Assent provide building control on award winning equal access project for iconic historical landmark.
Oculus Building Control part of Assent group was appointed in 2020 to work on the Equal Access project alongside Caroe Architecture to install a permanent accessible ramp at historic landmark, St Paul’s Cathedral. The project included a second phase which saw the installation of a memorial within the inner portico of the building. This was the most significant change to the building exterior in 300 years.
Phase 1 – Equal Access
Given the nature of historic and listing buildings, Phase 1 of the project required a new approach to make sure the ramp was compliant as well as aligning with the wider building from an architectural and aesthetic point of view. The use of traditional materials and a design that had to meet modern building regulations and needs such as drainage systems, meant plans had to be carefully curated. Assent worked very closely with the architects and designers to navigate these challenges. The proposed installation had to consider pre-existing steps that the new project would cover and a portico to work around.
Overcoming Challenges
Every aspect of the planning and design had to be scrutinised closely to ensure all requirements were met. Consideration needed to be given to physical and visual accessibility such as lighting, contrasting stone, handrails, shallow steps and paving alongside the practicalities of the Building Regulations. The project presented accessibility and functionality challenges and had to be designed to integrate seamlessly into the historical building’s design. Listed buildings always require a different approach for building control. In this case, limitations of the project needed to be understood, identifying what was able to be delivered in line with building regulations whilst balancing the needs of the conservation officers.
An additional element to this complex project was that Assent had to face the pandemic. At the height of the pandemic, it became difficult getting people to and from site due to travel restrictions which ultimately changed how the building was inspected. Assent relied on its network of countrywide inspectors to overcome the obstacles and ensure there were no delays on the project. Furthermore, technology enabled inspections to take place remotely if needed and flexibility and responsiveness to the pandemic conditions drove the success of the project. Despite the pandemic, phase 1 of the project was completed ahead of time.
Phase 2 – Remember Me Memorial
The successful completion of the access ramp led to Assent working on Phase 2 of the project. Phase 2 was the Remember Me inner portico, a memorial for those who lost their lives due to Covid-19. This part of the project required rigorous research and assessment which resulted in a contemporary design whilst remaining in line with the cathedral’s Baroque architecture and heritage materials.
Commenting on the project, John Miles, Group Business Development Director at Assent Building Control said, “The positive impact the project has had since its unveiling has been a highlight for the team involved, particularly being part in making one of the most iconic historic buildings in the world accessible for generations to come.”
The Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, Dean of St Paul’s, added: “The team worked closely with the City of London, Cathedral Fabric Commission, heritage groups and accessibility organisations to make sure all accessibility needs were met whilst staying true to Christopher Wren’s iconic design.”
“We’re delighted that the new access means we can welcome all visitors, staff and volunteers equally regardless of their needs.”
The project has recently won a Civic Trust Award. The Civic Trust awards recognise outstanding architecture, planning and design in the built environment.
