A Smart, Engineered Solution for Lift Maintenance Screening
The recently completed mural facade wrap installation at BNP Paribas in London marked the second phase of a specialist lift maintenance project. Following the success of the original front atrium lift wrap, Project Print Management was commissioned to deliver a similar solution for the rear lift shafts — maintaining visual consistency while ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost control.
Large-scale internal maintenance projects in occupied commercial buildings require careful planning. Screening construction works in a way that protects brand image and minimises disruption is essential, particularly in prestigious corporate environments.
This mural facade wrap once again proved to be an effective, lightweight and visually impressive solution.
Why a Mural Facade Wrap Was Needed
Lift maintenance in high-rise commercial buildings presents a unique challenge. Work often takes place during normal operating hours, meaning the client requires:
- Visual screening of works
- Minimal disruption to staff and visitors
- A safe installation method
- A cost-effective approach
- Brand consistency throughout the space
Rather than erecting intrusive scaffolding or solid boarding systems, a tensioned mural facade wrap provides a clean and professional alternative.
In this case, the installation was located within an atrium environment, making presentation especially important. The façade area surrounding lift shafts is often a central architectural feature — and any temporary solution must respect that.
Second Phase Installation – A Lighter Approach
While the design concept mirrored the front atrium lift installation, this second mural facade wrap differed structurally.
Unlike the previous wrap, which required fixing points over a greater vertical span, this installation was only secured from the top of the fourth floor. As a result, the structure was lighter and required fewer anchoring considerations.
PVC banner material typically weighs between 500g and 600g per square metre. Given the final dimensions of:
- 17 metres high
- 11 metres wide
- Two 600mm returns
the total weight of the mural facade wrap was approximately 100kg.
Although lighter than the previous phase, this was still a substantial structure requiring detailed engineering calculations.
Engineering and Structural Calculations for the mural facade wrap
No large-scale mural facade wrap installation can proceed without specialist structural assessment.
Professional engineers carried out design calculations to ensure:
- The fixing method would safely support the load
- Tension forces were correctly distributed
- Structural anchor points were suitable
- Temporary ground-level supports were adequate
- The installation met safety requirements
Even internal atrium installations must consider factors such as dynamic loading, movement, and long-term stability.
Safety is always the priority.
Installation Methodology
Working from the approved engineering design, the installation followed a carefully planned sequence.
1. Steel Dropper Cables
Dropper steel cables were attached to the maintenance cradle track located in the ceiling above the lift shaft. These cables formed the primary vertical support for the mural facade wrap.
2. Pulley System for Controlled Lifting
Pro Traxion pulleys were used to raise the printed wrap into position. This system allowed:
- Controlled vertical lifting
- Accurate positioning
- Reduced manual handling risk
- Smooth tensioning
Once lifted into place, the wrap was securely locked into position.
3. Perimeter Fixing to Ground-Level Hoarding
Perimeter steel cables were then fixed to a temporary floating hoarding positioned at ground floor level.
Because this hoarding was freestanding, additional stabilisation was required. Ten sandbags, each weighing 20kg, were added to increase overall ballast weight and ensure stability.
This combination of ceiling anchoring and weighted ground support created a secure tensioned system.
Why a Mural Facade Wrap Is Ideal for Construction Screening
A mural facade wrap is particularly effective for covering construction or maintenance works in high-profile environments.
Benefits include:
- Lightweight structure
- Minimal intrusion
- Fast installation
- Cost efficiency
- Reusable artwork
- Brand consistency
In this case, the artwork used for the front lift installation was reused for the rear lift shafts. This significantly reduced design costs while maintaining visual continuity across the building.
Repetition of design elements reinforces branding and enhances the professional appearance of the space.
The Importance of Facades in Architecture
In architecture, the façade of a building is often its defining feature. It sets the tone for the entire structure and shapes how occupants and visitors experience the space.
From a design perspective, the façade:
- Establishes visual identity
- Communicates architectural intent
- Influences perception of quality
From an engineering standpoint, the façade also impacts:
- Energy efficiency
- Light transmission
- Ventilation
- Structural performance
In many cities, particularly where buildings have historical significance, façade alterations may be heavily restricted by planning regulations or zoning laws.
A temporary mural facade wrap offers a non-invasive way to protect or screen a façade during works without permanently altering the building’s structure.
Installation by Specialist Rope Access Crew for the mural facade wrap
To minimise disruption within the BNP Paribas building, the installation was scheduled for a Saturday.
A specialist rope access team completed the entire installation in just one day.
Rope access methods provide:
- Safe working at height
- Reduced need for scaffolding
- Faster installation
- Lower overall project costs
- Minimal footprint within the building
Efficiency was key. Corporate environments require maintenance solutions that respect operational continuity.
By completing the mural facade wrap installation in a single day, disruption to staff and visitors was kept to an absolute minimum.
Material Performance and Durability
The PVC banner material selected for this project offered:
- High tensile strength
- Fire retardant properties (where required)
- Excellent print clarity
- Dimensional stability
- Long-term durability
Although temporary in nature, the wrap needed to maintain its appearance throughout the maintenance period.
High-resolution digital printing ensured:
- Sharp detail
- Consistent colour reproduction
- Professional finish
Even in large atrium environments with strong lighting, the printed mural maintained its visual impact.
Cost Efficiency Through Design Consistency
Reusing the same artwork from the front lift installation delivered significant cost savings.
Benefits included:
- No additional design development fees
- Simplified production workflow
- Consistent branding across the building
- Reduced approval times
This approach demonstrates how mural facade wrap solutions can be both creative and commercially efficient.
Lightweight but Structurally Secure
One of the advantages of a building wrap compared to rigid systems is its weight-to-impact ratio.
At approximately 100kg overall, this installation achieved:
- Full-height visual screening
- Minimal structural load
- Efficient installation
- Clean, tensioned finish
Compared to scaffold-based screening systems, this method required fewer materials and less time.
A Clean and Professional Result
Once installed, the mural facade wrap seamlessly screened the lift shafts, maintaining the architectural integrity of the atrium.
Visitors entering the building saw a cohesive, branded environment rather than exposed maintenance works.
This is particularly important in financial institutions and corporate headquarters, where presentation reflects organisational standards.
Why Choose Project Print Management for your mural facade wrap?
Project Print Management specialises in complex large-format print installations, including:
- Mural facade wrap solutions
- Construction screening graphics
- Atrium banners
- Lift shaft wraps
- Temporary architectural coverings
We combine:
- Structural awareness
- Specialist engineering collaboration
- High-quality digital print
- Rope access expertise
- Efficient project management
Every project is tailored to the building’s structural requirements and the client’s operational needs.
Final Thoughts for mural facade wrap
The BNP Paribas lift maintenance project demonstrates how a carefully engineered mural facade wrap can provide a safe, efficient and visually impressive solution for screening construction works.
By combining lightweight PVC materials, specialist cable systems, pulley lifting methods and professional rope access installation, Project Print Management delivered a high-impact result with minimal disruption.
In modern commercial buildings, presentation matters — even during maintenance.
A mural facade wrap offers a flexible and cost-effective way to protect architectural integrity, maintain brand standards, and ensure construction works remain discreet.
If you are planning maintenance or refurbishment works in a commercial building and require a smart, engineered screening solution, Project Print Management can deliver a mural facade wrap tailored to your environment.
For more information on mural facade wrap or any large digitally print please contact Project Print Management, specialists in the more challenging Print Project. For our latest work please visit our blog page.
For information on our other project for BNP please visit here.
