The Waterside Condominium, Singapore

Faced with the need to modernize the 24 passenger elevators at The Waterside condominiums, property owners knew a standardized approach would not work. They turned to KONE for the elevator system upgrade.

“We took a consultative approach, recommending information on the latest technology and best solutions for The Waterside’s unique needs,” says KONE Project Manager Timo Viitala. “That helped the owners gain confidence in our modernization package, which included eco-efficient solutions and committed project management.”

A key concern for the owners was minimized disruption throughout the modernization process. Due to the project’s complexity, KONE assumed the role of general contractor, ensuring smooth operations and rapid response to customer inquiries.

“From the beginning, this project required experienced management skills to handle such matters as material deliveries between project phases and installation activities without disturbing residents,” notes Yeo Kwee Ming, owner of the consulting company Wistec Engineers & Associates. “All communications to the owners and residents were very clear and done with quality in mind.” 

Planning for tomorrow
KONE’s process blends innovative technology with economical and predictable maintenance management. The elevators at The Waterside are now safe, reliable and efficient.

Energy efficiency is a top priority for building owners and is central to any project’s success. The KONE ReGenerate™ 800 high-performance solution with regenerative drives delivered immediate energy savings, far exceeding the owners’ expectations.

“From the measurements, we can see a reduction in electricity consumption by over 60 percent,” Viitala says. “We videotaped one of the manual rotating electricity meters and showed the owners how the meter actually starts to rotate backward once the regenerative drives kick in. They were able to see firsthand how it helps to save energy.”

Uniform solutions also played an important role. KONE systems adapt to existing roping configurations, improving energy efficiency and reducing building life cycle operational
costs.

In addition to higher than expected savings in energy usage, modernization delivered added value in improved reliability and ride quality. KONE ride comfort measurements taken before handover revealed a ride that was 27 percent quieter and 8 percent faster.

A dedicated partner
Strong collaboration set the stage for success. Sensitive to the needs of the residents, which include children and the elderly, KONE carefully organized installation to maximize safety and efficiency. Viitala explains, “KONE crews worked in four phases, modernizing one elevator at a time. There were always three elevators in operation at any given time.”

The relationship will continue with KONE Care™ Maintenance Service for the modernized elevators.

SUMMARY

Challenge
• To modernize non-KONE elevators in a residential complex with minimal disruption to tenants

Solution
• Reliable modernization solution that improved the energy effi ciency, ride quality and safety of existing elevators
• Carefully planned project schedule and clear communication to owners and residents

FAST FACTS

The Waterside Condominium
• Year built: 1993
• Modernization completed: 2011
• Towers: 6
• Floors: 23
• Building owner: MCST (Management Corporation Strata Title) Plan 1801
• Consultant: Wistec Engineers and Associates Pte Ltd

KONE Solutions
• KONE ReGenerate™ 800 modernization solution
• KONE E-Link™ monitoring system
• KONE Care™ Maintenance Service