"roof light"

Project: Pegasus House, Filton Client: Aviation industry client Scope of the project: £42,000 project including five lantern lights Products: em-glaze dual pitched lantern lights

A premier footballer required to let light into his gym, so a Lonsdale Skylight was chosen and the customer was very satisfied.

BackgroundQinetiQ is one of the world’s largest defence technology contractors. A solution was needed to significantly improve the lighting across their large headquarters site in Farnborough.There was a lack of quality lighting across the site for pedestrians and vehicles. The existing lighting was also high wattage but low quality.ChallengeDigging trenches for new mains-powered cabling to replace the failed circuits would have caused extensive disruption. It would also have been very costly. The new lighting solution needed to provide quality year round lighting, be easy to deploy and cost effective to run. Ensuring that installation works had minimal environmental impact wasalso a major objective. The solution also needed to be environmentally sustainable and significantly help reduce carbon emissions.The SolutionProducts — In ActionAfter a site visit, we developed a full lighting design and proposal, ensuring the new site lighting would reach the British lighting standards.A total of 64 AE3 and AE6 solar street lights and 65 solar bollards were installed, across car parks and walkways – delivering a bright and reliable year round lighting solution without noise, emissions and the need for mains power.Our expert, in-house, installation team carried out the work. It took only 3 weeks to complete and was done in accordance with QinetiQ’s health and safety regulations.This project demonstrates how sustainable solar lighting delivers a year round,commercially viable solution that can help towards reaching your sustainability targets.Products — FeatureThe Prolectric AE3 and AE6 are high quality, year round, permanent solar-powered LED street lights, with no need for mains electrical power.They can be fitted, or retrofitted, easily, quickly and economically as there is no need to install cables or dig trenches.Fully solar-powered – no carbon emissions, no noise, no electricity bills and minimal maintenance required.The AE3 and AE6 feature a smart controller and Passive Infra Red (PIR) sensor, ensuring the unit lasts from dusk to dawn – even throughout the darkest winter months.Our ST series bollards use the latest LED lights and battery optimisation technology, ensuring bright light for as long as needed.The vandal-resistant bollards have a polycarbonate domed head for strength and durability.The ResultsCost Savings Installation saved £300,000 compared to grid powered lightingYearly electricity cost savings of £7,750Testimonial Simon Homer - QinetiQ Project ManagerQinetiQ has a target of becoming a Net-Zero company with ambitious near-term GHG emission reduction targets. To assist with this ambition, Prolectric assessed our lighting needs, developed a detailed site lighting plan and installed over 129 solar street lights and bollards at our headquarters at Cody Technology Park.The new lights are bright and reliable, improving healthand safety during the hours of darkness. The lighting is high quality and proving to be robust in harsh weathers. All lighting completed so far, has required minimal maintenance and the installation has been well received by both the company and our tenants alike.

The existing waterproofing had failed due to a previous poor installation, the result of which saturated the insulation below the exterior roofing. New high performance solutions were specified that included a range of IKO roofing waterproofing systems to protect both the flat and pitched roofing areas of the building. IKOslate, a robust and durable tile was specified for the pitched roof due to vandalism and the fragility of the current system, whereas a tapered scheme was required for the flat roofing - IKO Ultra Prevent alongside a cold applied liquid solution (IKO Polimar) for the more intricate details.

Kingspan Light + Air worked on project jewel at Changi International Airport in Singapore. One of the most innovative project features is the distinctive dome-shaped facade, made entirely of glass and steel. Our team worked with the architects and project team to specify and install over 100 Lumera ventilation windows. The Lumera ventilation windows also operate as an integral element of a wider Smoke and Heat Exhaust Vent (SHEV) system.

Simple design and soft light… The Victoria & Albert museum of London, famous for Art and Design, has recently renewed its art gallery and its coffee shop. The challenge of Gareth Hoskins' architects was to bring natural light into this space without damaging the exposed works, drawing 400 years of history. Thus, the architect imagined and created lighting paths and wells of light using Barrisol Lumière® ceiling. Today, the place benefits from a soft and pleasant light. A Barrisol® matt stretched ceiling offers a simple and minimalistic design on the remaining surface.

Find out why we recommend rafter ventilation slides when using spray foam insulation in pitched roofs where a high-resistance roof membrane is in place. The rafter slide not only provides ease of access to the external roof for future repairs/replacement, when ventilated appropriately, it can be effective at managing moisture.

