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Deux Alpes Cable Car Station on top of the Alps

Modernising the Jandri cable car at Deux Alpes in France is a remarkable construction project due to its scale, sustainability goals, short construction timeline, and the challenge of transportation in extreme mountainous conditions. The grand opening is scheduled for December 2024, just 15 months after the project's start. A key component of this project is the use of Kerto® LVL S-beam, a wood product that allows for exceptionally long spans of up to 24 meters. Known for its strength, material efficiency, and durability, Kerto LVL's structural properties and light weight make it an ideal choice for high-altitude construction, where transport and building conditions can be particularly challenging.
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  • Kerto LVL, Offsite construction

Renovation of the Deux Alpes Ski Area 

Since 2021, SATA Group has embarked on an ambitious investment plan to renovate and modernise the Deux Alpes ski area. A key element of this plan is the replacement of the current Jandri Express gondola with a new and state of the art 3S cable car. This new system will significantly reduce travel time for skiers, pedestrians, and mountain bikers, transporting them from 1650 meters to 3200 meters in just 15 minutes, compared to the current 40 minutes. 

Smart Design with Kerto LVL 

The use of Kerto LVL S-beams has enabled the creation of roof spans up to 24 meters for both the intermediate station at 2600m and the entry station at the 3200m. S-beams not only enhance the structural performance but are also needed in smaller quantities compared to other wood materials making them the ideal choice for cable car station roofs. A total of 135 m³ of 75 mm thick S-beams were delivered at the construction site in various heights (740 – 820 mm), with longest lengths ranging from 18m to 24m.    

From sea level to a high Alpine village: A masterpiece of transportation 

Meeting the tight deadline was a significant challenge for this project. It took only three months from order to first on-site delivery. The industrial efficiency of Metsä Wood, which involved manufacturing and machining the beams and transporting them by ship from Finland to the port of Honfleur in France, ensured the schedule was met. Transporting the 24-meter-long beams from the port to the Alps required three special transport trucks and one standard truck from ISB, ensuring the beams reached the construction site efficiently and on time. This project exemplifies effective cooperation between stakeholders, from the architect’s and structural engineer’s planning to the final installation. 

Summary
Products used Kerto LVL
Country France
Type Sports facilities
Location Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
Client Groupe ISB, SATA Group
Building year 2024
Volume 135 m³
Architectural design ATeam Architectes
Structural design Gustave ingénieur
Constructor SATA Group
Wood component supplier Groupe ISB
Photographs Groupe ISB
Technical information
Products used  Kerto® LVL S-beam
Product dimensions Thickness: 75 mm
Heights: 740 mm to 820 mm
Lengths: 18 m to 24 m
Volume  135 m³
Applications Roof structures
Benefits
Cost efficient long free span with less material consumption

S-beam enabled up to  24 m of roof span

Customised product dimensions with minimum waste

Less waste also means there is less need to transport it

 

See also