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Skill Scaffolding has just wrapped up an extraordinary project at Southampton City Art Gallery, a Grade II-listed treasure in the heart of Southampton.
Partnering once again with Layher UK, Southampton-based Skill Scaffolding harnessed the power of Layher’s advanced scaffolding systems to create a robust yet elegant solution, underscoring both companies’ commitment to safety, innovation, and preservation.
Southampton City Art Gallery, a neo-classical gem with Art Deco influences, has housed one of Britain’s most significant art collections since 1939. Its historical significance demands an approach that preserves its architectural integrity while enabling modern upgrades, and Layher UK’s expertise and products were central to meeting these high standards.
The current phase of refurbishment is funded by £2.23 million from the Museum Estate and Development Fund, provided by the Department for Culture Media and Sport and administered by Arts Council England. This project includes the replacement of the west wing roof and installation of a new mechanical plant to better regulate the gallery’s environment.
At the heart of this project was Layher’s cutting-edge XL Keder roof encapsulation, which spanned an incredible 36 meters—marking one of the largest free-standing roof spans in the UK to date.
This modular roof system not only protects the gallery’s structure from environmental hazards but also incorporates a rolling feature, allowing easy access to work areas without compromising on stability. Layher’s unique Keder system is designed to withstand diverse environmental pressures, making it a go-to solution for complex and sensitive sites like the Southampton City Art Gallery.
Karl Mcleod from Skill Scaffolding commented on the project: “The Southampton Art Gallery project challenged us to deliver precision on a large scale. Working with Layher allowed us to design a structure that met the high standards required by a Grade II-listed building while providing the safety and accessibility needed for the gallery’s ongoing preservation.”
Skill Scaffolding, as the trusted installer, worked closely with Layher UK to develop a customised design that encompassed both external and internal scaffolding. By leveraging Layher’s adaptable scaffolding solutions, including 3D modelling support, the team was able to achieve a millimetre-precise fit for the gallery’s unique architecture.
“This project was a team effort from start to finish,” Mcleod added. “Our project managers and scaffolders coordinated closely with Morgan Sindall to ensure each stage ran smoothly. It’s rewarding to see our team’s hard work and Layher’s system come together in a project that we’re truly proud of.”
With Morgan Sindall leading as the main contractor, Skill Scaffolding collaborated months in advance to establish clear communication channels, efficient workflows, and precise construction methods.
Cutting-edge techniques, such as 3D scanning and lidar technology, were used to ensure every element of the scaffold structure aligned perfectly with the gallery’s design.
The project demanded nothing short of excellence, and both Skill Scaffolding and Layher UK rose to the challenge, with Layher’s systems and Skill’s installation expertise producing a flawless and visually impressive result. This project highlights Skill Scaffolding’s dedication to quality and Layher UK’s innovation in scaffolding systems, exemplifying a model partnership.
Skill Scaffolding’s talented on-site team worked with unwavering precision, making this project a triumph in technical scaffolding and a source of pride for both companies.
This collaboration between Skill Scaffolding and Layher UK represents a remarkable blend of craftsmanship and innovation, bringing a true masterpiece of scaffolding to Southampton City Art Gallery.
