Company Builds Skyscraper-Sized Tower... Just So It Can Test Out Its Elevators

A skyscraper-sized tower has been built in the middle of the German countryside - just so that a new kind of elevator can be tested out.

The concrete structure soars 807ft in the air - more than twice the height of London’s Big Ben - and stands amongst rolling greenery.

It’s located in Rottweil - historically known as the City of Towers, because of its medieval churches and defence towers.

And it is being built by elevator firm ThyssenKrupp.

The tower will, once finished, become one of the tallest in Germany.

A viewing platform will offer visitors panoramic views of the surrounding areas, such as the Black Forest and, on a clear day, even the Alps.

After just 10 months of construction, the topping-out milestone was celebrated on July 29, when the structure reached its maximum height.

It is expected to be fully functional by the end of 2016. When in operation, it will feature 12 shafts.

Three of them will be dedicated to ThyssenKrupp’s ground-breaking project to develop an shaft containing multiple cabins, named “MULTI.”

These three shafts will measure more than 300ft each, and are being presented as a solution to mid and high-rise buildings looking to operate multiple, rope-less cabins in one shaft.

ThyssenKrupp revealed its plans for the technology in November 2014. It would allow shaft capacity to be increased by 50% - also halving the elevator’s carbon footprint.

Andreas Schierenbeck, CEO of ThyssenKrupp Elevator, said: “The test tower is a vital element in ThyssenKrupp Elevator’s global research and development strategy, and will play a significant role in our future successes with innovative mobility solutions.

"Since the limitation on space in urban areas has translated into mid and high-rise buildings as the most viable construction options, there is a co-related increase in the demand for elevators.

"Rising to meet these demands, this tower will enable the quicker development of solutions that address challenges such as increased energy efficiency, faster travel times, and advanced security.

"We are well on track for completion by the end of next year, and are looking forward to making a great contribution to the city of Rottweil, with which we have partnered in this landmark project.”