The Raphael Gallery

CLIENT: V&A Museum
VALUE: £1.6m
DATE: October 2020
AWARDS: V&A named construction client of the year at building awards 2021

SCOPE OF WORKS

Quinn London have delivered a number of high-profile contracts for the Victoria & Albert Museum and we are currently working with them undertaking major refurbishment works to the Raphael Gallery.

ARCHITECTURAL

• Acoustic ceiling panels
• Replacement of plywood soffit panels in lighting zone
• Opening-up works and redecoration of walls and ceiling

STRUCTURAL

• Acoustic panel support structure
• Lighting support structure
• Mechanical and electrical
• Removal of existing services
• General lighting and emergency lighting upgrade
• Minor modifications to the existing BMS, fire and voice alarm

LIGHTING

• Artwork lighting
• Circulation and house lighting
• Architectural lighting
• Emergency lighting

RISKS AND MITIGATIONS

TEMPORARY PROTECTION FOR THE PRICELESS ARTWORK AND ARTEFACTS

Quinn London carried out condition surveys of all wall, ceiling and floor finishes as well as decorative mouldings, stonework, artworks and artefacts prior to commencing the works. During the mobilisation period we carried out Risk Assessments and produced Method statements (RAMS) for all protection:

• The mosaic floor was protected with layers of ply and correx.
• Retained finishes, decorative elements artworks and artefacts were properly protected throughout the works, as demonstrated in the photographs opposite
• The scaffolding was designed to be perimeter independent to ensure that the wall and ceiling finishes remained untouched by the scaffold.

FIRE PROTECTION

Included within the scope of works was the modification of the existing BMS, fire and voice alarm system.

To ensure the continued protection of the building throughout the delivery of the works and especially whilst the new system was installed, Quinn London carefully disconnected the BMS, fire and voice alarms and installed a temporary system. This remained active for the period of works until the existing system was connected and tested.

A banksman was also allocated to this project to ensure that fire escape routes were kept free of materials and equipment at all times.