ARCHITECTURAL FOCUS
“ The installation of a bespoke Stannah passenger lift now provides step-free access to the Morley Library and Triforium in the South Transept , which contains a new exhibition space .
In addition , a piling rig was required to create piles in the ground structure to house the lift ’ s hydraulic ram and this had to be brought to the South Transept in sections because of its size , and then assembled ready for use .
Creating the lift pit and pile allowed for the installation of a robust lift and the Stannah team collaborated with Nick Cox Architects to create a design that met all requirements .
The lift shaft travels through a late eleventhcentury groin vault and this aperture was created by working with historical consultants . The Cathedral acted as principal contractor managing specialist subcontractors .
Given the historic significance and medieval construction of Winchester Cathedral , the passenger lift shaft structure had to be self-supporting , while maintaining a gap between the shaft and the groin vault it passes through ensuring preservation of the historic structure . This gap acts as a protective barrier preventing any potential mechanical damage that could be caused by vibrations from the moving lift .
The Result
The installation of a bespoke Stannah passenger lift now provides step-free access to the Morley Library and Triforium in the South Transept , which contains a new exhibition space .
The first thing that strikes observers is that the Stannah passenger lift solution maintains existing levels of natural light within this part of the cathedral . The elegant design does this using glass cladding on the shaft and lift car , meaning that the glass is a physical barrier , rather than an optical one .
If the lift shaft and car had been designed with solid panels it would have blocked out natural light that illuminates the floor area below . In this way , use of glass cladding as part of a 21st century design , is one that would be respected by the original 12th century stonemasons .
When viewed from the ground floor the lift shaft and car are imperceptible to the observer , and approach that is enhanced by the use of bronze surrounds which harmonise with the other palettes in this medieval structure .
Using transparent materials also offers passengers an inspiring view as they ascend and descend through the cathedral , a very clever way of redirecting focus to the cathedral itself .
In 2021 this remarkable project wowed the judges securing four Royal Institute of British Architects ( RIBA ) awards ; RIBA South Award , RIBA South Conservation Award , RIBA South Client of the Year Award and RIBA National Award . Prior to this , the project won the prestigious UK Heritage Award that celebrates the best historic sites and museums .
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