Sky Scaffolding Midlands Ltd was appointed to design and install a comprehensive scaffolding solution for the fire safety remediation project at Quartz Apartments in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the project aimed to upgrade fire safety measures on the building, by improving the insulation, installing firebreaks, and replacing timber elements on the balconies.
The works on site required the complete demolition and reconstruction of the building’s external brick façade.
As a result, the scaffold design needed to incorporate effective dust and debris containment measures while also facilitating the safe and efficient transport of materials via rack and pinion hoists.
Scaffolding Design and Implementation
Given the extensive scope of work, we erected a full-perimeter scaffold using the Layher Allround system, providing safe access across all elevations of the building. The scaffold was fully boarded to ensure a secure working platform for operatives. Key elements of the installation included:
- Pedestrian Gantries – To maintain public access in this busy area, gantries were installed at ground level, ensuring safe passage beneath the scaffolding.
- Weather Protection Canopy – A temporary roof was added at the top of the scaffold to protect the building and workers from the elements while the brick façade was dismantled and reconstructed.
- Temporary Traffic Management – Located on a high-traffic street with a Tesco store on the corner, careful planning was required to minimise disruption to pedestrians and vehicles. Temporary traffic management measures were implemented throughout the project.
Project Challenges
- Occupied Residential Building – The scaffolding had to be designed and erected while residents remained in the apartments, requiring careful coordination to minimise disruption.
- Busy High Street Location – With high footfall and vehicle traffic, extra precautions were taken to ensure public safety, including debris netting, hoardings, and overhead protection.
- Large Scale and Height – The scaffold reached a height of 21m and covered a 250m perimeter, demanding precise engineering to provide stability and safe access across multiple elevations.
Project Outcome
Sky Scaffolding Midlands Ltd successfully delivered a robust scaffolding solution that enabled the fire safety upgrades to be carried out efficiently and safely. The project demonstrates our ability to manage large-scale urban scaffolding projects while prioritising safety, accessibility, and minimal disruption to the public.
