Project Requirements and Site Conditions

The Elder Street Lookout, affectionately known as "The Ice Pick", presented one of the most technically demanding façade installation projects undertaken by Rigsafe. The architecturally designed structure combined approximately 25 tonnes of laser-cut structural steel with 115 uniquely shaped glazing panels, assembled into custom-built sections with no square edges.

Every component required precise handling throughout fabrication, transport and installation to maintain structural alignment and protect the complex glazing system. The project demanded millimetre-level accuracy while working within a confined Perth CBD site surrounded by live traffic, limited crane access and restricted working areas.

Before installation could begin, each section progressed through multiple stages, travelling from the steel fabricator to the paint facility, then to glazing installation before being transported into the city for final assembly. Careful planning, logistics coordination and staged deliveries were essential to ensure each component arrived safely and in the correct sequence.

How Rigsafe Delivered the Work

Rigsafe provided an integrated lifting and installation solution, managing the specialist rigging, crane operations and staged assembly of the structure from initial planning through to final installation.

Working closely with the project team, our crews coordinated the safe transport of each completed section before undertaking the complex installation process. Each panel was carefully lifted, positioned, adjusted and welded into place, with continual alignment checks to achieve the required architectural tolerances.

The project required meticulous lift planning, experienced rigging crews and close coordination with surrounding contractors to safely complete the installation while minimising disruption within the busy Perth CBD environment.

Rigsafe's scope included:

• Specialist lift planning and methodology
• Crane hire and crane operations
• Structural rigging and lifting
• Transport coordination between fabrication, painting and glazing facilities
• Precision façade installation
• Sequential assembly and welding of structural components
• Coordination with project stakeholders throughout delivery

The Result on Site

Rigsafe successfully completed the installation of the Elder Street Lookout, delivering one of Perth's most recognisable architectural structures safely and to the exacting quality standards required by the project.

Despite the complexity of the structure, restricted site access and precision installation requirements, the works were completed through careful planning, experienced execution and close collaboration with the broader project team.

The project went on to receive a Master Builders Western Australia Award in 2023, recognising the exceptional quality of workmanship and reinforcing Rigsafe's capability to deliver complex lifting, rigging and structural installation projects across commercial construction.