Barbican Renewal Programme - Metalwork including feature stairs

Barbican Renewal Programme - Metalwork Including Feature Stairs

The package covers the design, supply and installation of architectural metalwork and feature stairs across six work areas: the Conservatory (CN), Stair 8 (S8), the Art Gallery Foyers (AF), the Foyers (FY), the Catering Block (CB) and Infrastructure (IN). The items are a mix of new, proprietary and refurbished heritage metalwork, and the Conservatory stairs, balustrades and walkways are the largest part of the package. The scope within each area is summarised below:

• Conservatory (CN) – feature stairs: Free-standing Helical and Spiral stairs, and the West, East and South ground-bearing stairs, with their balustrades and the helical stair void guarding and gate.

• Conservatory (CN) – balustrades, gates and handrails: new glazed and planter balustrades to the flytower walkways, viewing platform, landscape and entrance ramp; refurbishment of the Arid House balcony and Level 06 flytower walkway balustrades; guarding to automated doors; gates; and brass handrails to ramps and steps.

• Conservatory (CN)– walkways and ladders: repairs to the existing access stair, platform and walkway; the duct-protection walkway; the Tower Walkway floor grille; The Ledge access platform; and the Shaft 20 access ladder and extendable pole.

• Conservatory (CN) – linings, fixtures and louvres: lift architraves, stainless linings, fascias, floor hatches, Theatre Fans louvred doors and screens, the Sculpture Court louvre screen, fin-tube heater brackets fixed to concrete, brass armrests, propagation benches, climber mesh, planters and the Nursery plant shelter; metal planter and lattice soffit repair; and new standalone mechanical louvres and refurbished vent panels fitted into existing openings.

• Stair 8 (S8): refurbished balustrade with new glass; the Stair 8 ­façade handrail removed, refurbished and refitted with LED lighting; and a perforated deck.

• Art Gallery Foyers (AF): refurbished mechanical louvres; and, to the Level 03 balconies, a new glazed balustrade and gate and bespoke metal planters.

• Foyers (FY) : hoop barriers, brass skirting, a goods-lift door, a brass mesh screen, recreated, refurbished and new balustrades, brass handrails, an access slope, foot-pump covers, drink shelves, cycle stands, refurbished louvres, and brass and hose reel cover plates. The brass handrail at the glazing is refurbished by TP4750 and free-issued to TP3300 Glazing and Envelop contractor for refitting.

• Catering Block (CB): offsite repair and reinstatement of the Level 1 balustrade; a new Level 2 balustrade inside the glazing, demountable for glazing access; a brass hoop barrier; and a terrace planter.

• Infrastructure (IN): plant fencing and gates, a loading bay gate, plantroom guarding, a fire-rated plant enclosure, ductwork panelling, the Service Road grille, and shaft-top louvre and bird mesh.

Design Responsibility

The package’s bespoke architectural metalwork and feature stair systems are Contractor Design Portion. The design team specifications set performance requirements and design intent only; the Contractor develops that intent into a complete, buildable design, including structural calculations, fabrication and shop drawings, connection design back to the primary and secondary structure, the Building Regulations approvals that depend on them, and coordination at every interface with adjoining trades. Naming a specific product or finish does not relieve the Contractor of that responsibility.

This includes the full structural design of the Helical, Spiral, West, East and South feature stairs; structural adequacy and loading design for all balustrades, guarding, working platforms and walkways, including permanent fall-restraint systems and their certification; and a condition-survey-led repair method and specification for every refurbishment item.