The monumental scaffold safeguarding the past
If you’ve visited the Historic Dockyard recently, you’ve probably seen the towering scaffold enveloping the Commissioner’s House and you won’t be alone in wondering what it’s all about. This impressive structure is part of a major renovation project, breathing new life into one of our most historic buildings.
Funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND3), the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Garfield Weston Foundation, and The Wolfson Foundation, this extensive restoration aims to preserve and protect the Commissioner’s House for generations to come.
What makes the scaffold so striking isn’t just its size, it’s the engineering behind it. Designed by LDJ Scaffold Design and erected by Topps Scaffold, the structure is completely independent from the historic building itself. That means no extra stress or weight is placed on the fragile Georgian architecture.
An engineering marvel
At the heart of the project is a Keder roofing system that shields the house from the elements while the original roof is carefully stripped and restored. To ensure absolute stability, the scaffold is anchored with 61 tonnes of kentledge (counterweight) at the front, facing the river, and 48 tonnes at the rear.
The scaffold design takes into account wind direction from the river, the threat of storms, heavy rain, and even snow. Why so cautious? Because even slight movement in the scaffold could risk damage to this irreplaceable historic building.
To enable intricate roof repairs and leadwork, large working platforms have been installed at the eaves and crown levels on the north side of the house. These allow the team to form and transfer new materials safely to the roof. Additional scaffolding surrounds each of the iconic, tall chimneys to provide access for stabilization works.
Protecting a hidden treasure
Inside the house, the restoration project will also include the careful protection of a spectacular ceiling painting. This large work by Highmore/Thornhill originally adorned the great cabin of the HMS ROYAL SOVEREIGN (1701) before being relocated to the ceiling above the main staircase. We’re taking every precaution to ensure its safety during the project.
Watch the transformation
Are you curious to see how this massive scaffold came together? Check out our timelapse video – 9 weeks of construction condensed into just 3 minutes. It’s an impressive watch!
