So here we are at last, up inside the keep roof at Norwich Castle. The wooden roof structure is Boardman's from the 1890s and we need to thread our steels through it without touching it to enable us to support the new observation deck that will give such great views over the old city.
A tricky and delicate job involving lots of man-handling of hefty steel beams in and around the timber structure.
Knitting with steel poles.
I had to model all this in 3D to make sure it worked.
Up on top, a VERY long steel beam being lowered into place. It will form the base plate of an inverted triangular steel lattice on top of which will sit the new flat viewing platforms.
Here it is, in place. Now for the fun part!
Taking shape! The roof viewing platforms will be at the same height as the battlement walkway so anyone can wander over the whole lot and play spot the landmark.
More soon!
7 comments:
Wow - so cool to see these photos of the Castle roof! Very impressive that you did the 3D models. I was almost holding my breath looking at the photos of the workers delicately installing the steel beams amongst the timber. The viewing platform will be a must-do experience while at the Castle. Such a stunning view!
It's going to be well spiffy, Katie; you've got to come over and re-visit the castle, this time from dungeons to battlements.
Now the fun part, you say? It's all fun!
I must confess …
I've been wondering where you find the workers who have the patience, skill, and motivation to guide/place the steel amid the ancient stone and timber. Are they specialists in historic restoration or hi-end workers who work on the big, new structures and homes, too? Do you find them to be interested in the history? There are maintenance guys I don't want to take even a step inside my apartment, but one day a Hispanic worker asked me technical question about one of my paintings. It was sophisticated, hence, unexpected, I found myself thinking "He can work on anything that needs fixin'"
This experience has been very close to watching a documentary on the restoration of the castle over the course of years without the usual overlooking of all the small details and time involved! I am grateful for the experience you've shared, sweetpea! xoxo
Our lot are a complete mix, Speedway. Most of the folk working on the bits outside the Keep are your normal contract labourers, but we've got a whole lot of specialist historic building craftspeople as well. The stonemasons are fun to chat to.
Hey, Savannah; yes, it's a VERY slow documentary but it keeps me occupied and happy. xoxo
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