Inaccessibility – Finding solutions for properties with poor access
Occasionally, we find that our projects are located in extremely inaccessible areas and we need to be creative in the way we approach them.
One such job is a project we recently completed in Lake Hopatcong, NJ. This particular site sits on a large outcropping of rock that borders the edge of the lake. Although the rocks make for a dramatic setting, their location and size, create challenges for accessibility.
Options for bringing materials (in this case bluestone steps, paving, and wall stone) to the rear of the site are: (1) Build an elevated walkway from the front yard to the rear yard. (2) Wait for winter and move the materials across the ice once the lake freezes. (3) Hire a barge to ferry the materials across the lake before winter (see images A1 & A2). (4) Use a crane to move materials from the front yard to the rear yard by craning over the house.
Image A1
Loading materials on a barge to be ferried across the lake to the project site
Image A2
Because the existing wires and mature trees made craning impossible, and our clients didn’t want to incur the expense of building an elevated walkway or wait another season before having their job completed, they chose to move forward with ferrying the materials across open water (see Image A3 for before, & A4 for after images)
We’ve had some experience ferrying material across Lake Placid for a project we did there years ago, so we were comfortable coming up with a plan for this project.
Often, the only solution to getting to a location is simply using a crane. We probably use cranes several times during the season to move materials. Technically there’s nothing a crane can’t move (if the crane is big enough), and that includes a stainless-steel pool on top of a rooftop.
Image A3
Materials being unloaded at project site. Wall, walkways and stairs before construction.
Images A4
Walls, walkways & stairs completed
The stainless steel rooftop pool (see below) was fabricated off-site and brought to Morristown and set upon this residential roof a few seasons ago. The pool was built in its entirety in St. Louis, then cut into 3 sections, and then craned up separately. The 3 sections were then welded back together after being set in place
Like many things, the success with craning is making sure you’ve done your homework properly. This includes taking into consideration overhead wires and tree limb obstructions as well as taking the time to properly prep the site before the crane arrives on the project site.
Image A6
Stainless Steel Rooftop Pool
Section 1 of this stainless steel pool being lowered in place