Window Replacement
Without Cranes

Engineered facade access systems for efficient glazing replacement

Facade access systems engineered for efficient glazing replacement throughout the building's operational lifecycle.

Our systems integrate window replacement capability from the design stage, eliminating the need for external cranes or temporary access solutions.

Window Replacement Systems in Practice

View from a building window showing Høyden maintenance workers on the ground below, wearing safety gear and helmets, working with ropes and equipment on a facade.

Window replacement systems [1.5min]

A Høyden worker wearing safety gear, including a helmet and harness, is cleaning windows on a high-rise building. The worker is suspended in mid-air with a cityscape visible below.

Engineered Systems for Glazing Replacement

Window replacement is a lifting operation, not a cleaning operation.

When we design facade access systems, window replacement capability is part of the engineering brief. The systems must handle controlled descent and ascent of glazing panels, precise positioning during installation, and safe load distribution.

This requires:

  • Engineered anchor loads for panel weight plus safety factors

  • Rail systems positioned to enable vertical and horizontal movement

  • Lifting solutions integrated with the facade access infrastructure

  • Structural coordination from early design stages

Our approach: engineer the window replacement strategy alongside the facade access system, ensuring buildings can replace glazing efficiently without external infrastructure.

Window Replacement as Part of the System Design

When window replacement is in the scope of our delivery, we develop a comprehensive strategy for the building.

This includes:

Engineering and calculation:

Our engineers calculate and integrate all required structural details. Anchor loads, rail capacity, and lifting integration are designed specifically for the building's glazing specifications and replacement requirements.

System solutions:

We have developed products specifically for window replacement operations. Beyond standard davit arms, we engineer bespoke lifting solutions tailored to each building's needs. These solutions integrate with both roof-mounted and facade-mounted rail systems.

Detailed coordination:

Rails can be detailed to cater for lifting operations whether mounted on the roof or integrated with the facade. The engineering ensures compatibility with the building's structural capacity and architectural design.

The result: buildings with permanent systems capable of efficient glazing replacement throughout their operational lifespan.

Why Early Integration Matters

The most effective window replacement solutions are engineered when we participate from early building design stages.

Retrofit solutions are possible for existing buildings. However, when facade access systems are designed alongside the building from conceptual phases, the integration is seamless and the engineering is optimized.

Early-stage design enables:

  • Future glazing specifications incorporated into system engineering

  • Structural coordination for anchor placement and load distribution

  • Rail systems positioned for optimal lifting operations

  • Integration with facade module design and building structure

  • Long-term maintenance strategy planned from the start

This ensures buildings are designed not just for opening day, but for decades of efficient operation and maintenance.

Project References

We have extensive experience engineering window replacement systems across various building types and glazing specifications.

Selected projects include:

  • DNB Vestbygget (Oslo)

  • Oslo Plaza / Radisson Blu (Oslo)

  • Posthuset / Entra (Oslo)

  • Rebel / Skanska (Oslo)

Each project demonstrates different engineering challenges: varied panel sizes, complex facade geometries, occupied buildings requiring minimal disruption, and site-specific structural considerations.

Selected references

Planning Your Window Replacement System

Whether you are designing a new building or need window replacement capability for an existing structure, we engineer solutions tailored to your specific requirements.

Our engineers work with architects, structural engineers, contractors, developers, and building owners across Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Europe.

Contact us to discuss your project.