Overcoming the Challenges of a Unique Building

In September 2018, J F Finnegan began work on a major roof replacement project at Costco Stevenage, a Grade II listed building with a parabolic roof design. This was not a standard scaffolding job. The complexity of the building’s structure, combined with the need for safe and efficient access, meant that an innovative scaffolding approach was required.

Our role was to provide access scaffolding and handrails that would allow roofers to carry out their work safely while preserving the integrity of the historic building. This required a detailed scaffolding plan that factored in both structural limitations and time constraints.

Understanding the Challenges

1. A Unique Architectural Design
   The parabolic roof created a challenge in scaffolding design. Standard scaffolding configurations would not work, requiring a custom-engineered solution.
2. Heritage Protection
   As a Grade II listed building, no part of the scaffolding could cause damage to the structure. We had to ensure that all attachment points were non-intrusive and fully compliant with heritage regulations.
3. Large-Scale Scaffolding Requirements
   The project required a 147-meter beamed gantry and over 5 kilometres of handrails, making it one of the more logistically demanding scaffolding projects we had undertaken.
4. Strict Time Constraints
   With a tight completion schedule, scaffolding had to be installed and removed without delays, ensuring that the roof replacement could proceed as planned.

Our Scaffolding Solution

To meet these challenges, we designed a custom scaffolding system tailored to the building’s unique structure.

• Beamed Gantry System – A 147m-long gantry was installed, providing safe and stable access to all areas of the roof.
• Handrail Installation – Over 5km of handrails were installed to ensure safety for workers operating at height.
• Non-Intrusive Fixings – To protect the building’s heritage status, scaffolding was secured using engineered attachment points that avoided any permanent impact on the structure.
• Phase-Based Installation – Scaffolding was erected in phases, ensuring minimal disruption to Costco’s daily operations while keeping the project on schedule.

Delivering a Successful Project

Despite the complexity of the design and logistical challenges, we completed the scaffolding on time and to specification. The client described the project as a challenging but well-executed job, praising our ability to adapt to the building’s unusual shape and listed status.

What Made This Project Stand Out?

• Complex Roof Structure: Required a fully bespoke scaffolding approach.
• Heritage Building Compliance: Every element of scaffolding had to be designed to avoid impacting the Grade II listed structure.
• Large-Scale Safety Measures: The project involved an extensive network of handrails and access platforms to allow safe working conditions.

Conclusion

The Costco Stevenage project demonstrated our ability to deliver custom scaffolding solutions for complex architectural and heritage-listed buildings. Through careful planning and execution, we provided safe, efficient, and heritage-compliant scaffolding that enabled a successful roof replacement.

For projects requiring specialist scaffolding solutions, our expertise ensures that even the most challenging builds can be completed on time and within compliance regulations.