ST PAUL’S EQUAL ACCESS PROJECT IS AN AWARD-WINNER

[IN 2020 Oculus Building Control – a part of Assent group – was appointed in to work on the equal access project at St Paul’s Cathedral, alongside Caroe Architecture.

Assent is a well-established UK-wide corporate Building Control Approved Inspector that provides a complete solution for all building control services. Founded in 2005, Assent is at the forefront of building control in the UK and has an excellent reputation, offering a very high level of service. Assent builds strong long-term relationships with its clients and is dedicated to adding value.

The project at St Paul’s involved the installation of a permanent access ramp at the historic landmark. It also included a second phase, which saw the installation of a memorial within the inner portico of the building. That was the most significant change to the building’s exterior in 300 years.

Phase One: equal access

Given the nature of the historic listing buildings, Phase One 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 those 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, the limitations of the project needed to be understood: identifying what was able to be delivered in line with building regulations while balancing the needs of the conservation officers.

An additional element to the complex project was that Assent had to face the pandemic. At the height of the pandemic it became difficult to get 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 One of the project was completed ahead of time.

Phase Two: the Remember Me memorial

The successful completion of the access ramp led to Assent working on Phase Two of the project: the Remember Me inner portico – a memorial for those who lost their lives due to COVID-19. That part of the project required rigorous research and assessment, which resulted in a contemporary design while 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.”

Providing a sustainable, accessible and safe built environment can be complex. Assent provides a flexible resource for the client and all design team members to ensure that building regulation compliance is integrated into projects from inception to completion.

The project has recently won a Civic Trust Award. The Civic Trust Awards recognise outstanding architecture, planning and design in the built environment. q