Roof-Pro’s PP-3 riser penetration units have been used to provide watertight pipe and cable entry points into the building at Tonyrefail School near Cardiff, South Wales.

As part of a project worth £44 million, the school was delivered under the auspices of the Welsh government’s 21st century schools programme. It’s one of a number of ‘super school’ education projects to be delivered in Wales as part of an initiative to improve education in local areas, and all have to be delivered within a tight timescale to meet the target.

After discovering Roof-Pro, an Alumasc company, online and finding many positive reviews of similar work, Boyes Rees Architects chose to specify Roof-Pro roof service entry units as they are capable of dealing with larger circular duct sizes of 600mm and above, whilst still remaining watertight.

The PP-3 puts the waterproofing’s durability first in its design – for quick installation into the waterproofing membrane. Its design also encompasses easy access features, a powder coated aluminium finish for durability and cover flashing deep enough to permit vertical insulation.

Roof-Pro were also able to accommodate the client’s tight timescale and conducted the site visit, issued drawings for approval and delivered all products to site on time.

Roof-Pro’s Regional Technical Manager Jimi Ogunsola, who worked with Boyes Rees Architects to find the right product for the project, explained: “The Roof-Pro PP-3 access riser was perfect for this project, providing a watertight entry point to run larger roof-mounted cables, ducts and pipes into your building safely—a consistent, quality solution for necessary penetrative details on flat roofs.

“The design allows M&E trades easy access to run cables and pipes. Once installed, the building is immediately dry, and following trades can fully access the riser by temporarily removing the lid.”

Mark Harries of Whitehead Building Services, the contractor who worked on the project said: “Alumasc were a pleasure to work with for this project; communication was extremely important given the fast approaching deadline but all went smoothly.

“Even when we found ductwork and capping that had been installed already were not sufficiently watertight, airtight nor adequately insulated, we were able to communicate effectively and put plans in place to ensure that the extra work would not disrupt the timescale.”  

Mark went on to say: “We found Roof-Pro products very durable, and easy to install. They provide great value for money by offering a second-to-none watertight seal and excellent quality, which just can’t be substituted.”

Find and download more information about Roof-Pro’s PP-3 risers here: alumascroofing.co.uk/media/279595/rp-accessrisers-upstands-pp3-roofnek.pdf

Download a PDF copy here

New BBA certificates for the Hydrotech Hot-Melt Waterproofing system are now available on the Alumasc Roofing Systems website.

The main updates to the certificates are:

1. The roofing certificate confirms suitability for use on ‘completely flat roofs’ and at ‘zero-pitch’.

2. Hydrogard 50 is now included as an extra heavy duty protection sheet in both certificates.

3. Hydrogard 40 AR (anti-root) is included as an FLL rated root barrier in the roofing certificate.

To download the new Hydrotech Waterproofing BBA Certificate, click here. To download the new Hydrotech Damp Proofing BBA Certificate, click here.

Please note, you may need to refresh your web browser if you have downloaded a previous PDF of either BBA Certificate to access the new version(s).

Other BBA & ETA Certificates can be downloaded by clicking here.

Hydrotech has been BBA certified continuously since 1990, longer than any other hot-melt system, and also carries an ETA (European Technical Approval) Certificate (No 05/152).

The Hydrotech hot melt system provides seamless waterproofing ideal for high performance green roofs, podiums and highly detailed waterproofing or water feature schemes with zero product failures in over 50 years, the Hydrotech hot-melt system offers lifetime performance

If you would like any further information on Hydrotech system please click here, call us on 03335 771 700 or email roofing@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk.

An exclusive new housing development in the heart of London is the latest showcase for a range of waterproofing and green roof solutions from Alumasc.

Built by The Berkeley Group in the centre of Belgravia, the elite Ebury Square development offers a selection of one to four bedroom private residences.

