1. The four point skyscrapers of Johannes R. Becher Str. 2, 4, 8 and 12 in 07546 Gera, built in 1965, form part of the housing estate “Am Bieblacher Hang”. The “Bieblach Hang” is located in the north of Gera and is one of the first complex planned residential areas after World War II.
The skyscrapers are largely identical. There are four 2-room apartments with kitchen and bathroom on each floor. The elevator is in the middle of the building. Each of the high-rise buildings has a full basement and, in addition to the differently used ground floor (residential and commercial), 9 upper floors and a terrace roof ("lantern"). The "lantern" is an accessible attic with a view over Gera.
The fire protection renovation was carried out in 1995/96 on the basis of the high-rise directive. All apartments were given smoke-tight apartment entrance doors, the electrical installation and the roof were renewed. Before an apartment can be rented out again, it will be completely renovated.
Today around 17% of the residential and commercial units are empty. A renewed renovation is planned to increase the attractiveness of the apartments in the largely originally preserved and popular residential area.
Elevator Johannes R. Becher Str. 2, 4 and 8:
The aim of the modernization measures is to implement an elevator cabin corresponding to the state building code for transporting stretchers without dividing doors. For this purpose, the rated load has to be increased from 500 kg to 1,000 kg. Unlike in J.-R. Becher-Str. 12, these systems are not subject to inventory protection because a nominal load increase takes place. The shaft cover is loaded with a heavy drive foundation in the engine compartment. In order to accommodate the elevator, drive and foundation loads, I-beams were also retracted under the shaft cover when the systems were erected. The carriers were designed almost optimally for the stock loads. Due to the lack of building documents and the unclear building construction, evidence of the sufficient load-bearing capacity of the shaft ceiling after nominal load increase could not be provided. This was followed by the decision not to dissipate the loads over the shaft roof, but rather to use a solution with engine in the shaft. For this reason, the modernisation measures affect all components of the elevator also the existing rails. The current design with drive at the top of the engine compartment and 1:1 suspension must be replaced by a machine roomless version with 2:1 suspension. The rated speed of 1 m/s is to be maintained. Both ropes and belts are permitted as load-bearing aids. The car, car door, shaft doors and frames shall be carried out according to the comments on Johannes R. Becher-Str. 12.
Elevator Johannes-R. Becher str. 12:
The modernization measures do not include all components of the elevator. The guide rails and their fasteners remain intact. The vehicle's support frame, counterweight and pit equipment are also to be reused. Only the safety gear on the supporting frame is to be renewed. The support frame is only to be replaced when a self-supporting cab is used. The drive and control are to be replaced. These two positions will be installed in the engine compartment as before. The new cabin must be made with the same dimensions as the stock. Only the height can be adjusted, insofar as this results in a room gain. The car should be designed to accommodate disabled people and be equipped with a desk panel. The car door and shaft doors are also replaced. The existing wall enclosures are blended with brushed/polished stainless steel to create an attractive look. If possible, the control devices on the floors are to be integrated into the frame.