This video details the construction of Roche Tower 2 in Basel, Switzerland, which became the country's tallest building at 205 meters. It focuses on the technical execution by the contractor, Marty, highlighting the logistical challenges of building in a confined urban space. The primary construction method involved erecting a heavily reinforced central concrete core using a complex, self-climbing formwork system. Floor slabs were then built around this core. The process required significant planning, including the use of BIM models and just-in-time material delivery. The video shows how the construction pace accelerated as workflows were optimized, culminating in the completion of the main structure in late 2020.
Building Roche Tower 2: A Logistical and Engineering Breakdown
0:00:21 Project Introduction: The video introduces Roche Tower 2 as Switzerland's new tallest building, with 50 floors and a height of 205 meters.
0:00:42 Massive Foundation: Construction began with a 20-meter deep excavation and the pouring of a 2.5-meter thick concrete base plate to ensure structural stability for the entire skyscraper.
01:37 Urban Construction Challenges: The project's location in central Basel meant extremely limited space, forcing meticulous logistical planning with a BIM model and just-in-time delivery of all materials, including pre-assembled elements.
02:02 Core-First Method: The tower was built using a core-first method. The central structural core, containing staircases and utility shafts, was erected first, followed by the construction of the surrounding floor slabs.
02:20 Automatic Climbing System: A key piece of technology was the automatic climbing formwork system. This complex machine served as formwork and scaffolding, hydraulically lifting itself up the newly concreted walls. It also included an integrated wind barrier to protect workers at high altitudes.
03:52 Heavy Reinforcement and Pumping: The core walls are up to 75 centimeters thick and heavily reinforced with steel. A powerful concrete pump was required to transport the concrete mix to the top of the structure, exceeding a height of 200 meters.
05:14 Mid-Construction Adaptation: The building's design tapers at higher floors. This required the complex climbing system to be partially dismantled and reconfigured at the 21st and 45th floors, a significant logistical task performed at height.
07:02 Parallel Workflows: To maximize efficiency, subcontractors began installing the facade and technical equipment on the completed lower floors while the main structure was still being built many stories above.
08:26 Accelerated Completion: As the project progressed, the team's workflow became highly optimized, increasing the construction pace from one floor every 14 days to one floor every six days. The main structure was completed in November 2020.