North Melbourne, Australia — Facade Access Solutions, part of Alimak Group, has designed and installed a concealed rooftop safety and facade access system for the eight-storey ANMF Hotel in North Melbourne. The install-only package covers roughly 180 m² of facade, was delivered in 2022 without disrupting the operating hotel, and leaves the heritage streetscape opposite Queen Victoria Market visually untouched.
On Victoria Street in North Melbourne, the ANMF Hotel sits directly across from Queen Victoria Market, one of the city’s most recognised heritage precincts. The new commercial development rises eight storeys, with six levels of accommodation built above a two-level heritage podium and a Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) structure above the preserved facade. For builder Multiplex, the brief was demanding: deliver a complete rooftop safety and facade access package that would protect maintenance workers for the life of the building while keeping the visible architecture completely untouched. Facade Access Solutions was engaged to design and install the system.
Facade Access Solutions delivered an integrated rooftop safety and facade access network made up of:
Crucially, the team anchored into existing rooftop and plant room elements rather than adding new structural members. This decision reduced both cost and impact on the CLT base building while maintaining the highest level of safety performance across the full approximately 180 m² maintenance envelope.
Visual impact was the defining constraint. By carefully positioning anchor points, monorails and lifelines during the design phase, Facade Access Solutions limited the system’s visible footprint from street level and minimised modifications to the CLT structure. The result is a maintenance access network that integrates with the architecture rather than imposing on it, which was a critical outcome for a site this close to a protected heritage precinct.
By the time installation began in October 2022, the hotel was already operating, with guests in the rooms and staff on shift. Disruption was not an option. Facade Access Solutions scheduled the majority of the work on weekends and within strict site noise limits. The rooftop work zone was tight, sitting above the heritage podium in one of Melbourne’s busiest precincts, so material handling, lifts and deliveries all required detailed pre-planning and disciplined onsite execution. The project was completed in December 2022 with no reported disruption to hotel operations.
The package was scoped to deliver value for money without compromising safety or the heritage architecture. For Multiplex and the building owner, that meant maximum safety, minimal structural modifications, full facade coverage of approximately 180 m², and a right-sized, install-only solution with no ongoing service commitment. The successful delivery extended Facade Access Solutions’ relationship with Multiplex following several completed projects together throughout 2022. The partnership was built on consistent execution, technical reliability and the ability to deliver complex rooftop systems on sensitive sites.
In one sentence, what were you most proud of in how the team delivered facade access at the ANMF Hotel without touching the heritage architecture?
“I was most proud of how the team delivered a fully compliant facade access and safety system that achieved complete maintenance coverage while seamlessly integrating with the building and leaving the heritage architecture visually untouched.”
Kenny Nguyen, Project Manager for ANMF Hotel, Facade Access Solutions, part of Alimak Group
Kenny Nguyen is a Project Engineer in Façade Access at Alimak Group’s Australian business, based in Melbourne, and served as Project Manager for the ANMF Hotel installation. He led delivery of the rooftop safety and façade-access system from design through to installation, coordinating closely with builder Multiplex to complete the works on a live, heritage-sensitive site — achieving full maintenance coverage with minimal structural modification and no disruption to hotel operations.
Infrastructure Access Solutions, part of Alimak Group, was engaged to undertake a major inspection and engineering assessment of the powered under-deck gantries operating beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge. These permanent access systems enable inspection and maintenance crews to safely access the bridge’s steelwork below the roadway, a critical component in maintaining one of Australia’s most iconic pieces of infrastructure.
The project required detailed engineering assessment of complex access plant operating in a highly constrained environment beneath an active transport corridor. The gantries consist of integrated structural, mechanical, electrical, and control systems that must function reliably while supporting suspended access operations at height.
Working within strict safety and operational requirements, the inspection program needed to verify the integrity and performance of the systems while minimizing disruption to ongoing maintenance activities.
