Customs House
Project Overview
Premier Scaffolds was engaged to provide an innovative access solution for the historic Customs House in Brisbane. Renowned for its iconic architecture and multifaceted use as a venue for weddings, functions, a live restaurant, and office spaces, Customs House presented a unique challenge that required a purpose-built solution.
The objective was clear: deliver a tailored solution that met functional access needs, avoided disrupting daily operations, adhered to tight project timelines, and minimised visual impact to preserve the venue’s aesthetic appeal.
The Challenge
Structural Limitations
The roof structure could not bear the imposed loads of scaffolding. Traditional ground-up scaffolding was not an option due to the ornate, 15-metre ceilings in the function room below, which were not feasible for propping.
Operational Constraints
The venue had to remain fully operational throughout the project, accommodating weddings, events, and a busy restaurant. The solution needed to avoid disrupting guests or creating significant visual intrusions.
Tight Timelines
With a demanding schedule, the project required efficient planning, equipment, and execution to meet deadlines without compromising quality or safety.
Our Solutions
Premier Scaffolds engineered a bespoke cantilevered steel structure system designed to overcome these unique challenges:
Custom Design and Fabrication
- This project was a true representation of the importance of getting experts in early and involved every step of the way. Using in-house expertise, the steel structure was designed, fabricated, and mock-assembled in our factory to ensure precision before arriving on-site.
- The scaffold system was built on a cantilevered steel frame installed on the plinth supporting the dome of the building.
Efficient On-Site Assembly
- The steel “train tracks” were placed on the road in front of Customs House, necessitating a partial road closure and utilising an 80-tonne crane.
- The scaffold structure was pre-assembled in two vertical sections on the ground, then craned into position in a systematic process involving eight sets of train tracks.
- We continue to be the safest, strongest, and lightest system on the market. The lightweight yet robust Premier Scaffolds system allowed for quick and safe assembly, meeting all structural and safety requirements.
Minimised Disruption and Visual Impact
- The strategic use of cantilevered design ensured no load was imposed on the fragile roof, preserving the integrity of the ornate interiors below.
- The visually unobtrusive solution allowed the venue to continue operations without compromising its appeal for weddings or other events. Not only was this super important to the families, and event organisers, but it also would have had a detrimental impact on the reputation and revenue of Customs House if not adhered to and respected in the process.
Project Outcomes
Premier Scaffolds successfully delivered a tailored access solution that met all project objectives:
Operational Continuity
The venue remained fully functional throughout the project, maintaining its reputation as a premium destination for events and weddings.
Safety and Efficiency
The use of lightweight, high-strength scaffolding systems ensured a safe, efficient installation process with minimal impact on the site.
Cost-Effective Innovation
The custom-engineered solution avoided the need for extensive roof propping, reducing potential costs and preserving the function room’s usability.
Client Satisfaction
The project was completed on time and without incident, despite unpredictable challenges such as severe weather during dismantling.
Conclusion
Customs House exemplifies Premier Scaffolds’ ability to overcome complex challenges with innovative, safety-driven, and tailored access solutions.
By partnering closely with clients, assessing site-specific needs, and leveraging cutting-edge equipment and engineering, Premier Scaffolds consistently delivers exceptional results that support project goals while respecting the operational and aesthetic priorities of our clients.