Project

Client: National Offenders Management Service & Vinci Construction

Wandsworth prison was built in 1851 and known at that time as the ‘Surrey House of Correction’. The total operational capacity of the prison is approximately 1,674. This is the largest prison in London and the second largest in Britain, after Liverpool.

Wandsworth prison has managed to build upon the foresight of the Victorian designers and builders and to continue to operate over the past 150 years without radical rebuilding being required.

E wing required a complete upgrade of mechanical and electrical services. The space beneath the main roof was established as the most appropriate location for new mechanical plant.

Roughton carried out the following:

• An extensive survey of the existing cut timber roof structure to determine its structural form and condition. It was necessary to determine if sufficient space for plant existed.
• Maximise the area for mechanical plant and ductwork by raising the roof and removing all existing masonry walls within the roof space. The eaves detailing was critical to maintain a well ventilated roof space.