The renovation of the London Museum included a significant structural upgrade to the Poultry Market, where HESS TIMBER was contracted to supply and install timber components for the replacement of the existing Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) roof. The new roof system was constructed using 300 cubic meters of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) panels, chosen for their strength, sustainability, and speed of installation.
This project posed considerable logistical and technical challenges due to its location in the heart of the City of London, near other landmarks such as the St. Paul’s Cathedral.
CHALLENGE: CITY CENTER
The complexity of the operation revolved around three interdependent factors: installation, cranage, and logistics. Road access restrictions dictated the size and delivery schedule of the CLT panels, requiring meticulous planning and coordination. Deliveries had to be timed precisely to align with road closures, ensuring that panels were installed and the site cleared before roads reopened.
Cranage was another critical consideration. The proximity to train stations and underground tunnels imposed strict limitations on crane type and ground pressure. The cranes had to be set up on a considerable temporary base structure which itself had to be constructed with smaller cranes that required their own temporary works to avoid overloading the ground conditions. This was an engineering and logistical challenge. In total there were 4 crane locations for the full roof, so the base structures had to be set up, dismantled and moved several times.
Installation at roof level added further complexity, with limited access requiring a highly efficient design and preparation strategy. The team focused on achieving daily lift targets by streamlining the landing and placement of panels, ensuring that each component was installed swiftly and safely.
INNER-CITY REVITALIZATION
Through careful planning and execution, HESS TIMBER successfully delivered a structurally sound and visually impressive timber roof solution, demonstrating its expertise in managing complex urban construction projects with precision and agility.
