UTS Facade Replacement Shrink-Wrapped Scaffold Project

Not only have Stronghold Hire been in the business of scaffolding since our establishment in 2008, but we are now recognised as one of Sydney’s leading suppliers of shrink-wrapped scaffolds. Every shrink-wrapped structure we deliver is fully engineered and installed by our highly experienced team – many of whom have honed their skills overseas in the UK, where shrink wrapping is an industry standard.

Our latest project at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) highlights why shrink wrapping is such a versatile solution for both aesthetics and containment.

The UTS Project Brief

The university required a giant scaffold “screen” to support its facade replacement works. This scaffold had to be shrink wrapped on both sides, each serving a different purpose:

• Aesthetics – One side of the structure was positioned prominently and needed a clean, smooth, and professional finish. The shiny shrink wrap provided exactly that.
• Containment – The working side of the scaffold was wrapped to suppress dust and act as a wind barrier. This was particularly important as strong winds channel through the area, which, once the facade was removed, could affect building elevators and disrupt university operations.

Engineered Scaffold Design

To meet the project’s unique requirements, the scaffold design was fully engineered to withstand the expected loads while keeping all bracing contained within the structure. This not only preserved the clean aesthetic finish but also removed any external tubes or beams that could potentially be climbed.

Shrink Wrap Challenges and Solutions

This project came with several unique challenges:

• Live Building Environment
  • The university remained fully operational throughout works, meaning we had to carefully manage noise restrictions and coordinate with staff and students.
  • Truck movements and material handling were timed to minimise disruption.
• Restricted Access for Deliveries
  • The site could not accommodate large trucks, so all deliveries were made using Stronghold Hire’s own fleet of three smaller trucks – an investment we’ve made specifically for projects like this.
• Integration with Hoarding Design
  • The hoarding required custom-designed openings. We worked closely with the site team to ensure our scaffold gates aligned perfectly with theirs.
  • Shrink wrapping around these openings required additional timber framing for a neat and secure finish.
• Fire Sprinkler System Adjustments
  • The building’s ceiling was fitted with sprinklers, which had to be isolated and removed temporarily due to the heat generated by our shrink wrap gas guns. Close coordination with the fire services team ensured this was done safely and in compliance with regulations.
• Silica Dust Management
  • Drilling into concrete carries the risk of silica dust exposure. All Stronghold Hire workers on this project had completed the SafeWork NSW–approved silica awareness course.
  • Dust suppression and PPE measures were implemented to ensure a safe work environment.

UTS Shrink Wrap Project Results

The completed scaffold provided UTS with a robust, dual-purpose structure that met both functional and aesthetic requirements. It contained dust, reduced wind issues, and presented a sleek visual screen to the public – all while being delivered safely, on time, and with minimal disruption to the live campus environment.

At The Forefront of Shrink Wrapping in Sydney!

At Stronghold Hire, we pride ourselves not only on our technical expertise but also on our ability to adapt to complex working conditions. Projects like this reinforce why shrink-wrapped scaffolds are becoming increasingly popular in Sydney, and why Stronghold is at the forefront of delivering them.