Bespoke Steel Spiral Staircase Installation | Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth | Grade II*
Bespoke Steel Spiral Staircase Installation | Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth | Grade II Listed Building*
Denton-Powell were asked to design and install a bespoke external spiral staircase as part of a sensitive upgrade at Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, a live MOD naval base and a Grade II Listed building. Denton-Powell delivered a practical emergency access solution while respecting the constraints of the historic structure, demonstrating our careful planning, precision engineering, and close coordination, achieving a successful outcome.
Project Overview:
- Client: Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth
- Location: Dartmouth
- Completion Date: January 24
- Project Type: MOD
- Timescale: 4 weeks Manufacture and Installation
- Materials: Galvanized Mild steel
About Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth: Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) Dartmouth was constructed at the turn of the 20th century, with building work taking place between 1899 and 1905. The college was designed by Sir Aston Webb, a prominent architect also responsible for Admiralty Arch and the front elevation of Buckingham Palace. The foundation stone for the main college building was laid in 1902 by Edward VII, marking a key milestone in its development, and an additional section was added in 1914. Today, the listed heritage building continues to serve its original purpose as the Royal Navy’s officer training establishment, educating and preparing future naval officers.
The Brief:
For Britannia Royal Naval College, Denton-Powell were asked to fabricate and install a new external spiral staircase as a part of a sensitive upgrade to a Grade II listed building to support improved emergency access and circulation while respecting the constraints of the historic college estate.
The Task:
- Remove an old condemned fire escape.
- Integrate with the existing BRNC buildings and setting.
- Provide a clear, safe and functional external route between internal levels and ground level.
- Meet stringent safety, durability, and heritage requirements appropriate to a Grade II Listed building.
- Be fabricated efficiently and installed with minimal disruption to the operational naval college.
The Project – MOD External Spiral Staircase: Commissioned by the main contractor Lancer Scott, Denton-Powell designed and constructed an external spiral staircase to provide safe access from an existing fire escape down to ground level, while fully complying with Grade II Listed building regulations. Installed externally as part of a later-phase upgrade to a historic structure, the staircase was required to improve emergency egress without compromising the building’s heritage significance.
Our Solution – Bespoke Galvanised Steel Spiral Staircase:
A pre-approved design was used, featuring a modular spiral staircase fabricated from galvanised mild steel. The structure was manufactured in segmented sections for ease of transport and efficient installation, with each section slotted onto a central core securely fixed into a ground-level concrete pad, ensuring both structural integrity and minimal impact on the listed building.
Challenges of Installing a Staircase on a Live MOD Site:
Access restrictions meant the spiral staircase had a particularly tight radius, requiring the bespoke manufacture of helically rolled CHS sections to form both the inner and outer handrails. In addition, working on a live MOD site demanded fully vetted installers and a highly detailed installation plan to ensure the works were carried out safely, securely, and without disruption.
Responsibilities and Commitments for the project at BRNC:
Qualified Installers: Our fully vetted and qualified installers are authorized to work on live MOD sites, ensuring compliance with all regulations and security protocols.
Condemned Fire Escape Replacement: We removed an old, condemned fire escape and replaced it with a building control compliant spiral staircase, enhancing both safety and functionality.
Design Specifications: Adhering to a strict design specification due to the building's listed status, we designed a spiral staircase that seamlessly integrated with the historic building.
Challenging Installation: Given the difficult access to the installation site, we designed the spiral in sections to facilitate a smooth and efficient assembly process by crafting segmented sections, fixed around a central core.
Enhanced Durability: To combat the coastal environment, we galvanized the staircase to exceed UK specifications, ensuring long-lasting protection against the elements.
Why Denton-Powell for Bespoke Steel Fabrication: Our commitment to quality and precision make Denton-Powell the ideal choice for bespoke steel fabrication projects. We work closely with our clients to deliver tailored solutions, bringing design to life through expert craftsmanship and technical excellence.
Looking for a bespoke steel staircase or heritage sensitive access solution?
Denton-Powell designs and installs precision engineered steelwork for MOD sites, listed buildings, and complex environments across the UK.
📧 [email protected]
📞 01460 242114
Sector
MOD
Completion
January 2024
Timescale
4 Weeks
Materials Used
Galvanized Mild steel