Vienna’s skyline is graced by the presence of the WOLFF 8060.25 Cross crane, currently playing a pivotal role in the extensive renovation of the European Patent Office building, situated not far from the iconic Belvedere Palace. This ambitious project, conceptualized by ATP architekten ingenieure and executed by the accomplished PORR construction company, places a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, making the crane’s assembly and operation a crucial element in preserving the surrounding ecosystem.
The unique challenge presented by this endeavor was the crane’s placement within Vienna’s densely populated and bustling Landstraße district. The crane found its temporary home within the confines of the botanical garden at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna. The architects, construction teams, and Wolffkran specialists worked closely together to develop an eco-conscious assembly plan that would leave the lush garden virtually unscathed. In fact, only a single tree and a hedge needed to be carefully transplanted to make way for the massive crane.
Given the restricted space within the botanical garden, a mobile crane with a 450-ton capacity and a top attachment was employed to erect the WOLFF 8060.25 Cross. Zeljko Tenjovic, Managing Director of Wolffkran Austria GmbH, highlighted the critical role of coordination with the transport company due to limited on-site storage for crane components. Despite challenging weather conditions and shorter daylight hours, the crane stood tall in just four days. Its dismantling will follow a similar expedited process during the upcoming January school holidays.
Boasting an impressive 80-meter jib length and a lifting capacity of 7.0 tons, the WOLFF 8060.25 Cross reigns as Austria’s most powerful construction crane. This extraordinary strength is harnessed to transport materials, equipment, and even hefty prefabricated elements, such as entire staircases, between Prätoriusgasse and the construction site. This approach significantly reduces the need to utilize the construction road through the botanical garden, aligning perfectly with the project’s environmental conservation goals.
The renovation of the European Patent Office’s 50-year-old building goes beyond aesthetics. It is designed to be climate-positive, featuring heat recovery systems, a rooftop photovoltaic system, and the integration of sustainable wooden elements. When the renovation reaches completion at the close of 2024, the building is anticipated to produce more energy than it consumes, marking a significant milestone in sustainable construction practices.