Alumasc’s Registered Contractor Tilbury Contracts Ltd, installed a total of 3,800m² of Hydrotech monolithic membrane to the lightwell areas, podium roofs, individual balconies, wraparound terraces and penthouse balconies, which were all completed as inverted roof designs.  A Hydrotech anti-root waterproofing system, inverted roof insulation, drainage boards, extensive green roof substrates and sedum mats were also installed to the main roof areas. The courtyard was waterproofed and insulated and a drainage board installed providing support for the construction of deep planters, raised areas and stairways creating attractive landscaped gardens and protection for the car park below.

The project presented a major challenge in that it is situated directly over a London Underground route. The concrete slab at ground level was mounted on large anti-vibration springs, and isolated from the surrounding construction to prevent damage to the building from the vibration of trains below.  The resulting 50mm joint between the isolated and non-isolated structures, required appropriate waterproofing to prevent water entry into the basement below.

Working together, Alumasc and Tilbury Contracts strapped the joint using FlexFlash UN, an uncured neoprene rubber, with the full Hydrotech 6125 system abutting the joint edge on both sides to ensure it was watertight whilst also keeping the two slabs isolated. A brick upstand was built directly off the Hydrotech, and the full system was dressed from the previously waterproofed horizontal slab and up the face of the brickwork, and terminated with a cover flashing. This ensured successful waterproofing whilst not compromising the integrity of the specified system.

Richard Sawyer, construction and surveying manager with Tilbury Contracts, said:

“The roofing installation for the project was completed on time and to budget and has helped provide a sophisticated and desirable place for people to live in the heart of Belgravia.  The use of Hydrotech and the Blackdown green roofing system from Alumasc complemented the build perfectly – Hydrotech is a very secure system which is easy to work with and suited the awkward detailing better than any alternative product would have. The green roof is not only visually pleasing but provides strong environmental credentials whilst offering additional benefits such as noise insulation.”

Alumasc’s Hydrotech is a hot melt system which provides seamless waterproofing ideal for high performance green roofs, podiums and highly detailed waterproofing or water feature schemes. It is manufactured using a minimum of 10% post-consumer recycled material, is BBA accredited and has European Technical Approval.

Blackdown Green Roofs from Alumasc are constructed from a range of components that replicate the natural growing environment for plants, without requiring the same depth and weight of construction.

If you would like any further information on Alumasc’s Roofing Systems, please click here, call us on 03335 771 500 or email roofing@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk.

A Blackdown green roof from Alumasc provides one of the main features at the new School of Architecture and Construction at The University of Greenwich.

Officially opened in December 2014, the £78m new-build development is based in Stockwell Street within Maritime Greenwich on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The project also included a new library, and features a series of terraced roofs, comprising 14 interlinked teaching gardens, forming the largest multifunctional roof space in London.

To facilitate this pioneering green roof design, a total of  3,407m² of green roofing System from Alumasc was specified by architects, Heneghan Peng, and Landscape Architects Allen Scott, and installed by Blackdown.

The new building had to be ‘demonstrably sustainable’ in the sense that both it, and its facilities, minimise their environmental impact and use of resources. The Blackdown green roof system creates a living laboratory where the sustainability of new ideas in landscape and architecture can be tested, and innovations developed and applied.

Glenn O’Brien, Architect at Heneghan Peng, commented:
“Our design proposals had to reflect the location’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage site while remaining sensitive to the neighbouring buildings, particularly the residences to the rear of the site. Incorporating the interlinked landscaped roofs allowed us a creative approach in dealing with these challenges.

“The green roof system underpins all of the landscaping on the roofs. We see it as the base infrastructure that allows for either soft or hard landscaping permutations. This proved very useful as the design progressed with different planting options, and we were secure in the University of Greenwich knowledge that the green roof system would be able to accommodate them. The zero-fall system also allowed us to achieve very large spans and roof areas with minimum difficulty.

“There is naturally a great deal of excitement about the future of research at the University of Greenwich and these roofs are already helping students and staff to extend their understanding of environmental infrastructure and of landscaped and green spaces across increasingly urbanised areas.”

The 14 interlinked terraces have already been received a BREEAM Innovation award due to their educational and research aims. Blackdown green roofs from Alumasc are constructed from a range of components that replicate the natural growing environment for plants, without requiring the same depth and weight of construction.

