Bristol Beacon - The Journey 2019 -2023
“Carpentry is the art of building dreams with Wood”
When we arrived on site on the 7th of August 2019 and struck our first blow, had we underestimated the journey ahead? Quite possibly. However, did we have the perseverance, expertise, and determination as a team to deliver the most state-of-the-art concert venue in Europe? Definitely!
2019
Bristol Beacon was a demolition site with many of the main structural components of the building in a frail state. The first task in hand involved strengthening the existing roof of this Grade II listed building, detailed heavy-duty steel strengthening plates were introduced to reinforce the existing trusses.
The lantern skylight was the first significant milestone on the project, resurrecting the old rotten timber profiles and carefully trimming out damaged sections from years of water ingress. Structurally fragile sections are replaced with a conservation officer intent on salvaging as many of the original components as possible.
2021
The structural re-design was well underway and our attention turned to the finished timber wall linings comprising of reclaimed sections from the original building and newly constructed panels all meticulously designed with acoustic, fire and light performance in mind.
2022
The internal joinery commenced, door sets from four different suppliers were ordered, window renovation escalated from replacing a few panes of broken glass to full remakes and refurbishment of existing windows, and an ever-increasing scope of work was underway. The unforeseen complexity of every individual element of work became apparent and by the end of 2022, our labour levels had increased from two site supervisors and ten carpenters to four site managers and around forty skilled operatives.
2023
IWC operatives were busy working on every element of the project. Material procurement to maintain production, quality inspections, sign-offs and relaying key information to the site team to achieve the architect's design. Fast forward to November 2023, the complexity we have never encountered, a 100% bespoke project that cannot be compared to anything we have ever done before but we have achieved it ready for the grand opening of the highly-anticipated Beacon Building.
Grand Opening
The doors are open (finally!) to an audience who will witness a variety of acts from heavy metal bands to comedians to full brass bands for many years to come. Surrounded in a room dominated by timber finishes fitted by our expert team.
This has been one of the most incredible, complex and challenging projects we have undertaken and has required nothing less than utmost commitment, diligence and expertise all delivered by an incredible site team over four years!
Without a doubt, one of our most prestigious projects and certainly one of our proudest achievements as a business. All of this was possible because of the amazing team we have at Ian Williams Carpentry, who have shown complete dedication and the highest standards of carpentry in a building that is a focal point to Bristol’s culture. We are extremely proud to be part of this historical journey alongside Wilmott Dixon and all the other incredible businesses that worked tirelessly together to build this magnificent building, what an incredible achievement.
