The Old Palace, Canterbury Cathedral
A RAPID SITE SURVEY AND TEMPORARY WALKWAY TO SIT ALL ABILITIES
Heritage
Canterbury, Southeast
PROJECT BACKGROUND:
Canterbury Cathedral was host to Lambeth Conference, a new hospitality programme incorporating elements of relaxation, gathering informally, and a retreat with spiritual preparation.
REQUIREMENT:
A temporary modular walkway to overcome the varying ground levels to achieve a wheelchair-accessible path to the main marquee and Palace.
Steps were also needed for able-bodied users.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
A site survey was urgently requested, which we were happy to accommodate around other survey bookings.
Our surveyor used lidar scanning technology. The machine scanned the whole area, including the building and terrain.
Once the photographing process was completed, our CAD designer could plot a 3D visual of the ramp on top of the lidar model.
The final CAD designs were given to the client with their quotation.
The lidar modelling process helps contextualise the drawings by placing the system in a virtual representation of the real environment, in this example, a historic setting with grass & dry terrain.
We aim to conduct site surveys efficiently and within a minimal time frame. This technology enables us to continue to achieve these objectives and more.
END RESULT:
The system was installed on a hire basis, with installation on Friday 29th July and removal on Monday 8th August.
The ground was split between a stony path, a barked area and grass. The tarmac was slightly higher and solid, whereas the barked and grass areas were soft surfaces. Due to this, concrete slabs were added under each foot to ensure extra rigidity.
Removal was easy and quick and restored the site to its previous condition.
FEATURES INCLUDED:
- Standard Handrail - this handrail system ensures users always have support to hold onto.
- Trombone Ends - these are added to the ends of a Rapid Ramp to prevent clothes catching.
- Mesh Platform - the self-draining mesh allows water to pass through rather than collect on the surface.
- Standard Colour: Black - Black is the standard handrail colour. Handrails are powder-coated to create a durable finish that is tougher than conventional paint.
EXTRA FEATURES INCLUDED:
- Step Unit - an ideal addition to any ramp installation, providing the access needed for able-bodied users. They can also be stand-alone units, independent of the Rapid Ramp System.
- Yellow Tread - this is a safety feature designed to help those with impaired vision identify the nose of a step or level change.
INSTALLATION VIDEO:
I wanted to thank all the team at Rapid Ramp for your help, assistance and professionalism in delivering and constructing the access ramps.
We could not be happier with the outcome of the receptions we held at The Old Palace and are very appreciative of all you have done to make them happen; you have been such a delight to deal with, especially in your thoroughness, attention to detail and product knowledge.
The ramps were a wonderful addition and made every reception a much easier and seamless event knowing that every guest had full and unfettered access to the main marquee, the Palace itself and its facilities, and we were much appreciated by many of the guests who had impaired mobility.
We are all looking forward to the next time we can entertain at The Old Palace again on this scale, and look forward to being in touch with you again then.
Hospitality Operations Manager, Lambeth Palace
Gallery
