We completed the scaffold design for Tewin Water House, a distinguished Grade II listed property near Welwyn Garden City. Built in the late 18th century in Neoclassical style, the house has a rich history, having been associated with notable figures such as the Cowper family and landscape designer Humphry Repton.
The building is undergoing significant roof replacement works, necessitating a scaffold design that provides comprehensive access while preserving the integrity of the historic structure. Our solution involved a completely freestanding full perimeter access scaffold, eliminating the need for physical ties into the building fabric—a crucial consideration for listed buildings where preserving original materials is paramount.
A central component of our design is the implementation of a full-span temporary roof covering the main building. This structure ensures that roofing works can proceed uninterrupted by weather conditions, safeguarding both the building interior and the ongoing restoration activities. Additionally, we designed a smaller temporary roof to cover a lower roof area, providing consistent protection across all sections undergoing refurbishment.
Designing a freestanding scaffold of this scale presented several challenges, particularly in terms of stability and load distribution. We conducted detailed assessments to manage base loading and bracing, ensuring the scaffold could withstand environmental forces without compromising the building’s structural integrity. The design also accounted for the uneven terrain surrounding Tewin Water House, adapting the scaffold base to maintain level working platforms throughout.
This project exemplifies our commitment to delivering scaffold design solutions that meet the complex requirements of historic preservation projects in the UK and Ireland. By integrating comprehensive access with robust weather protection, our design facilitates the meticulous restoration of Tewin Water House, contributing to the preservation of its architectural heritage for future generations.