A new phase of restoration preparation is now underway at Rayners Penn, with long-established local company Agile Scaffolding Contractors Ltd commencing work on the Mansion House and Clock Tower wing.
Given the Grade II listed status of the buildings, the scaffolding design has required a highly considered approach. At tender stage, Agile put forward a proposal for a bespoke engineered design to construct a free-standing and self-supporting temporary roof scaffold structure.
This structure is being built using Agile’s innovative Scafom Rux Ringscaff system.
Protecting the Historic Fabric
A central priority of the scaffold design has been to support the restoration works while avoiding unnecessary intervention into the historic brickwork.
By providing 118 tonnes of kentledge, the design removed the need to physically tie the scaffolding into the fabric of the listed buildings. This allows the temporary roof scaffold structure to remain stable and self-supporting while helping to protect the historic character and material integrity of the Mansion House and Clock Tower wing.
The design also incorporates traditional tube and fitting infills. This means that lift heights can be altered to suit the requirements of the various trades as works progress, without the need for further engineering input and the associated costs.
Safe Access and Practical Site Management
Working closely with Size Group’s site management teams, the scaffold design has also incorporated stair towers for safe access and egress, along with strategically positioned loading bays and hoists.
These elements are an important part of ensuring that the restoration works can be carried out safely and efficiently, while providing the flexibility required for a complex listed-building project of this nature.
A Local Contractor on a Landmark Project
The appointment of Agile Scaffolding Contractors Ltd brings a strong local connection to this phase of the Rayners Penn project. Their work on the Mansion House and Clock Tower wing forms part of the wider programme to carefully restore and prepare the buildings for their future use.
Paul DeSimone, Owner and Director of Agile Scaffolding Contractors Ltd, said:
“We are extremely proud to have been selected as the local scaffolding contractors to work with Size Group London on this prestigious, flagship project in our home town.
It has given us the opportunity to showcase what our skilled workforce can provide for our clients.”