Façade access for a geometrically challenging building

Payne Road, London

Essex-based scaffolding contractor PDC Scaffolding has embarked on its biggest project using PERI’s scaffolding system, PERI UP Flex. The project, known as Payne Road, is a geometrically challenging recladding scheme in East London.

PDC Scaffolding required a façade access system that could be adapted to the building’s geometry, which becomes more irregular as it grows in height.

The solution was to wrap scaffolding around the building. This consisted of 221 tonnes of PERI UP Flex scaffolding, providing perimeter access to all 16 storeys to facilitate cladding replacement.

Paul Casey, Managing Director of PDC Scaffolding, explained how flexible system components benefitted the project:

"The reason we’ve used the PERI UP system is because it’s the most versatile system out there. The different deck sizes available in the PERI UP range have been beneficial as we’ve been able to install a deck arrangement that accommodates the shape of the building. In addition to the decks, using components like the console brackets meant that we could get around every part of the building safely, covering all the gaps."

Principal scaffolding designer, PSD Prime Scaffold and Structural Designs Ltd, worked with PERI’s design team throughout the planning phase. Collaborating with the scaffolding supplier early on in the project enabled PSD to get an understanding of the system’s specifications and capabilities, making the installation process on site smoother.

Dion Penman, Scaffolding Project Delivery Engineer - PERI

"This has been a challenging project given the awkward shape of the building. There are different angles, terraces, and vertical shafts. Nothing is at a right angle. The scaffolding arrangement had to be designed to the absolute millimetre to make it work.

PERI UP Flex is ideal for this type of project as the system lends itself to odd shapes. It’s also perfect for cladding projects because the lack of bracing gives the contractor unrestricted access around the scaffold to carry out the work."