Green roofs absorb CO₂, improve a building’s thermal performance, increase rainwater retention thereby reducing storm water run-off, and reduce the life-cycle costs of a roof by protecting it from climatic changes, UV light and mechanical damage.

For further details of Alumasc’s full range of waterproofing systems call 03335 771 500.

Alumasc Roofing Systems along with Mitie Tilley Roofing have recently completed the installation of a 1500 m² Derbigum high performance waterproofing system at Crown Bevcan, Carlisle.  Crown, UK beverage can manufacturers and one of the largest packaging companies in the world, were investing £2 million into the upgrade of their production line at Botchery.

As the 3rd highest producer of beverage cans globally and with net sales in 2014 of $9.1 billion, it was essential that Crown had peace of mind that any refurbishment works carried out at their Botchery plant would result in the waterproofing integrity of their works being guaranteed long term. To this end, Alumasc Roofing were approached to provide a waterproofing system that could be installed with this key aim in mind.

Richard Emerson, Alumasc Roofing Area Manager and the Alumasc Technical Team worked very closely with the Client and Mitie Tilley Roofing to ensure the waterproofing solution specified met the demanding requirements of this project and site conditions.

Challenges:

The most challenging aspect of the project was to keep the site live with no interruption to the production process. This was overcome with thorough planning and organisation. The Client, Mitie Tilley Roofing and Alumasc worked closely to facilitate site deliveries at timed intervals and coordinate site inspections to strict time schedules.

Design Considerations:

Communication was key with this scheme and attention to detail was paramount. The existing building required a robust and versatile waterproofing system to upgrade the manufacturing office, yet the aesthetics of the original building had to be taken into account.

Allied to these requirements, the waterproofing specified had to have superior performance characteristics in relation to the prevention of external fire spread and penetration.

The Derbigum Solution

Taking all these factors into account, Derbigum was the natural choice not only due to its ‘unrestricted’ classification in relation to fire, but also the Alumasc 30 Year Insurance Backed Warranty offered for this project.  The Derbigum system provided superior performance and waterproofing longevity for the future of their works.

Derbigum is a BBA approved system, with a life expectancy in excess of 30 years.  It is suitable for flame-free and cold application to warm roofs with metal, concrete or plywood decks and inverted roofs with concrete decks.

If you would like any further information on Derbigum waterproofing membranes please click here, call us on 03335 771 700 or email roofing@alumasc-exteriors.co.uk.

A number of Alumasc Exterior Building Products Ltd’s office-based team at St Helens have raised over £500 for ‘Movember’.During November each year, Movember encourages the growth of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces in the UK and around the world, raising vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

From the 1st of November Alumasc’s clean shaven team faced a month of growing and grooming their moustaches. Known as ‘Mo Bros’, participants become walking, talking advertisements for the entire month raising awareness by prompting private and public conversation around the often ignored issue of men’s health.

Funds raised in the UK are directed to programmes run directly by Movember and their men’s health partners, Prostate Cancer UK and the Institute of Cancer Research.

Movember works with partners to ensure that Movember funds are supporting a broad range of innovative, world-class programmes in line with strategic goals in the areas of awareness and education, survivorship and research.

John Carter, Alumasc’s Façade Systems MD congratulated the fundraising efforts of the team. John joined in the fun with colleagues, sporting a fetching ‘home-made’ moustache, along with Product Director Simon Poe at the presentation of ‘Alumasc’s best Movember moustache’ – presented to Despatch Manager, Andy Langley.

Well done to all involved in this worthy cause. More information on Movember can be found at: http://uk.movember.com

Alumasc’s ZinCo green roof system and Hydrotech structural waterproofing were key elements in the EcoCampus at Hamilton International Park, a uniquely sustainable business community located south east of Glasgow.

Built by Balfour Beatty, the EcoCampus is designed to provide a sustainable foundation delivering high performance buildings with EPC & BREEAM ‘Carbon Neutral’ & ‘Excellent’ Status. The EcoCampus accommodates businesses within three Grade A carbon neutral buildings totalling 223,800 square feet.

