Control heat and glare while preserving the beautiful view

The crane

The former NDSM crane (number 13) was built in the 1950s by the firm Hensen. After 1984 the crane was no longer used after the bankruptcy of the Nederlandsche Dok en Scheepsbouw Maatschappij. The fate of the dilapidated crane seemed sealed after 25 years. Like other cranes, the iconic 'crane 13' would have blown over without maintenance or been demolished because of danger to the environment. On 22 July 2013, the dismantling and disassembly of crane 13 began. The crane was transported to Franeker on 26 July 2013 on a 100-meter long pontoon to be restored. On 22 October 2013 the crane returned restored. On April 4, 2014, the crane was taken into use as the Crane Hotel Faralda. At the top of the crane are three luxury hotel suites. In the top of the crane there is a jacuzzi.

The requirement

Since the original design of the crane was not to serve as a luxury hotel and the monumental exterior could not be changed, the developers had to find a solution to control heat and glare by using indoor solar shading.

The solution

Verosol Originals pleated blinds are now used to control heat, glare and retain the magnificent view from the crane in all three suites. The metallised fabric reflects light, and prevents heat from entering, thus creating the required visual and thermal comfort.