Ipswich-based main contractor Barnes Construction has hired a range of Portable Space cabins whilst they re-roof King’s College Chapel. We’re thrilled to play a part in a project for one of the most architecturally important buildings in the country.
When you think of Cambridge’s iconic buildings, King’s College Chapel will be the first to spring to mind. The oldest surviving building within the College site, today the Chapel plays a central role in College life. Not only is it a place of daily worship, but also where new students matriculate, and Fellows are admitted. The Chapel’s glorious acoustics are known around the world: many Christmas and Easter services are recorded or broadcast live from here.
Having protected the congregation from all weathers over the years, it’s time for the Chapel’s roof to be refurbished.
Barnes Construction will remove the lead roof coverings and send them away for recasting. They’ll then be re-laid over new Baltic whitewood sarking boards. And whilst the roofing works progress, Barnes will carry out a detailed restoration of the lime render within the Chapel, led by an ICON registered conservator. The project is due to last 62 weeks.
The College continues to work closely with Historic England and additional energy efficient upgrade options may be added.
King Henry VI was 19 years old when he laid the foundation stone of the Chapel. However, work was interrupted by the Wars of the Roses. The responsibility – and costs – for the Chapel’s completion would lie in the hands of several monarchs: Richard III, Henry VII and Henry VIII. By 1547 it was acknowledged to be one of the finest late medieval buildings in Europe.
Since 2007 Barnes Construction has built a reputation as an experienced and collaborative contractor. The company has delivered highly successful schemes for the colleges, university and research quarter in Cambridge.
Construction companies need high quality, portable accommodation suitable for use on site as office space and facilities for managers and operatives. It must also comply with all relevant health and safety regulations.
On a sunny day in August, we delivered and installed seven cabins to the site, all painted in the Barnes’ two-tone livery.
Barnes Constructions contracts with Portable Space to store and maintain a number of welfare cabins. When required for a construction job, we prepare the units to a high standard, they are all cleaned, electrically tested and delivered to site ready to use.
With these units, Barnes Construction’s staff have room to work and welfare facilities that are comfortable, convenient and suitable for year-round use. Their modified cabins provide office space, a meeting room, a canteen, a drying room, and storage for building materials.
However, every site comes with challenges, and King’s College Chapel is no different. To solve a lack of access to foul drains, we have supplied Barnes Construction’s toilet block with a Portable Space waste tank.
At Portable Space, we have an extensive fleet of cabins available for hire or for sale. This includes containers measuring 8ft, 10ft, 20ft and 40ft, in a range of types and prices. Contact our Sales or Hire teams for more information.
Countryside Properties plc, a major UK housebuilder, is working with Portable Space to meet its accommodation and storage needs across its current operating sites.
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