The summer months did not bring a slowdown on the construction site either. Works continued on both the North and South sections, with individual buildings gradually progressing into new phases of construction. Advancing several parts of the project simultaneously requires precise planning, as Emonika is being built on a spatially constrained and highly congested site in the very centre of the city.
The beginning of autumn is therefore a good opportunity to look back at what has been achieved and at what lies ahead on the construction site in the coming months. We spoke with David Oitzl, Project Manager at Mendota Invest, about the key summer milestones, the less visible challenges of construction and the next steps.
Which works were the main focus in the North and South sections of Emonika during the summer months, and which specific construction milestones were achieved during this period?
In both sections, the main focus was on structural works. In the North section, we have completed the structures of practically all buildings, while in the South section, the entire structure has reached ground-floor level.
In the North section, the Office Building has been enclosed with its façade, while windows are currently being installed in the residential and hotel buildings. We have also started constructing partition walls in the apartments and hotel rooms.
The first important milestone for all buildings is their protection from weather conditions, which we internally refer to as making the buildings watertight. All current works are focused on achieving these milestones during the autumn.
Did the original plans or construction schedule need to be adjusted during the summer due to site conditions, weather or the coordination of different contractors? How did you respond?
Construction schedules are generally adjusted on a weekly basis due to various factors, while the key milestones and final deadlines must remain unchanged.
This summer, high temperatures were the main challenge on the construction site. The main contractor provided several cooled areas in mobile containers where workers could cool down and refresh themselves with cold drinking water. Workers were also provided with the legally required rest periods for working in such conditions.
The construction activities themselves also had to be adapted to the high temperatures. For this reason, many concrete pours started early in the morning so that they could be completed before the hottest part of the day.
How challenging is it to organise the construction of such a large project on a spatially constrained site in the city centre, and how do you ensure that works on different buildings can proceed simultaneously?
Construction in the city centre is a major organisational challenge, as there is practically no space available for logistics and storage areas. Almost all materials are therefore delivered to the construction site on a just-in-time basis, shortly before they are installed in their designated locations.
At the same time, traffic around the construction site needs to operate as smoothly as possible, as the city only permits occasional short-term closures of pavements or roads. The main contractor therefore has to plan all deliveries very precisely and coordinate the construction activities to ensure that works on different buildings can proceed simultaneously.
Which works will be the main focus on the construction site during the autumn, and what needs to be completed before the next phases can begin?
In the North section, the most visible work will be the installation of the façades on the residential and hotel buildings. Inside, we will begin fitting out the apartments and hotel rooms. This includes all finishing works as well as mechanical and electrical installations. During the autumn, up to 300 workers per day will be working in the North section of the construction site.
In the South section, the Tower will continue rising towards its final height throughout the autumn and winter, while façade works will begin on the shopping centre and hotel. All installation works will also begin inside the buildings.
Preparations for the installation of the Tower façade will take place at the same time, with installation scheduled to begin at the start of next year.
Which upcoming change will be most noticeable to passers-by, and which major milestones do you aim to achieve by the end of this year?
For passers-by, the most noticeable change will be the installation of façades across all buildings, bringing Emonika increasingly closer to its final appearance.
By the end of the year, the entire North complex needs to be fully enclosed and protected from weather conditions. In the South section, the shopping centre and hotel also need to reach this stage.
