The Observer has obtained an official parliamentary report warning that the roof of Portcullis House, a parliamentary office building, is in need of a complete overhaul and that its atrium glazing has severe structural issues.
A recent report, requested by the government officials, cautions that precipitation is seeping into the offices of Members of Parliament and proposes repairs to the roof estimated to be in the tens of millions of pounds. It also suggests a temporary solution of placing netting underneath the atrium roof to avoid any potential harm from falling glass in case of broken panes. The House of Commons announced that netting is currently being installed in the atrium.
According to a report from the architectural firm Purcell, which received input from specialized contractors, it has been discovered that the building was not originally designed to provide access to the roof for maintenance purposes. This means that significant repairs and renovations may be necessary, despite the fact that the building was finished in August 2000, costing £235 million.
The report states that there is water seeping into multiple areas, including the offices of members. The main roof requires a thorough renovation to address issues with waterproofing and ensure safe access.
Furthermore, aside from the necessary tasks for the primary roof, there were also worries regarding the impressive atrium roof, which were brought to attention after a panel of glass broke in July, causing a significant amount of water to pour down below. The report states that the double-glazed unit was filled with approximately 100 liters of water due to the failure of its seals.
The Members of Parliament have been informed that the electrical and mechanical systems of the building require replacement, which could cost up to £143m. The budget for the roof repairs has not yet been finalized.
A report from the National Audit Office in 2002 stated that Portcullis House was planned to last for 120 years. The report also noted that the building was built with exceptional architectural design, materials, and craftsmanship.
The construction of the building did not include a convenient way for workers to access the roof. As a result, maintenance must be done by abseiling teams and a drone has been utilized for visual inspections. According to a report from August 2023, the initial design of the building did not adequately account for the need for safe exterior access to the main roof. This oversight has resulted in neglect and deterioration of the main roof over time.
A maintenance system known as “track and cradle” was initially installed during the construction of the building to facilitate cleaning and replacement of glass panes. However, it was only in operation for a brief time and now the tracks are distorted. It is advisable to replace this system.
In July, Sir Charles Walker, who leads the House of Commons administration committee, informed members of Parliament that there have been 12 documented leaks involving the glass roof of the atrium and three instances of breakage. The report recommends avoiding any further impromptu replacements of cracked glass panels.
The warning notes that the frequency of breakages and deterioration has risen over time and that it is no longer practical to replace them randomly for optimal functioning. It suggests that the parliamentary authorities investigate the possibility of upgrading the glazing in the atrium roof to a more advanced standard.
The report suggests that the client team should think about temporary solutions to avoid glass from falling onto individuals in the atrium area underneath.
An option that could be used for a short period of time would be to attach netting underneath the roof. Alternatively, a more substantial solution would be to add a crash deck underneath.
According to the report, there was a high incidence of glass breakages during the summer months. The report suggests installing a retractable canopy over the atrium’s roof, similar to the ones used in sports stadiums, as a solution to reduce overheating and sun glare.
A representative from the House of Commons stated that Portcullis House is a heavily utilized section of the parliamentary grounds. Although the building is still safe for use, it is over 20 years old and in need of necessary repairs and replacements for services and systems.
The examination of the main roof and glass atrium at Portcullis House confirms our current understanding of the structure and its difficulties. We have initiated the process of outlining the larger project that will address the needed upgrades to the roof.
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For now, Portcullis House can still offer reliable and functional facilities that can adequately accommodate the House’s long-term requirements. The maintenance team within parliament regularly maintains the building to ensure its smooth operation.
Independent professionals have confirmed the stability of the roof. In order to provide extra confidence and as a precautionary measure, netting will be put in place under the atrium roof before the larger and more comprehensive renovation project.
Source: theguardian.com
