In this case study for scaffolding London, MTEC built a heavy duty gantry scaffolding for our client Black Onyx.
A Gantry Scaffolding is used on projects where additional storage is required. Therefore, we needed one at Prince Edward Mansions, in Notting Hill Gate.
The gantry would have a working load of 5 killer newtons per meter squared. Therefore a full architects design was issued. We used 450mm aluminium beams at one meter centres for the main loading area. Then a further 6 additional beams set at 500mm centres below the hoist tower. This extra support means the structure will protect pedestrians even if the hoist failed.
The client was able to use the gantry to provide essential welfare facilities like a changing rooms and loo. In addition, the gantry provides space for pallets of bricks and other essential building materials, hence they were able to keep the work area clear for the various trades.
The scope of work will provide an additional 6th floor forming one £7m penthouse flat. The fully boarded scaffolding to the front and rear elevations plus three internal light wells amounted to over 2,400 square meters of scaffolding. The project lasted in excess of 18 months.
During erection and dismantling we used fixed barriers to redirect traffic and pedestrians. Nottinghill is a busy part of West London and falls under the jurisdiction of Westminster Council.
As part of our contract we liaised with Westminster Council to gain consent for the gantry to sit on the public highway. We negotiated the use of 3 parking bays which the gantry would rest on. As the gantry would encroach onto the road we used baulk timbers to prevent collisions with the traffic. These were painted red and white and were lit with red lights for optimum visibility.
This project in London's busy Nottinghill Gate area was to add a new floor to the Prince Edward Mansions apartment block comprising of one £7 million penthouse flat. The project would include repairs and redecoration to the front elevation, plus three elevations at the rear of the block, and one large central light well.
The scaffolding was 2,400 square meters and the project lasted over 18 months.
Supply a special duty (5kn m2) gantry for storage and site facilities.
Include a 1.5tonne passenger/goods hoist and run off to access the roof level.
Erect scaffolding to all elevations for redecoration and general repairs and clad in white netting.
Erect birdcage to central light well with a heavy duty top lift for site offices, additional storage and well fair facilities.
Obtain all relevant licences.
Liaise with the neighbouring property management to obtain access for the rear elevations.
We started by taking the site measurements and working out the best position for the hoist. There would be a large amount of materials needed for the build it was important to work out the best way to get them onto the roof around the detailed cornice and cast iron fencing.
Once this was done and the drawings were approved we began erection of the gantry.
Once the front elevation was complete we took the hoist run off up next to the hoist bridging over the loading area to maximise space.
All the materials for the light well and rear elevations had to be taken up and over the roof and would have to come back down over the new finished flat and without the benefit of the hoist. It was important to look at how this would work safely and without damaging the new rubber flat roof or the new zinc cladding. We used ply wood to protect the floor and edges of the cladding making sure that everything was safely secured down on the exposed roof area.
"Despite the many challenges with the Prince Edward Mansions project MTEC Scaffolding took a cooperative approach from the outset with a thoroughly considered design and costing proposal. MTEC's bid for this scaffolding contract stood out as the best value option. The owner of MTEC Scaffolding, Mark Pawsey was present in the process from concept to dismantling with specific emphasis on safety and efficient logistics. MTEC Scaffolding would be our preferred choice every time!
John Waites, City Interiors."
