Restoration Access and Temporary Roof for a College Landmark in Oxford
In early 2022, Beard Construction began a sensitive restoration and re-roofing project at the historic Oxford University Press building. Located in the heart of Oxford, the work aimed to preserve the heritage of the building while modernising its roof. We were appointed to provide safe scaffolding access to support every phase of the project.
Delivered over eight weeks, the project required creative problem solving, tight scheduling, and strict adherence to building conservation standards. Our scaffold system facilitated roof access, weather protection, material handling, and fall protection across multiple elevations.
Understanding the Site and Scope
Oxford University Press is a well-known landmark within a busy academic setting. The building remained active throughout the project, which meant our work had to be planned around the daily operations of the college and the surrounding community. The scaffold had to provide practical access for roofers and restoration teams while ensuring that key areas remained open and safe for others using the space.
The scaffolding system needed to:
- Cover multiple elevations, including sloped roof areas
- Enable access solutions that respected architectural features and historic façades
- Include load-bearing platforms for roofing materials and tools
- Provide a cantilever section bolted to the elevation for side access to avoid a non load-bearing roof
Project Challenges
Several key challenges shaped the scope of our scaffolding design and installation:
- Scaffold installation had to maintain clear, safe routes for ongoing campus activity
- Minimal room for vehicle access and material storage, so deliveries planned only when necessary
- Protected stonework meant no direct contact; all fixings were padded or adjusted for non-intrusion
- With only eight weeks to complete, we increased labour during peak periods and worked weekends to stay on track
The Scaffolding Solution
We designed a complete tube and fitting scaffold system with UBIX roof system, tailored to the project’s access and protection requirements. To provide safe working platforms and weather protection that aligned with the roofing sequence, we included:
- UBIX roof system and monoflex sheeting to provide weather tight protection
- Fully boarded platforms at strategic lift heights
- Readylok transoms for strength and to reduce the amount of braces
- Stair towers for increased safety to access elevated work areas
A notable element was the bolt-on elevation to the side of the building. This allowed us to avoid building on low level roofs, which were non-weight bearing.
Daily Coordination and Workflow
Working within a live college site meant that close coordination with Beard Construction was essential. We participated in daily planning meetings, reviewed scaffold requirements in line with progress, and adjusted our work to support other contractors.
Our logistics plan included:
- Pre-booked delivery windows with off-site material staging
- Weekend working agreements for high-impact scaffold phases
- Assigned safety spotters during active scaffold movements
All scaffolders working on the project were briefed daily. We maintained a clear flow of information through our site supervisor and kept pace with the changing requirements of the refurbishment programme.
Feedback and Project Outcome
The scaffolding phase of the Oxford University Press project was delivered on schedule and with strong collaboration across all stakeholders. The roofing team reported safe and reliable access throughout. The client confirmed that our team met expectations and responded proactively to the constraints of the site and programme.
Despite space constraints and heritage restrictions, our team met every milestone. The scaffold system remained secure and functional across the entirety of the project.
Supporting Restoration Projects in Oxford
Heritage and academic environments present unique access challenges. Our experience with buildings like Oxford University Press allows us to anticipate the demands of restoration works and respond with practical scaffolding solutions that meet the highest standards of safety, compliance, and performance.
Whether working with roofing teams, general contractors, or building conservation specialists, we remain focused on delivering safe, on-time scaffolding installations that allow restoration works to move forward smoothly.