The Mitie depot in Blackheath required a re-roof and re-clad due to the existing ACM (Aluminium Composite Material) panels that needed to be replaced. ChallengeBlade Roofing undertook the re-roof and re-clad works, however, the project presented several challenges: including the removal of the ACM panels, as well as adhering to stringent standards to ensure that the highest level of safety was paramount throughout the project. The building also needed to remain operational during the replacement of the panels, requiring careful planning and organisation, including scheduling the work to ensure minimal disruption to the building's occupants and working capabilities. SolutionReplacing the ACM with Kingspan QuadCore 115mm thick panels to the roof, and 80mm panels to the walls, Blade Roofing used Fixfast's MatchFast stainless steel composite fasteners, suitable for both light and heavy steel, with washers to suit the various applications.Specialist commercial and industrial roofing contractor Blade Roofing successfully completed the refurbishment to the exterior with 0 HSE incidents, the same high standard of work seen across all their projects, and no impact on daily activities, meaning the building remained fully operational throughout the project.(With thanks to Blade Roofing for both images and text statements)"Facing unexpected changes from Light Gauge to Heavy Gauge and unique fixings challenges near a neighbouring building, Fixfast stood by us with unwavering support. Their expert guidance and swift service were crucial in overcoming these hurdles, ensuring our project stayed on track. Fixfast truly delivered when it mattered most."Ben Gill - Head of Contracts at Blade Roofing

In order to meet the latest guidelines on creating safe stairs, the stair edgings incorporate slip-resistant inserts in colour Glacier to provide a tonal contrast with the carpet to define the step edge in normal conditions; whilst the lighting helps students and staff to safely navigate the lecture theaters in darkened conditions. The stair edgings have also been used to complement the streamlined and modern interior of the lecture theaters, replicating the design of the grey desks with green highlight detail onto the staircase for a co-ordinated appearance.

Jewers Doors’ Australian reseller, Max Door Solutions (MDS) have recently completed the installation of six sets of Swift-SEW bi-folding doors, for the new Lilyfield maintenance depot for Sydney Light Rail.

Twinfix is delighted to announce that its Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile Roofing System has been chosen for the replacement of Crestwood Community School’s old glazed roof. The new 1087 square meter roofing system and the gable end spanning 207 square metres, are now glazed with 25mm multi-wall polycarbonate, providing numerous benefits to the school and its students.The Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile Roofing System is a robust and durable solution, designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and high-traffic areas. The system’s non-fragile design is engineered to be shatterproof and resistant to damage, ensuring the safety of those below in the event of an impact.The new roofing system at Crestwood Community School provides excellent thermal insulation, creating a more comfortable learning environment for students and teachers. The polycarbonate glazing also allows for natural light to filter through, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day and further reducing energy costs.“We are delighted that our Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile Roofing System has been chosen for Crestwood Community School’s roof replacement,” said Vicky Evans, Director at Twinfix. “The system’s non-fragile design and excellent thermal insulation make it an ideal solution for schools. We are proud to have provided Crestwood Community School with a high-quality roofing system that will enhance the safety and comfort of its students and staff.”Twinfix is committed to providing high-quality, innovative roofing solutions that meet the needs of its customers. The Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile Roofing System is just one of the many products in Twinfix’s range of roofing solutions designed to enhance safety, comfort, and energy efficiency in commercial and public buildings.

This community engagement project for YMCA in Milton Keynes featured Wallbarn M-Tray on a roof space which acted as a leisure and social area for the students and residents of the YMCA campus in Milton Keynes. It also featured in the training and development of young people with learning difficulties and with challenging upbringings to learn about construction and green roofing, being able to gain NVQ qualification and further certification for installing green roofs.The green roof will be moved in its entirety to a new premises in early 2022 where the benefits of the M-Tray system are fully demonstrated. Rather than have to dig up tonnes of loose aggregate, established sedum and wildflower planting and sheet drainage materials; each module can be simply lifted up and transported via pallets to the its new home the other side of Milton Keynes at the new YMCA building. As this new premises will house many of the young people using YMCA services, this new green roof becomes their green roof to enjoy.

