Aspin Pharma Glass Elevator

Project Overview

Aspin Pharma, a pharmaceutical facility operating within a Pre-Engineered Building (PEB), required a vertical transportation solution that could be seamlessly integrated into their facility without relying on any existing structural walls or building attachments. The project called for a fully standalone, glass-enclosed elevator — a structure that would need to stand on its own foundations while complementing the clean, modern aesthetic of a pharmaceutical environment.

 

Hub Elevator was engaged to design, fabricate, and install a freestanding glass elevator structure within the PEB facility. This project presented a distinct engineering challenge: to create an elevator shaft and enclosure that required zero attachment to the surrounding building fabric, while meeting the operational, safety, and aesthetic requirements of the client.

Aspin Pharma
Aspin Pharma 5

Client Requirements

The primary requirement from Aspin Pharma was straightforward but technically demanding — the elevator structure could not be attached to any part of the existing PEB building. Pre-engineered buildings have specific structural limitations; attaching heavy or laterally loaded structures to their frames can compromise the integrity of the building system. The client therefore required a completely independent elevator structure that would carry all its own loads without transferring any forces to the PEB framework.

 

In addition to the structural independence requirement, the client specified a glass enclosure to maintain an open, transparent appearance within the facility. The solution needed to meet all relevant safety and engineering standards while fitting within the spatial constraints of the existing PEB floor plan.

Solution We Provided

Structural Design

Hub Elevator engineered a fully self-supporting glass elevator structure that required no attachment to the existing Pre-Engineered Building (PEB).

Key Design Features

  • Independent foundation and structural steel framework
  • 100% freestanding construction
  • No load transfer to the PEB structure
  • Designed to withstand:
    • Vertical loads
    • Lateral forces
    • Dynamic elevator loads
    • Wind loads
  • Engineered to support:
    • Elevator cabin
    • Counterweight
    • Machinery
    • Glass enclosure
  • Carefully designed load paths and structural connections for long-term stability

Engineering Challenges

Installing a standalone elevator inside an existing PEB required careful planning and precision.

Challenges Addressed

  • Positioned the structure without touching existing columns or wall panels
  • Maintained precise clearances to prevent load transfer
  • Engineered a stable freestanding system within limited space
  • Designed custom framing for large glass panels
  • Ensured safe performance under continuous elevator movement
  • Managed precise installation tolerances throughout the project

Installation Highlights

The installation was carefully coordinated with the building construction schedule.

Highlights

  • Independent steel structure erected on its own foundation
  • Structure levelled and secured before elevator installation
  • Elevator components installed after structural completion
  • Glass panels installed in a controlled sequence
  • Precision alignment ensured a clean architectural finish
  • Final appearance complemented the pharmaceutical facility’s modern design

Project Timeline

Total Duration: 4 Months

Project Phases

  • Structural design & engineering
  • Steel structure fabrication
  • Foundation construction
  • Structure erection
  • Glass enclosure installation
  • Elevator installation
  • Testing & commissioning
  • Final handover

Project Outcome

Hub Elevator delivered a fully operational standalone glass elevator that met every project requirement.

Results

  • Completely independent elevator structure
  • Zero attachment to the existing PEB building
  • Modern glass enclosure for a clean, transparent appearance
  • Fully compliant with engineering and safety standards
  • Delivered within the agreed 4-month schedule
  • Reliable vertical transportation solution for a pharmaceutical facility

Project Images

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