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Engineering Safe Access for Iconic Facades Across APAC
A 2025 Regional Showcase of Building Maintenance Unit Solutions
Facade Access Solutions APAC delivered another strong year of Building Maintenance Unit solutions in 2025, supporting safe and efficient facade maintenance across diverse building types. As commercial towers, mixed-use developments, and infrastructure projects continue to evolve in scale and form, dependable facade access systems have become essential to building safety, operational efficiency, and long-term asset value.
Across APAC regions, facade access systems were engineered to address complex geometries, limited rooftop space, and demanding environmental conditions. Each project demonstrates how BMU technology plays a significant role in modern building lifecycle management.
Australia’s architectural landscape in 2025 saw a shift toward balancing public accessibility with complex structural maintenance. From high-profile waterfront developments in Sydney to intricate curved office towers in Melbourne’s CBD, the focus remained on integrating high-capacity BMUs that disappear when not in use. These projects highlight the engineering required to navigate tight rooftop constraints and unique bridge geometries while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of landmark structures.
Strategic Advantages:
Circular Quay Tower is a prominent commercial development overlooking Sydney Harbour. Its publicly accessible terraces required facade access systems that remain discreet while delivering complete coverage. Two CoxGomyl BMUs with telescopic and luffing jibs provide safe access to the curtain wall and glazing. A folding terrace floor conceals BMU tracks during normal operation, allowing uninterrupted public use. A permanent materials hoist crane supports long-term plant replacement and improves operational efficiency.
Value-Add Features:
At Grosvenor Place, Manntech upgraded the facade access system with two knuckle jib BMUs designed to improve safety and productivity. Each unit includes crane capability to support facade maintenance and rooftop plant replacement. Remote monitoring and automated positioning reduce operator risk and improve cleaning cycles. Installation was completed within tight rooftop constraints while maintaining continuous building operations.
Engineering Breakthroughs:
The Kangaroo Point Bridge required a temporary facade access solution during construction that could adapt to curved structural geometry. Manntech delivered a removable BMU system with a central platform and dual cradles engineered to travel along the bridge pylon. Stabilized using tensioned cables and installed without permanent fixings, the system enabled safe installation of cable stays while preserving the bridge’s architectural appearance.
System Capabilities:
LIV Flinders West is a mixed-use office tower in Melbourne’s CBD designed by Fender Katsalidis Architects. The building’s flowing facade includes curved surfaces, recessed sections, and uneven heights that required a sophisticated access strategy. CoxGomyl provided a Type 5000 BMU with a telescopic mast and a 26-meter outreach jib to achieve full facade coverage. A butterfly crossbar cradle enables precise lateral movement into recessed areas. The system was engineered to remain discreet when inactive through optimized track layout and compact rooftop integration, ensuring alignment with the building’s design intent.
Hong Kong’s skyline continues to push the boundaries of glass geometry and vertical density. In 2025, the region’s facade access projects focused on navigating highly irregular glass shapes and extreme rooftop space constraints. By utilizing telescopic masts and knuckle jib technology, these solutions provide the necessary reach to maintain iconic, curved glass structures while ensuring the equipment remains unobtrusive within the limited footprints of Hong Kong’s most prestigious commercial towers.
At a Glace:
The AIA Building required a facade access solution capable of navigating sunshades, recessed glazing, and limited rooftop space. CoxGomyl supplied a fixed-based BMU with a telescopic mast, knuckle jib, and wide cradle. The compact system footprint ensures safe operation around facade obstacles while delivering full exterior coverage for efficient long-term maintenance.
Technical Specifications:
Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, The Henderson features a curved glass facade that required adaptable access equipment. Manntech carried two BMUs with telescopic masts and 26.5-meter outreach engineered to follow the building’s geometry. Integrated monitoring systems support predictive maintenance and enhance long-term equipment reliability for this landmark commercial tower.
The scale of urban development in China demands facade access systems that combine high-performance efficiency with extreme durability. In 2025, projects in major commercial and coastal hubs demonstrated the need for stable platforms that can service massive glass elevations with minimal disruption. Furthermore, in coastal environments, specialized engineering was required to protect equipment from corrosive elements like salt and high humidity, ensuring the longevity of both the BMU and the building envelope.
Performance Drivers:
Located in a busy commercial district, the Guangzhou Business Center required stable facade access with minimal disruption to daily operations. CoxGomyl installed a high-performance BMU designed to service wide glass elevations efficiently. The system supports consistent cleaning and inspection while maintaining operational continuity.
Engineering Edge:
The Qingdao Haitian Center faces demanding coastal conditions including wind, humidity, and salt exposure. CoxGomyl supported a high-capacity BMU engineered for durability and smooth operation in high-exposure environments. The system supports safe facade maintenance while protecting the building envelope over time.
In Malaysia, 2025 projects highlighted the intersection of cultural design and high-end hospitality standards. Facade access solutions had to overcome the challenges of traditional design elements, such as vertical fins and angled surfaces, which create deep recesses. Additionally, for the hospitality sector, the priority was on smooth, reliable maintenance cycles that protect the brand’s image and guest experience by ensuring the building remains pristine in tropical environments.
The Solution:
The KKD Tower features deep recesses, angled surfaces, and vertical fins inspired by traditional design elements. Manntech supplied a telescopic Type 6.4 BMU with 34-meter outreach to service complex facade areas. Modular installation addressed rooftop constraints and ensured safe access across the entire building envelope.
Critical Outcomes:
At the Hyatt Regency, maintaining facade appearance is critical to brand standards and guest experience. CoxGomyl rendered a BMU designed for smooth operation across varying elevations in tropical conditions. The system supports regular cleaning and inspection while extending facade service life and maintaining operational readiness.
Singapore’s mature built environment in 2025 showcased the growing importance of asset lifecycle management. Rather than replacing entire systems, refurbishment projects have become a key strategy for enhancing building value. By upgrading critical mechanical and safety components, existing BMU systems are being restored to modern standards, significantly extending their service life while minimizing the environmental and financial costs associated with new installations.
Asset Benchmarks:
At Alexandra Point, Tractel completed a comprehensive BMU refurbishment to restore performance after years of service. Upgrades included motors, safety devices, and control systems. The phased execution minimized tenant disruption and extended the BMU service life by up to 15 years, reinforcing the building’s long-term value.
Projects delivered across APAC in 2025 highlight the increasing importance of reliable facade access systems in supporting building safety, operational efficiency, and long-term asset performance. As commercial towers, mixed-use developments, and infrastructure projects adopt more complex facade designs, Building Maintenance Units play a vital role in enabling safe cleaning, inspection, and repair. Well-engineered BMU systems reduce operational risk, support regulatory compliance, and help building owners protect facade integrity throughout the building lifecycle.
Through the combined expertise of Tractel, Manntech, and CoxGomyl, Facade Access Solutions APAC continues to deliver engineered facade access solutions aligned with regional building requirements. From new BMU installations to system upgrades and refurbishment projects, these solutions support predictable maintenance cycles, improved equipment reliability, and efficient facade operations. As automation, remote monitoring, and durable access technologies continue to evolve, Facade Access Solutions APAC remains committed to supporting safer maintenance teams, cleaner facades, and resilient buildings across Australia, Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, Singapore, and the wider Asia-Pacific region.