In 2024, a large-scale development began in Kjelsås, where nearly 80 new care homes will be built by Oslobygg and Ruta Entreprenør. To make the project possible, it was necessary to relocate a historic Swiss-style villa from the early 1900s. The villa, which had previously served as a police station, had to be preserved in its entirety during the move – a task requiring both precision and advanced technology.

The Moving Process – Precision and Advanced Technique
The work began by cutting precise openings in the foundation to place eight sturdy crossbeams. These created a strong and secure frame structure, crucial for both transport and lifting of the building. Excavation beneath the villa was also required to create working space and room for two sets of SPMTs.

Once the crossbeams were installed, two longitudinal beams were mounted, and the entire house was carefully jacked up. This allowed the SPMTs to drive underneath the villa and take over the full weight of approximately 160 tons. The villa was then transported about 100 meters to its new foundation, which was nearly four meters higher than the original site.

To handle this significant height difference, four JS250 jacking towers were strategically placed at each corner under the building. These towers lifted the villa in a controlled manner to the correct height. At the same time, a stable and secure platform of timber mats was built on the SPMTs. Once the desired height was reached, the SPMTs again took the load and gently lowered the building onto its new foundation.

Technical Overview:

• House weight: approx. 160 tons
• SPMT configuration: 2 x 10L SPMT
• Jacking equipment: 4 x JS250 jacking towers

With the successful execution of this demanding operation, both historic preservation and the continued development of modern care housing in Kjelsås are ensured.

This article has been translated by AI.

Early in the morning on March 31, 2025, two 250-ton mobile cranes from Nordic Crane were ready to move a piece of Stavanger’s city history: a 19-ton concrete wall featuring a relief by Andreas Bøe. First, the cranes lifted the artwork into the new Nytorget 1, followed by a large glass roof to protect it from the elements.

Millimeter Precision
The lift took one and a half hours from the initial rig to the wall being in place. With just five millimeters of clearance for the mounting, there was no room for error. The operation was planned over several weeks:

• Crane operators: Andre Larsen and Kristian Lorentzen Mansåker
• Equipment: Two 250 t mobile cranes, specially designed shackles and straps
• Crew: Several experts from Nordic Crane participated in the planning and execution

After the relief was installed, the second lift followed: a large glass roof to cover the atrium above the artwork.

Important Cultural Heritage
The relief had adorned the lobby of Stavanger Police Headquarters for many years. When the entire block was set to be demolished, the wall was carefully cut out and stored in a climate-controlled container, awaiting a new home. That home will now be Mediebyen, and the artwork will serve as a visual highlight for employees and visitors alike when the building is completed in 2026.

“This was definitely an exciting project, which required more than just lifting capacity. Careful planning was essential—both in terms of safety and execution,” said regional manager Tom Helge Espeland at Nordic Crane.

Teamwork at Height
While one crane lifted the wall from the container, the other swung in overhead and took over the load mid-air. The transfer happened while the concrete wall was suspended three meters above ground.

“We often perform heavy lifts, but rarely with both cultural heritage status and five-millimeter clearance,” Espeland added. “That’s when you need to trust both the equipment and each other.”

Ready for the Next Stage
With the relief and glass roof safely in place, the building shell continues to rise. By spring 2026, Nytorget 1 will host open editorial environments, TV studios, and public spaces. For Nordic Crane, the assignment confirmed its role as a specialist in precision lifts in dense urban environments.