Case Study: Out-of-Hours Crane Lift & VRV System Upgrade – Central London

Project Overview

SFE Services Ltd successfully delivered an out-of-hours crane lift part of a system upgrade on a five-storey building near Wandsworth Bridge, London. The project involved the safe removal of an existing rooftop chiller and the installation of new Daikin VRV condensers to improve system efficiency and reliability. All works were completed on Sunday 18th January to minimise disruption in this busy central London location.

The Challenge

The existing chiller was located on a five-storey roof with no internal removal route. Due to traffic density and pedestrian activity, the lift could not be undertaken during standard working hours. The project required precise planning, council approvals, traffic management, and specialist lifting equipment, all within a restricted time window.

Our Solution

SFE Services partnered with City Lifting Limited to manage all aspects of the crane operation, including council permits, traffic management, road closures, and lift execution. The existing chiller was carefully removed before new Daikin VRV condensers were craned into position and installed onto prepared bases.

On-Site Management

Given the complexity and risk profile of the works, senior leadership was present throughout the project. Operations Director Grant Davenport oversaw planning and delivery, while Senior Install Engineer James Hayward led the on-site installation team. This ensured full compliance with health and safety requirements and smooth coordination between all parties.

The Result

The crane lift and installation were completed safely, efficiently, and within the planned out-of-hours window. The upgraded system will provide enhanced energy efficiency, improved performance, and long-term resilience for the building’s cooling & heating requirements.

Why Choose SFE Services

SFE Services specialises in complex air conditioning and HVAC projects, including rooftop plant replacements, VRV installations, and out-of-hours works across London and the South East. Our experience, planning expertise, and trusted specialist partners allow us to deliver challenging projects with minimal disruption.

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