Project Overview
Hertmonceux Castle, located in the Sussex countryside, is a historic structure undergoing significant restoration, including the replacement of deteriorating stone lintels, window surrounds, and parapet walls. The project required a reliable material hoist to facilitate the movement of materials and waste, ensuring an efficient workflow for the restoration team.
With a 40-week project timeline, the client needed a compact yet powerful hoist that could navigate the site’s challenging access points while supporting the weight demands of the materials being transported.
Challenges Faced
The Hertmonceux Castle restoration presented several unique challenges:
- Limited Space for Hoist Setup
The designated hoist area was constrained, with only a small grass section available. The scaffold company had to construct a compact gantry that could safely support the hoist while cantilevering over the castle’s historic moat. - Restricted Access to the Site
The hoist had to be transported across a 20-metre bridge and along narrow ramps, meaning it needed to be disassembled for safe relocation and reassembled at the installation site. - Structural Constraints on the Gantry
Due to the delicate nature of the structure, the gantry had to be designed with precision, balancing stability while minimising weight load on the existing framework.
Proposed Solutions
To overcome these challenges, The Hoist People devised a tailored material hoist setup:
- Geda 300kg Platform Hoist Selection
This hoist was chosen for its compact footprint, ease of disassembly, and optimal load capacity for the restoration materials. Its ability to be broken down into manageable components allowed it to be safely transported across the bridge and ramps before being reconstructed on-site. - Close Collaboration with Scaffold Designers
The Hoist People worked closely with the scaffold design team to ensure the gantry was structurally sound while keeping its footprint minimal. Detailed engineering calculations were conducted to confirm the stability of the cantilevered setup over the moat. - Disassembly and Reassembly on Site
Given the restricted access, the hoist was delivered in parts, carefully transported via trolleys and pallet trucks, and then reassembled at the installation site. The scaffolders provided well-planned ramps to facilitate smooth movement of equipment.
Results
- Successful Hoist Installation
Despite access challenges, the material hoist was securely installed on the gantry, ensuring smooth lifting and transportation of stone and brickwork throughout the project. - Efficient Material Handling
The Geda hoist streamlined material transportation, allowing restoration teams to move heavy loads quickly and safely while also expediting the removal of old stone and debris. - Client Satisfaction and Seamless Execution
The precise planning and seamless collaboration with the scaffold designers ensured the project proceeded without delays. The Hoist People’s proactive approach in providing exact hoist specifications helped avoid any last-minute modifications to the scaffold design.
Conclusion
The Hertmonceux Castle restoration project highlighted The Hoist People’s ability to deliver innovative hoist setups under challenging conditions. By optimising space, ensuring a secure gantry structure, and leveraging the flexibility of the Geda 300kg platform hoist, the team enabled a safe and efficient workflow.
Contact us today to discuss how we can support your next restoration or construction project.