Infrastructure Access Solutions delivered a coordinated major inspection and certification program, combining in-house engineering expertise with specialist testing services.
The scope included comprehensive inspection of structural elements, drive systems, rolling components, electrical and control systems, and operator safety features. Non-destructive testing of critical components was undertaken through a NATA-accredited laboratory, alongside functional testing of brakes, limit systems, and operational controls.
Infrastructure Access Solutions managed multiple specialist disciplines throughout the project, ensuring a structured inspection methodology and clear engineering documentation to support the certification process.
Through a detailed engineering assessment and coordinated inspection program, the under-deck gantries were verified for safe operation, restoring reliable access to critical areas of the bridge for ongoing inspection and maintenance activities.
The project highlights Infrastructure Access Solutions’ capability in delivering complex inspection and certification programs for permanent access and specialist maintenance equipment operating in demanding infrastructure environments.
Alimak Group has been recognized for innovation and sustainability with the 2025 Latour Sustainability Award for Manntech’s Articulated Mechatronic System (AMS). The award celebrates the company’s next generation Building Maintenance Unit (BMU) that delivers safer, faster, and more sustainable façade access for the world’s most complex buildings.
The Latour Sustainability Award was established in 2024 to honor measurable sustainability achievements across the Investment AB Latour portfolio. Alimak Group was selected for Manntech’s AMS, which achieved:
The AMS is an articulated, mechatronic BMU designed for safer and more sustainable building maintenance. Traditional BMUs often rely on heavy structures and rigid movement, which increases material use and CO₂ output. AMS offers a smarter solution through compact articulated arms that move precisely along façades. Its mechatronic design combines mechanical components with intelligent controls for smoother operation, improved reliability, and enhanced safety.
Installation is faster and simpler thanks to a modular and more efficient design that reduces the number of components lifted into place. This innovation drives a 40% reduction in assembly time, lowers loads on the building, and extends operational life. Operators also benefit from precise controls that allow safer and more confident work at height, improving both efficiency and sustainability.
Richard Horkavy, Vice President R&D, says:
“Winning the Latour Sustainability Award is a proud moment for Facade Access Solutions and a powerful validation of our approach to innovation. With the AMS, we’ve proven that it’s possible to rethink façade access with sustainability at the core—reducing CO₂ emissions, material use, and installation time, while enhancing safety and performance. We remain fully committed to continuing our journey of delivering smart, sustainable solutions that shape the future of our industry and support Alimak Group’s long-term environmental goals.”
This award reinforces Manntech’s role within Facade Access Solutions as a driver of sustainable progress in the facade access industry. It also reflects the strong partnership between Latour and Alimak Group and the shared commitment to long-term sustainable growth.
What is your role and how long have you been with the company?
I started with Manntech NA in 2013. When Alimak Group acquired Manntech and Cox Gomyl in 2017 I moved to Texas from New Jersey to help with the merger transition for the companies, technicians and systems.
I am currently the Service Support Manager. I have 4 service coordinators reporting to me (2 on the Alimak Group side and 2 from Tractel). I am also the Sales manager for the South East United States.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I have always enjoyed getting to know my clients, through emails but most importantly over the phone. The fabulous part of my sales job (which I started this past September) is getting out to visit clients. It has been great to meet people in person that I have only had a virtual relationship for years with. I find that talking to clients (in person or on the phone) is much more personal than emails. The client feels that Alimak Group cares for them, their needs with this personal touch.
What is your biggest accomplishment at work?
I had been a service coordinator for years. With the addition of Tractel to the Alimak Group family the responsibilities increased. I was promoted to Service Support Manager and hired the 2 Alimak Group service coordinators and have been working with the 2 Tractel coordinators to manage clients needs, scheduling of services, invoicing, etc. It is an ongoing job as we fully integrate the Tractel clients into the Alimak Group Salesforce system.
An anecdote during your tenure?
