Using the latest quadcopter technology, we were able to gain footage of the building from all angles which exposed the extent of the problems and allowed us to create a virtual representation of what could be achieved on the site.– James Bengree, McAndrew Martin
Demand for cutting-edge drone technology is rising at a leading multi-disciplinary firm after its use on the renovation of a historic hall in London.
McAndrew Martin deployed its remotely piloted quadcopter to gain aerial footage of the 136-year-old Ashburton Hall in Croydon to help restore the property to its former glory.
The firm’s architecture department used the high-quality imagery to create a virtual fly-through for the £1m project and to support a feasibility study and outline planning application.
Portsmouth-based McAndrew Martin, which also has a London office on the South Bank, is stepping up use of its aerial capabilities for each of its six directorates: architecture, building surveying, structural engineering, general practice, project management and contracts administration, and mechanical and electrical engineering.
Director of architecture James Bengree said: “Ashburton Hall was in a dilapidated state following years of neglect with a range of problems including dry rot, mould and general disrepair.
“Using the latest quadcopter technology, we were able to gain footage of the building from all angles which exposed the extent of the problems and allowed us to create a virtual representation of what could be achieved on the site.
Bengree added: “The use of our quadcopter demonstrates how modern technology can play such a valuable role in the restoration of older assets.
“As a leading multi-disciplinary firm in the South we aim to stay on the cutting edge of new technology and our aerial capability is becoming increasingly important for all of our services.”
McAndrew Martin acted for Croydon Borough Council in the early stages of the project at Ashburton Park before refurbishment work was carried out.
The hall celebrates the first anniversary of its opening to the public later this year. It was originally known as Stroud Green House after construction in 1882 and used as a convent before becoming a library.
With a café and a range of rooms, it is now used for meetings, concerts, seminars, parties, weddings and social events.
Croydon council invested £1m in renovating the venue, which is now run by operator GLL.