Counting about 3,000 residential properties, Glenvale Park is a brand-new neighbourhood in the north of Wellingborough. To cater to the local community’s educational needs, the project also includes a new nursery school and primary school. Together with single-ply specialist Rock Roofing and main contractor Lindum Group, Soprema took care of the pitched and flat roofs of the educational facilities, waterproofing 3,000 square metres with the aesthetically stunning FLAGON membranes.ONE SITE, TWO PROJECTSSoprema secured the Glenvale Park project in October 2022, providing its developers with a significant commercial advantage over competitor solutions. The actual construction of the Glenvale Park nursery school started in January 2023 and was soon followed by works on the primary school. So, the project consisted of two separate buildings located on the same site, with the same client and main contractor overseeing both endeavours simultaneously.Soprema not only supplied the necessary waterproofing and insulation solutions: our team of experts was also responsible for interim site inspections, thermal calculations, and other services – always in close collaboration with Rock Roofing.Leon Horobin, Technical Sales Manager at Soprema, greatly values the longstanding relationship with Rock Roofing: “We have worked with the company founders, with Contracts Manager Steve Hatcher and with other members of the team for almost a decade. The level of collaboration has always been outstanding.”OVERCOMING NUMEROUS CHALLENGESSteve Hatcher stresses that the quality of roofing works for Glenvale Park nursery and primary schools benefited massively from the strong partnership between Rock Roofing and Soprema. Steve: “We relied on Soprema’s valuable on-site assistance and leveraged the expertise of their technical professionals to resolve the issues we encountered – and there were quite a lot of them, making the project all the more engaging and interesting for the team.”1.   DESIGN CHALLENGESThe first challenges arose from the fact that we were not working on a flat but on a pitched roof, requiring careful thought and planning. The detailing becomes more complex as the angles of the profiles change, and working on a slope is also challenging in general as it makes installing the sheets and products trickier.2.   CHALLENGING WEATHER CONDITIONSThe winter season, too, posed a challenge at the start of the project. The light snowfall and rain made the roof wet and slippery. Moreover, the low temperatures prevented the use of adhesives and a lot of the work had to be put on hold. This initially resulted in delays and increased deadline pressure. However, we were able to overcome these setbacks and make up for lost time when it became warmer.BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH SOPREMA1.   INCREDIBLY WIDE RANGEBoth fully adhered and mechanically fixed systems were used for the Glenvale Park schools, testifying to Soprema’s extensive product range and showcasing our ability to tailor solutions to the most diverse roof situations. We can select multiple products from our range to meet client needs and cover cost considerations. Moreover, the roofs being highly visible and their aesthetics a major selling point, we ensured that our solution added to their visual appeal.1.1 Cost-effective alternative to metal roofingFor the visible roofing areas, we used single-ply membranes while adding profiles to make them look like standing seam roofs. The result looks as stunning as a metal roof yet is much more durable with a product life of more than 35 years. In addition, our synthetic roofing membranes are recyclable, easier to install, more cost-effective and much lighter than aluminium, lead or copper roofing. The lower permanent load results in additional cost savings because the roof structure can be lighter as well.1.2 Fully adhered systemOn the pitched areas, which are very visible, we used fully adhered membranes to obtain a beautiful flat appearance. More specifically, the build-up is FLAGON SB, our fleece-backed membrane composed of flexible PVC, on top of SOPRATHERM G, a glass tissue-faced PIR insulation. The self-adhesive SOPRAVAP STICK ALU 16 membrane served as a vapour control layer, and the metal deck was primed with ELASTACOL 600 primer.1.3 Mechanically fixed systemsFor areas that were not visible, we opted for two mechanically fixed systems. As achieving the same flawless surface as the fully adhered system was not necessary, quick installation and cost-effectiveness (especially since no adhesives are required) were the deciding factors.The first mechanically fixed area consists of FLAGON SR DE, SOPRATHERM F insulation and a VAPOR FLAG vapour control layer. The second area has the same build-up, but with tapered insulation to create falls in the roof to the outlets.1.4 Solar PV and roof lightsThe roofs of Glenvale Park nursery school and primary school have been fitted with solar PV panels. Rock Roofing took care of their integration into the roofing system and installed remote and temperature controlled roof lights on the nursery school. Steve Hatcher: “It really is an all-encompassing package you get. Only a big supplier like Soprema has the different products you need for optimally waterproofing and insulating multiple roof areas.”2.   ONE-STOP SHOP AND WARRANTYAn additional advantage of having one supplier for the entire build-up is the reassurance that all products, which are designed as a system, are fully compatible. Moreover, you get a single-point warranty. For the Glenvale Park schools, we even extended our standard 20-year Sopracover warranty to 25 years. Finally, all the fire requirements of BROOF(t4) are of course covered.EXCITING PROJECTS AHEADBoth the nursery and the primary school have been completed. The buildings look stunning and perform excellently. The complexity of this project is what makes it stand out, showcasing the advantages of employing a complete system tailored to unique installations. And more exciting collaborations between Rock Roofing and Soprema are in the pipeline.Interested in our one-stop shop approach for your own project? Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.

Primark’s flagship store on Edinburgh’s premier shopping street has undergone recent refurbishment. This has included the installation of stainless steel grating, supplied by Lang+Fulton, as flooring within the window display. Apart from its stylish contemporary appearance, the grating serves as a light-well, introducing natural daylight to the shopping area in the basement. Product: Stainless Steel

West Kirby railway station’s 1930s platform canopy was long overdue refurbishment. Whitesales were brought in by Briggs Amasco, Network Rail’s roofing contractor, to design, manufacture and install a series of non-fragile rooflights for the 900sq m replacement roof. After our initial roof survey, we specified bespoke polycarbonate Em-Vault continuous barrel vault rooflights. They’re compatible with the chosen Sika Liquid Plastics roofing system and have light transmission of up to 88%. The standard mill finish frame would keep costs low and blend with the canopy's concrete finish.

