National Art Library

CLIENT: Victoria & Albert Museum
VALUE: £456,000
DATE: May 2020

Quinn London were employed to undertake the replacement of the National Art Library roof within the Grade I listed Victoria and Albert Museum.

The project involved:

• Removal and disposal of the existing roofing.
• Removal of the asbestos seals to the glazing.
• Structural support for the new glazed roofing onto the existing roof structure, including development of final details.
• Replacement of rotten timbers, insulation, and accessories in the existing roof and reapplication of corrosion protection to steelwork.
• Design, manufacture and installation of a new patent glazing system.
• Completion of interfaces between the new system and existing roofing to the surrounding areas.
• Refurbishment of existing timber-framed and glazed vertical lantern lights.
• Refurbishment of cast iron rainwater goods.
• Strengthening work to existing plaster covering the facade.

Risks and Mitigations:

Structural stability - Due to the level of rotten timbers and the requirement for structural alternations, the stability of the building was a key risk associated with this project.

QLL thoroughly investigated the existing structure and foundations before starting the works and a risk assessment was carried out prior to starting any structural alterations.

A monitoring strategy was also developed by our Structural Engineers, Michael Barclay Partners, and agreed with the Client and Client Team during the mobilisation period and was followed throughout the duration of the project.

Live Environment - The museum, excluding the NAL Library remained open during the works delivery. QLL implemented a detailed work segregation strategy to mitigate any disruption to the workings of the museum.