In 2019 a new Manntech BMU was installed in Houston, TX at the AIG building. It was the first time I was onsite to witness an installation of a BMU. Even more exciting because the lift was by helicopter. I was able to see all the work that is involved with knowing what parts can be lifted and the sequence to have them installed. I saw our technicians work tirelessly in the summer heat to piece the BMU together. Truly an awesome experience that not everyone in our business can be part of.
What is your role and how long have you been with the company?
I’m thrilled to share that I’ve recently been promoted to RRR Manager (Refurbishment, Retrofit & Replacement) after 9 years with the company!
From day one, I’ve been involved in key projects, from the design phase and factory manufacturing to installation coordination, testing, commissioning and final handover. This hands-on experience has given me a 360º perspective of projects, allowing me to understand both client expectations and factory requirements, while prioritizing lead times and key milestones to achieve project success.
What’s my favorite part of my job?
The opportunity to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions that truly make a difference, not only for our clients but also for the long-term performance of our equipment. Ensuring that our systems operate safely and efficiently for years to come is something I take great pride in. I also love the dynamic nature of my role. Working across all project stages while collaborating with our local offices, clients, and factory teams allows me to see the full impact of our work. But if I had to pick a single favorite moment, it would be the commissioning phase being on-site, witnessing a project come to life, and experiencing that incredible sense of accomplishment when everything runs smoothly.
My biggest accomplishment at work
I’ve had the privilege of working on iconic projects around the world, and choosing just one as my biggest achievement is nearly impossible. Each project has been special, not only because of its scale but because of the incredible teamwork that made it happen.
Some of the projects I’m most proud to have contributed to are:
Being part of these landmark projects has not only benefited our clients and company but has also reinforced my belief that great teams build great projects.
A memorable moment from my journey
I specially remember one of my first projects, being part of Alimak Group, our team faced an unexpected technical challenge during commissioning of Seminole Hard Rock, concerned about potential delays, we all collaborated closely to quickly diagnose the issue and implement a solution on-site. Seeing the system operate flawlessly after overcoming that challenge was a testament to the power of teamwork, problem-solving, and shared expertise, the key elements behind every successful project and Alimak´s values.
Being part of Alimak Group has allowed me to grow professionally while contributing to cutting-edge solutions in the industry.
Excited for what’s ahead! Looking forward to leading key projects that extend the lifespan and enhance the performance of building access systems worldwide.
What is your role and how long have you been with the company?
I am the General Manager of Facade Access Solutions China & HSPS China. I joined the company in May 2008, and it has been an incredible journey ever since.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Working in a male-dominated industry, I’ve always focused on leading my team and overcoming challenges, without letting gender define my role. The sense of achievement we share after conquering these challenges is my favorite part of the job.
With 17 years in the BMU industry, my passion for the products and brands has become second nature. My family loves to travel, and with my frequent business trips, I’ve developed a habit of looking up at skyscrapers in every city I visit. I instinctively check the brands of the BMUs installed on them. When I spot one from a brand I’ve worked with, I feel an immense sense of pride.
What is your biggest accomplishment at work?
I am incredibly proud of my stable, dedicated, and collaborative team we’ve built. Over 31.2% of the team has been with the company for more than 5 years, 10.4% for over 10 years, and 27% for more than 15 years. This longevity reflects the strong culture and commitment we’ve developed together.
Another achievement I take pride in is securing a major project in 2020 through persistence and sincerity. Despite strong competition, our commitment and expertise convinced the client to choose us, resulting in the successful installation of multiple BMUs, including a highly complex unit. To date, all 3 BMUs have been successfully installed and come into use, including the complex and largest of which weighs over 110 tons.
An anecdote during your tenure?
I started my BMU journey with Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) as a Project Manager, and it remains one of our key customers. That time SWFC was under construction, elevator access was extremely limited, and wait times were very long. To save time and increase efficiency, I often took the stairs. My personal record was climbing from B3 to the 54th floor – over 250 meters (the building stands at 492 meters). To this day, no one in the company has managed to break my record!
