platforms. The principles apply across many Sesame Access products, including the Wellington Lift, Buckingham Listed Building Lift and Edinburgh Access Lift.
Introduction
Complex lift installations often require more than just engineering the lift itself. In many heritage, theatre or basement environments, the delivery route becomes just as critical as the final installation. The transcript used for this article describes a real-world planning session for moving a piano lift and retracting stair system into a theatre basement through a constrained window opening.
This situation highlights how Sesame Access collaborates with contractors, structural engineers and site teams to create workable and safe delivery pathways while respecting building limitations and ongoing construction schedules.
Why delivery logistics matter for bespoke lift installations
Bringing a fully engineered lift into a restricted space requires detailed planning. In this project, the only viable access route was through a basement window approximately 1000 mm wide and 1800 mm high once its frame was removed. Because the window was smaller than the nearby door opening, removing the door frame offered no benefit, making the window the definitive constraint for all components.
This level of careful dimension-checking is standard practice for any project involving bespoke Sesame lifts, especially installations such as the Wellington Lift where precision-engineered steel assemblies must be transported without distortion or impact.
How a temporary gantry platform creates a safe entry route
The contractor provides a four-metre-square gantry platform outside the window at sill height. A high-ab crane places the lift components onto this platform, enabling a controlled movement path into the building.
This external platform solves several challenges simultaneously. It provides a stable working area for the lifting team, creates level access to the window opening and allows the heavy steel components to be positioned onto skates before entering the building.
This approach is commonly used for international projects as well, where bespoke logistics planning is essential. You can read more about global installations in the article:
https://www.sesameaccess.com/about/articles/sesame-access-global-installs
Creating a smooth transition with ramps and skates
To move the components safely from the gantry into the basement, the contractor installs a long internal ramp. Once the window frame is removed, the lift parts can be placed on skates and rolled smoothly down the ramp into the studio space.
This controlled handling method ensures that precision parts, such as scissor mechanisms or retracting stair assemblies, remain undamaged and perfectly aligned throughout the delivery process.
What structural and planning considerations arise?
The transcript highlights several additional engineering and sequencing issues:
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A new steel grillage is required to replace or strengthen the existing basement floor so it can support the lift’s operational loads.
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The stairlift element is redesigned to become a retracting stair system, mirroring the piano lift’s movement but avoiding disruptive works under the stage.
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The retracting stair still requires a lift pit to operate correctly, even though its mechanism differs from a traditional platform lift.
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Drawings must be withheld until final pricing approval is issued, due to several recent design changes.
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Temporary works will need to be in place for approximately 26 weeks while the scaffold and structural operations progress.
For more detail on when a pit is required and how pit drainage works, see:
https://www.sesameaccess.com/knowledge-hub/lift-pit-drainage-and-installation
How Sesame collaborates with site teams
Throughout the transcript, the discussion shows how Sesame Access works closely with contractors to produce accurate lifting plans and installation strategies. This includes confirming opening sizes, coordinating with structural engineers, reviewing lifting equipment arrangements and producing drawings that match on-site construction requirements.
This process is essential for bespoke systems such as the Buckingham Listed Building Lift and Edinburgh Access Lift, both of which often require bespoke delivery routes in heritage environments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do you determine whether a lift component will fit through an existing opening?
The team compares all component dimensions with the smallest available access point and recommends temporary frame removal where needed.
Why use a gantry platform?
A gantry creates a safe, level working area outside the window so heavy components can be positioned and rolled into the building.
Is a ramp always needed for basement installations?
A ramp ensures a smooth transition between levels and allows components on skates to pass into the space safely.
Why is a structural grillage sometimes required?
If the existing floor cannot take the lift’s dynamic loads, a steel grillage replaces or reinforces it to provide safe long-term support.
Who develops the lifting plan?
Sesame Access develops the lifting plan once the contractor provides drawings, measurements and details of external temporary works.
Call to Action
If your project requires a bespoke lifting strategy or complex installation planning, book a meeting with one of our Project Managers:
https://www.sesameaccess.com/book-a-meeting