Aquatics centre of Stratford, London, designed by architect Zaha Hadid Its original architectural wave made this place one of the most visible for tourists in London. The aquatics center will be used for swimming, diving and synchronized swimming and for the Water-polo competitions. The center can host more than 17500 people. It will replace the swimming pools of Crystal Palace National Sport Centre located in the south-east of London, and will become swimming-center of London. The Aquatic center ceiling is composed of 138 petals of Barrisol acoustic Lighting, using the Barrisol Star rail system. Architect : Zaha Hadid

This project involved the construction of a Data Centre just outside Dublin, with a focus on incorporating a green roof. MOY collaborated with the client, their design team, the main contractor, and the roofing installer to execute the roof installation for an extensive green roof. The green roof utilized MOY's Paraflex FM Global approved Warm Roof System, featuring Paratherm T 120mm insulation board and an anti-root cap sheet. The final touch included the installation of a sedum blanket grown in Ireland, containing native Irish sedum species registered in the national biodiversity database, creating a durable and vibrant living roof.

Westhill Community Church was a new, green field project in Aberdeenshire. Its highly contemporary style was designed for maximum functionality and to encourage use by the wider community. Natural light and climate controllability were the central considerations for the clients of McLean Architects during initial discussions - a common request for high ceiling, large space developments.The architect, McLean Architects (based in Glasgow), had used FAKRO roof windows on a number of other projects and specified FAKRO products because of the excellent technical support and the option to specify matching zinc flashings.33 FAKRO roof windows were discreetly positioned to flood the stage with natural light as well as illuminate a cluster of buildings that formed the sanctuary, low-rise foyer, and adjoining offices.Products included electrically operated FTP-V U3 windows with a rain sensor, specially constructed EFW Kerb Upstands were made to enhance the internal light with combination flashings, Smoke Vent windows, wall switches, and remote controls.

Financed by county council capital funds, Northamptonshire County Council undertook a multi-million pound remedial works programme on a number of schools originally built in the 1960’s and 1970’s. All of the buildings were suffering from some degree of water ingress, and the roofs needed to be brought in line with current building regulations for improved thermal performance. Sika Sarnafil’s specialist roofing contractors installed over 50,000m2 in light and lead grey of G410-18EL single ply membrane to the school roofs.

We are currently working with TKS Developments on Lighting for 48 warehouse units in Dargate Kent.Faversham is market town in Kent approximately 48 miles from south east London.The site is strategically situated off Highstreet Road, Herne Hill with immediate access to the A299. Which links the A2 and M2 networks.

Fossil museum The Etches Collection, in Kimmeridge, Dorset, is protected by a new high-performance roof in keeping with its character, thanks to Glendyne.

Sutton station, owned and operated by Network Rail needed refurbishment. The station was showing signs of its age, with the old timber work in need of replacing, the roof leaking and the glass roof sections in need of some TLC. Due to their age, the glass roof sections had become fragile and had subsequently broken, Also because of the difficulty in safely cleaning them, they were proving more of a light blocker, than a source of natural light.It was decided that the glass roof sections would need replacing and in order to do this, Twinfix were consulted by Network Rail and asked to offer a solution. Twinfix were mindful of the aesthetics of the station but were also very aware that they could offer something which would provide a long-term solution for the station. Utilising their Multi-Link-Panel System, Twinfix put forward a solution which would do justice to the refurbishment work, the station was receiving whilst bringing the roof up to date and delivering an outcome which would last the test of time. By replacing the old steel and glass sections with their sustainable aluminium and polycarbonate Multi-Link-Panel System, Twinfix’s proposed solution would maintain the look and feel of the old roof, but deliver something which is virtually unbreakable, doesn’t need repairing or regular replacement and would allow routine cleaning to be carried out, keeping the station flooded with light. By replacing the old glass with a slightly obscured 6mm polycarbonate, the light inside the station would be diffused rather than harsh, and significantly brighter than the current situation.The new system would not only last the rigours of time, but is made of sustainable materials. Polycarbonate has minimal impact on the environment and is fully recyclable at the end of its long life. Polycarbonate panels, used in place of glass can be manufactured to give the same look as more traditional glass with features such as Georgian wired but with a significant weight saving. This weight saving means that transportation, manual handling of lifting is easier and requires less energy, plus the structural elements can be reduced as the weight they are required to support is reduced. The result is a total saving on energy and materials needed for installation. Once installed polycarbonate is considerably stronger than glass and is unlikely to break. Depending upon the requirements and location of the installation, Twinfix manufacture a ‘non-fragile’ version which, in testing could withstand far greater impact than an equivalent glass panel. This is especially good for areas where people might accidentally step or fall onto the panels such as rail station roofs. This inherent toughness also reduces the need to replace the glazing panel as often as glass and with UV coatings the panel doesn’t yellow with age or become brittle.Aluminium is known as the ‘Green metal’ due to its ability to be recycled again and again, without degradation of its inherent properties. Recycling aluminium also saves 95% of the energy required in the production of aluminium from raw materials. Compared to traditional steel, aluminium is approximately 2.5 times lighter, strength for strength, so again there is a weight saving comparable to that associated with polycarbonate over glass. Unlike steel, aluminium will not rust, and the application of powder coating will prevent corrosion. Powder coating is a pigment encapsulated in a powdered resin and then cured in an oven to harden the paint surface.Working with the roofing contractor, G.S. Moore, and as part of the larger station refurbishment, delivered by BAM Nuttall, Twinfix were able to replace the existing damaged glass roof in the entrance, the footbridge and the platform adding up to an area over 340 metres square, bathing the covered areas in natural light.Vicky Evans, Director at Twinfix, said; “It was a pleasure working with the team at Network Rail, G.S.Moore and BAM Nuttall. Sutton Station roof was in a dramatic need of replacement. We are proud of the finished product and that we were able to offer a long-term solution that delivers the aesthetic charm of the old roof, increases light levels for passengers, improves safety for all using the station and offers a sustainable, future proof outcome. We look forward to being part of delivering more excellent results for our clients in the future.”

