Client
Needs
The client was assessing their options with a view to undertaking external repair and
maintenance works to the roofs and facades in the future. The project managers
approached Harris Associates to obtain advice on the existing condition and remedial
recommendations for the various roof types and elements. As part of the assessment, Harris
Associates also provided feasibility and condition advice on the services and plant located at
roof level.
What
We Did
Harris Associates’ team undertook in depth surveys and assessments on site accross 2 days.
We also took a lead role in organising access, obtaining permits and permissions from the
Covent Garden Estates team and co-ordinated the survey team which comprised of services
sub-consultants and drone pilots.
We
Provided
Desktop review of building information, including plant asset schedules.
Site survey and assessment of all 13 roof areas, including internal assessment to the underside of the roofs and high-level facades.
Co-ordination of services sub-consultants in connection with MEP plant assessment
Provision of drone survey and media footage.
Preparation of condition report and repair schedules, with remedial recommendations and lifecycle analysis covering building fabric and plant.
Final
Result
Project Complexities
The adjacent streets and Covent Garden Plaza were busy with pedestrians and we had to
plan an access strategy to ensure the general public were kept safe and not impacted. The
same applied to the museum itself, which was open to the general public during the
surveys. The access to some of the roofs was limited, so our surveys were undertaken by a
combination of visual surveys for those that were accessible, ladder access and drone
footage. We worked closely with our drone pilots to ensure that all of the required areas
and media was captured in sufficient detail for us to analyse as part of the condition report
Final Result
The reporting output provided to the client has been used to understand the life expectancy
of different roof elements and types. The schedule and recommendations will assist the
project managers and architects in preparing the scope of works for any immediate works
required now and longer-term planned project works in the future
