These beams support the roof system and anchor the steel cables of the atrium façades. With a weight of up to 60t, these beams represented a particular challenge in terms of assembly. The prefabricated support elements were welded together on-site and mounted using up to five mobile cranes. The 3cm-thick steel cables of the cable façade, which is suspended from the fish-bellied beam, are anchored on the ground floor with a tension force of up to 22t. The beam swivels in the bearing mounts which, in combination with the elasticity of the steel cables of the façade, allows movements of up to 60cm. Steel cables run through both the vertical and horizontal joints of the glass panels. The cables in the vertical joints bear the weight of the panes, while the horizontal cables stabilise the point fittings, preventing them from twisting and turning.
Façades from seele have helped to ensure that the European Investment Bank in Luxembourg is the first building in continental Europe to be awarded a BREEAM “Excellent” certificate.
Images: © Marcus Bredt