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019, the iconic Bell’s Sports Centre in Perth, needed a new roof to protect the building. With the previous roof membrane nearing 30 years old the centre needed a long-term and robust roofing solution. The product of choice was the mechanically fixed Sarnafil S327-15 EL Light Grey as it is more than able to cope with all the extremes of the Scottish weather and has been certified by the BBA to last in excess of 40 years. The durability of the single ply material ensured a long-lasting solution for the project.

Specialist lighting design company PSL, were looking for something a little different for their trendy new Bermondsey showroom. Designers, James Plumb obliged with a beautifully crafted and truly unique design that involved much concrete and some special stainless steel kitchen units from GEC Anderson.Drawer cabinets, base cabinets and appliance doors were supplied and installed by GEC Anderson, following the development of the detailed designs.

Products: Flexi light – flexi frames. Flexi heavy – flexi modular frames & QUAD frames. Application: Air-handling units & Chillers. Roof build-up: Inverted roof design – (upside down roof). Diversitech recently supplied a number of their flat roof plant support frames to the REEC School development in Twickenham. The mechanical contractor on the project, chose Flexi Support Systems to support their rooftop air-handling units and packaged chillers. All flexi frames are fully adjustable, due to their M24 adjustable leg assemblies supplied as standard. Pump House carry out full load management reviews of all services being supported on their frameworks.

Jewers Doors’ local reseller; Rumaillah Warehouse Equipment WLL, have recently completed the installation of 30 sets of Swift-SEW automatic bi-folding doors for the new Lusail Light Rail Transit (LRT) depot complex in Qatar. The scheme is expected to open in 2020 and will provide an efficient transportation system for the people living in, and commuting to the new Lusail City, where the new 80,000 seat Lusail Stadium will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final.

This asbestos cement roof was heavily contaminated with moss and lichen, following many years of neglect. Liquasil's asbestos roof coating, Asbestoseal was specified because it is the only such coating with BBA Approval for asbestos roofs. Also, the completed project came with a 10 year Latent Defects Insurance Guarantee. The roof now repels water instead of absorbing it and nothing can grow on top of the coating system, meaning it will stay moss-free forever. Call 0121 709 5352

After securing funding via the CIF application, Knighton Fields Primary Academy was able to address some of the long-term issues they had in relation their roof, which was beginning to show signs of wear.ChallengesThe existing waterproofing had been suffering with significant amounts of standing water, water ingress, structural deck failure (localised), poor thermal insulation, and several tired old and dilapidated lantern roof lights. All roof areas needed to be inspected and level surveyed and, in one localized area, the existing waterproofing and deck had to be entirely stripped and removed owing to significant deflection and fear of collapse. The works needed to progress swiftly so as to provide minimal disruption to the school environment.SolutionsAfter inspection, proposals were put forward for a tapered insulation overlay where deemed necessary, to help improve falls to existing outlets and rid the problem of standing water. In most instances, the existing roof covering was simply overlaid and formed part of the new Air and Vapour Control Layer (AVCL) before a new Hytherm ADH flat/tapered insulation board and two-layer fully adhered Excel RBM system was installed over this. On the area where the existing waterproofing had been stripped, the deck was replaced (to falls), a new AVCL installed and the same Excel warm roof system was carried through to complete these areas.Works progressed throughout the summer holidays to avoid any disruption to the school or pupils. NFRC Safe2Torch principles were observed, prescribed and employed as part of the scope of works. An Insurance backed Guarantee covering design, materials and workmanship was issued upon practical completion of the works and following successful sign off from the Axter in-house QA team (who monitored the procession of works from start to finish) to the client, indemnifying their risk and protecting the building and its occupants for a period of 25 years.Systems in useExcel®

