Working closely with UK System Scaffold Hire, JDC Scaffolding developed an innovative gantry design which used HAKI Tripods to minimise disruption in Kensington High Street.

Even with the reduced footfall and lower traffic levels created by Covid-19, scaffolding an iconic building in Kensington High Street poses major challenges, including the need to minimise impact on pedestrian traffic and the requirement to ensure that store windows and access routes are not obstructed, not to mention the fact that the scaffolding has to be erected during night-time possessions.

JDC Scaffolding were responsible for erecting the scaffold on what was formerly Barkers Department store – one of the most iconic buildings in the Kensington Square Conservation Area. Contracted by PAYE Stonework and Restoration Ltd who were undertaking extensive refurbishment of the spectacular Grade II* listed Art Deco façade, JDC Scaffolding knew exactly how to fulfil the brief.

Working closely with UK System Scaffold Hire, JDC Scaffolding developed an innovative gantry design which used HAKI Tripods to span over the existing lightweight canopy and support double width access scaffold above.

Tripods helped achieve huge time savings

Each single tripod could carry a permissible load of 60Kn which reduced enormously the amount of scaffolding that had to be used at street level: This had multiple benefits as Adam Callow, Design Manager at JDC Scaffolding explains: “Using the HAKI tripods helped us to achieve huge time savings compared with using tube and fittings. It also enabled the pavement to be kept open throughout the project (even allowing the free movement of mobility scooters) and also providedclear visibility of display windows while work was progressing.”

Adam also praised UK System Scaffold Hire’s approach to the project: “UKSSH were fully on board with the project from day one: They understood the requirements from a technical perspective, they responded to our needs for accurate and on time delivery to comply with our night-time possessions and they integrated their skill sets with our overall design which involved utilising tube and fittings once the 10 metre high Tripod element  had provided the foundation for a working gantry above the building’s decorative canopy. The result is a project that we can all be proud of.”