Challenge

One of the capital’s most famous landmarks, the 70m tall London Monument, was re-opened to the public following the conclusion of an 18 month period of essential repairs, improvements and restoration work.

Completed in 1677, Sir Christopher Wren’s monument to the Great Fire of London is the tallest isolated stone column in the world - standing 202 feet high, and 202 feet from the spot in Pudding Lane where it is believed the fire started.

Over 100,000 visitors climb the 311 spiral steps to the Monument’s observation gallery every year, and one of the key elements of the £4.5 million programme was the provision of a new viewing platform to ensure that visitors continue to enjoy panoramic views across the city in complete safety.

It was necessary to replace a traditional 1950’s iron bar safety structure 

Solution

Designed by Julian Harrap Architects, the two-metre high platform features a stainless steel balustrade ‘cage’ which is completely enclosed by MMA Architectural System’s stainless steel Webnet system.

The new platform was lifted in place by crane in two separate sections and welded together in situ by Littlehampton Welding Ltd. The Webnet mesh system was then installed by MMA on site.

Outcome

Commenting on the installation, MMA  said: “This was a fantastic project to be involved in and we’re absolutely delighted with the result. From the design brief, we worked closely with the architect and contractor to develop a tailored solution, the Webnet system completely enclosing the viewing platform without compromising the spectacular views”.