ProjectSurespan designed and manufactured a series of roof access hatch for the New Data Centre in Singapore.The data centre was budgeted at $30 million SGD and covers an area of 269,000 sq ft. The roof hatches were used as key access locations for maintenance and repair of the 8 cooling towers installed at roof level supplying up to 1000 watts of cooling per sq m.ProductsThe series of roof hatches featured a 900 x 900 opening and in the interest of security, the hatches were supplied with an internal cablock which can only be opened from the inside and safety hold open stay to prevent accidental closure.

Cambridge University, Department of Civil EngineeringBauderBLUE STORMcell with BauderSOLAR G LightSynopsisThis new build project in the centre of Cambridge combines a Sustainable urban Drainage Solution (SuDS) with vegetation and renewable energy in a warm roof construction.The client for the Department of Civil Engineering at Cambridge University, R H Partnership, identified sustainability as being a key driver in the design of the roof, but also sought a single source supplier that could provide a guarantee for both workmanship and products. Bauder’s systems range encompasses products to meet all the sustainability objectives, and with our network of approved contractors carrying out the installation, we could offer the comprehensive guarantee that was required.Bauder Building BoardProject:Cambridge University Department of Engineering​Location:CambridgeRoof Area:1610m²Client:University of CambridgeSpecifier:RH Partnership ArchitectsMain Contractor:SDC LimitedApproved Contractor:Voland LimitedThe specificationTo meet the sustainability criteria set out by the client, the Bauder technical team designed a roof system combining an extensive blue roof, a green roof and a solar PV array. The first and most fundamental element of the roof system though is the waterproofing. Bauder Total Green Roof System (BTGRS) was selected as it provides robust and durable waterproofing with a life span in excess of 35 years, as validated by BBA Certificate 10/4744. The Plant E cap sheet has also been tested by the FLL to ensure long term root-resistance, making it ideal for use in conjunction with the BauderSOLAR G LIGHT system. The BauderSOLAR G LIGHT system is a unique way to combine rooftop vegetation with renewable solar energy. The PV panel mounting boards are held in position using the growing medium as ballast, meaning the waterproofing is not penetrated and therefore compromised. The mounting boards incorporate a water retention feature which allows a small amount of excess rainwater to be stored for short periods of time for the various plant species to feed from. The BauderSOLAR G LIGHT system’s unique mounting system lifts the panels above the vegetation allowing the plant life to grow freely and therefore qualify a greater area of the roof as biodiverse.In addition to the BauderSOLAR G LIGHT system, a blue roof was added to the build-up. Blue roofs are sustainable drainage solutions designed to manage stormwater on a flat roof to reduce water runoff rates and ease flash flooding and standing water in built up areas. The BauderBLUE Roof System attenuates water from a flat roof over a 24-hour period via a restrictive flow outlet. Calculations are carried out to determine the rate at which the water should egress the rooftop. This is determined by the local planning authority and is often set as low as 5-8 litres per second per hectare. With these calculations, Bauder can design each flow restrictorto meet the necessary runoff rate. For the Department of Civil Engineering, the main roof area of 1455.5m² required two flow restrictors, each with flow control holes to ensure the specified discharge rate of 0.77 litres per second was achieved. The maximum depth of water the roof is designed for is the H-max. When the water level reaches H-max, it will drain via the emergency overflow pipe. These overflow pipes are set at the same height as the H-max level. On this project the H-max was calculated to be 99mm. Although an unlikely scenario, this provision for a ‘once-in-a-hundred-years’ storm event will ensure that the structural integrity of the building is always preserved.Project challengesThe roof deck was constructed using a pretensioned concrete plank roof structure. Due to the large span of these planks, the dead load weight to the roof would be restricted. This being a blue roof with green landscaping and PV (a reasonably heavy build up), presented the issue of balancing the need of the roof design and the weight restriction of the supporting structure. To add to this challenging scenario, the pretensioned deck did not provide a completely flat finish. When installing a blue roof, a flat deck with no positive or negative falls is essential, as detailed in the 2018 update of BS 6229 – Flat roofs with continuously supported flexible waterproof coverings. To overcome this onsite challenge,the final deflection of the fully loaded roof was calculated and the concrete deck was screeded to give a flat finish.The resultBauder believes this project to be one of the first of its type in the UK to bring together so many rooftop systems in one space. Project management and clear communication was paramount in order to ensure a smooth installation. The Bauder project team consisted of green roof and solar PV product managers, area technical manager, technical design team, site technicians and approved installers for the waterproofing.With all the different elements being installed, green roof and solar PV product managers worked with our technical team to design the best possible PV array configuration for optimum energy generation whilst also qualifying for the maximum biodiverse area.Bauder site technicians worked closely with Bauder approved contractors, Voland Asphalte Ltd, to ensure works were kept to schedule and that a high quality of workmanship was maintained throughout.To ensure the landscaping is maintained, irrigation was installed by Access Irrigation Ltd. The system, Permadrip Pro, is a drip line irrigation system with anti-syphon design to resist clogging and pressure regulation. Due to the specialist nature of the irrigation system, Access Irrigation Ltd provided a bespoke design service.The result of this network of expertise was a multi-faceted support service for the client, specifier, main contractor and roofing and PV installers. System installedBauder Total Green Roof System (BTGRS)1 BauderPLANT E 42Green, 5mm torch-on root-resistant capping sheet.2 BauderTEC KSA DUOA self-adhesive, elastomeric, bitumen underlayer. This underlayer was used to ensure thorough sealing of lap joints in low temperatures when the roof was installed.3 BauderPIR FA-TETissue-faced flatboard insulation faced on both sides with aluminium foil to provide efficient thermal output.4 Bauder Super AL-ETorch-on air & vapour control layer. Once installed on the concrete pretensioned plank deck, it can act as a temporary waterproofing layer, allowing internal works to be carried out immediately which was a huge advantage on this new build project.BauderSOLAR G LIGHTThis BauderSOLAR G LIGHT system was a key factor in the specification of the project to meet the sustainability criteria specified by the client. 40 PV units were installed on the main roof area on the Departmentof Engineering. The forecasted energy generated for this arrayin its first year is 9.91MWh with a CO2 saving of 5.242 tonnes/a. BauderBLUE SR-B flow restrictorThe BauderBLUE SR-B flow restrictor is designed to be used in conjunction with a standard Bauder bitumen blue roof vertical outlet DN70. The flow restrictor is comprised of four parts; baseplate, overflow pipe, baseplate inner and baseplate outer seal. The polyamide baseplate fits within the 70mm vertical outlet, with the EPDM outer seal creating a watertight fit. The HDPE Overflow slots into the central hole of the baseplate with an inner EPDM seal preventing any leaks. The baseplate has a number (1-12) of 10mm restrictive flow holes bespoke to the project. The flow restrictor has no moving parts, hugely reducing the need for maintenance or risk of failure.

Brand New Oasis Academy, Silvertown Leads Education Facilities by a Mile with Garden Roof Spaces, and Rooftop Sports Pitch In the heart of what is now the Royal Docklands, a former industrial zone south of Royal Victoria Dock lies a brand new carefully considered Academy. Set to serve 600 students in this emerging community, the “superblock” thrusts modern educational facilities well into the 21st century. Despite the constrained site, the building design harmoniously incorporates vantage points from outdoor social spaces at varying levels.There’s no need to worry about a gravelly all weather pitch causing havoc at your hockey match. There’s a state-of-the-art full size Multi-Use Games Area, lush planted external roof spaces, a double height sports hall, and main hall/performance area making up the core of the building inside.CLIENT BRIEF AND DESIGNRenowned in their field, regeneration experts Morgan Sindall required a single sourced end-to-end roofing solution that could deliver a full system specification underpinned by a 35-year system warranty, installation expertise and site management.Understanding the Architect’s vision at award winning Rivington Street Studio to create a transformative educational haven and maximise the potential of the outdoor roof areas helped the Alumasc Roofing team bring this roof to life.PARTNERSHIPWorking with the project teams across Morgan Sindall, Rivington Street Studio and Fenland Flat Roofing pushing the boundaries and setting the standard for the future of the built environment in the Education sector.Tim Mott, Senior Design Manager, Morgan Sindall, “Brian and the Alumasc team have been on-site with additional safety constraints and delivered high-quality regular progress reporting to achieve the deadlines for the students to move in next year and really put these fantastic facilities to use.”Brian Cottington, New Build Regional Manager - South East & London, “The original specification included warm roof build ups which utilised tapered insulation, however this was subsequently adapted and working closely together with the Architect, Morgan Sindall and Fenland Flat Roofing we implemented a universal standard build up using an inverted system, with less complexity whilst achieving the high system performance and BRoof (t4).”Richard Trew, Associate, Rivington Street Studio, “The garden roof areas and outdoor space bring this building to life and against the industrial backdrop create a nurturing school environment. It was great working with the Alumasc team solving problems and overcoming design challenges along the way.”Chris Preston, Estimator, Fenland Flat Roofing, “Working closely with the local Alumasc Roofing Site Technicians and engaging in extensive discussions agreeing the final system requirements meant the installation process ran smoothly.”ENVIRONMENTALLY FOCUSSED SOLUTIONThe high performance Hydrotech inverted roof is a special formulation of refined asphalts and synthetic rubbers with 30% recycled content. Installing insulation with exceptional thermal properties including 300mm extruded polystyrene insulation and 56mm inverted upstand insulation effectively reduces heat loss.SAFETY PERFORMANCEThe application is a one-component, hot-applied, fully reinforced, flexible, self-healing hot melt monolithic membrane, applied in a liquid state to the substrate giving a 100% absolute and seamless bond.The Academy has a 35-year warranty for the works and has a fire classification of BRoof (t4) in accordance with BS EN 13501-5.ABOUTThe Oasis Academy is set to open its doors February 2022. Images courtesy of Rivington Street StudioCompletion: Autumn 2021Main Contractor: Morgan SindallAlumasc Registered Roofing Contractor: Fenland Flat RoofingArchitect: Rivington Street Studio

Project: Sale Grammar School, Manchester Client: K Pendlebury & Sons Ltd Scope of the project: School rooflight replacement as part of a roof refurbishment Products: em.line gable-ended ridgelight, em.line monopitch, em.dome and em.glaze hip-ended lantern light

Green roofing forms a key part of roof design as part of a model for sustainable living in 21st century London. Barking Riverside is a joint venture project between Bellway Homes and the Homes & Community Agency. It is an element of the Mayor of London’s plan to build 10,800 new homes, retail, transport links and new town facilities in the Barking region of East London.

Liquasil Ultra PU is a BBA approved flat roof waterproofing membrane. Cold-applied, the system comprises an embedment coat, into which a chopped strand reinforcement mat is laid to provide exceptional strength. The mat dissolves and allows for hand-moulding around difficult details. Once cured, the Liquasil PU UV coat is applied to provide additional strength, durability & protection. The completed system comes with the unique Latent Defects Insurance Guarantee, which provides cover for Professional Design. Specify with 100% confidence. Made in the UK.

ChallengeThe new lighting systems needed to be environmentally sustainable and significantly reduce carbon emissions. In addition, there was an emphasis on ensuring that the installation works had minimal environmental impact and that the new lighting solution was quick and easy to install, cost-effective to run and would provide reliable year round lighting.As the initial site was a busy car park, digging new trenches for mains-powered cabling would have caused extensive disruption. The subsequent retrofit also needed to minimise disruption to the busy location on campus.The SolutionAfter a site visit, we developed a full lighting design and proposal, ensuring the new site lighting would meet British lighting standards. The initial project saw AE6 solar street lights with heavy-duty column guards and twin brackets delivered and installed at the car park, providing lighting without noise, emissions or the need for mains power. The AE6 uses new-generation lightweight lithium-ion batteries and can produce an output of up to 4,000 lumens per unit.Following the first successful project, we revisited the university to install new AE3 solar street lights without the need to dig trenches or install trunking for cables. We also retrofitted existing lamp posts with twelve AE3 solar street lights, removing them from mains power connection to save future energy costs.The ResultThe University of Lincoln now benefits from clean, quiet, low maintenance lighting, reducing carbon emissions and saving on future electricity costs. The lights operate reliably and efficiently year round, from dusk until dawn, even in winter. The university has reduced its carbon emissions by 472 kg CO2e* per year and will cut down on energy costs too.Both the AE3 and AE6 solar street lights are proven to operate reliably and efficiently throughout the UK winter, from dusk until dawn, thanks to their specially developed smart light controller.*Savings based on 17-street lights, operating on average 12 hrs a day using 100% solar energy, saving 0.166 kg CO2/kWh based on the national fuel mix for energy, June 2023.

Sugar House Island's Cooperage Yard is part of a transformative project just south of Olympic Park intending to create a distinctive urban environment that has been carefully designed to create a balance between work, life and leisure.Set next to the Islands creative quarter, Cooperage Yard covers 8000ft2 over of the area. Its immediately recognisable sawtooth-shaped roof overlooks the river and courtyard. Natural light floods both floors of the building and a south-facing roof terrace offers further space for its inhabitants.Freshfield Lane's Danehill Yellow bricks are immediately recognisable and offer a positive contrast to the tones of other nearby brick buildings. The tones are further complimented by shafts of natural light that penetrate the pathways between buildings. When combined, the colour language and open space create a sense of optimism between the structures.