The ZinCo intensive green roof system features planter zones, small plants, shrubs and bushes and was an important part of the development’s environmental focus. Briggs Amasco installed the green roof over approximately 7,500m2 of Alumasc’s Hydrotech MM6125 structural waterproofing. The roof also features Alumasc’s Harmer AV Roof Outlets.

Client, HFD Group, was influential in the specification of Hydrotech as they had used ZinCo green roofs on other parts of the Park and were keen to achieve a high performance waterproofing solution for the podium car park.

The green roof provides recreational space for people and a rich habitat for wildlife, as well as facilitating reduced water run-off and lower noise levels. The greater substrate depth of the intensive roof also provides particularly good insulation properties.

ZinCo Intensive green roofs replicate ground-based landscaping for recreational use and are suitable for new build schemes with roof and podium decks. They offer the benefits of a small urban park and support a wide range of plants, trees and shrubs, having a typical substrate depth that ranges from 150-1500mm.

Hydrotech is the first choice for zero falls waterproofing on inverted green roofs and hard landscaped podium structures in new build applications. It is manufactured using 10% post-consumer recycled material, is BBA accredited and has European Technical Approval ETA-05/0152. Hydrotech is designed to last for lifetime of the structure and is available with a choice of warranties.

For further details on Hydrotech MM6125 structural waterproofing click here.

For further details about Alumasc’s range of Green Roof systems click here.

Alumasc’s Euroroof Mastergold flat roof membrane has provided the optimum waterproofing solution for the urgent roof refurbishment on the sports complex at Wymondham College in Norfolk.

Alumasc – called in by roofing contractors, TC Garrett Ltd – recommended stripping back the roof to the concrete deck and replacing it with a new warm roof incorporating a cut to falls tapered system which would solve the problems of the standing water.

Euroroof Mastergold was chosen due to its suitability for warm roof refurbishment applications. The 20-year warranty was an important factor in the specification, and both roofing contractor and client were impressed with the aesthetics of the charcoal mineral finish.

TC Garrett installed 1200 square metres of Euroroof Mastergold over a thermo-adhesive underlay. The installation involved intricate detailing around new rooflights.

Euroroof Mastergold transforms working with traditional bituminous membranes, speeding up installation time without compromising long-term performance. Euroroof is a fully warranted system that offers high tensile strength and pliability and excellent resistance to puncture and UV degradation. The Mastergold membrane is available with a black mineral finish and can be used with a range of insulations to suit specification and U-value parameters.

For further details on Alumasc’s Euroroof Mastergold and the full range of waterproofing systems click here.

A complete package of Waterproofing solutions from Alumasc has been used on the newly extended Ashfield House, the HQ of Ashfield In2Focus, part of the Sales, Marketing and Medical Division of United Drug plc.

The newly extended training and management facility based in Leicestershire, boasts a striking and sustainable design from architects shedkm of Liverpool, which demanded the innovative use of multiple roofing systems including Hydrotech Structural Waterproofing, Derbigum Bituminous Membranes and a ZinCo Extensive Green Roof.

The design comprises three separate roof areas – a car stacking system, a first floor extension to the existing building and a new build rooftop pavilion – each demanding specific roofing solutions. Its success was made possible due to the flexibility of Alumasc systems and the combined skills of the design team, the Alumasc approved installer Monarch Roofing Co and main contractor Sisk.

The Hydrotech hot-melt system was installed on the inverted roof of the first floor extension and provided a continuous monolithic fusion to an existing Hydrotech waterproofing system. Hydrotech is manufactured using 10% post-consumer recycled material and has European Technical Approval ETA-05/0152.

The rooftop pavilion demanded an unusual solution of a 600m2 hybrid zero falls roof, combining both Hydrotech and Derbigum membranes. The use of Hydrotech over the metal deck enabled the roof to be kept lightweight. Warm roof insulation was laid on top of the Hydrotech and finished with a Derbigum high performance cap sheet.

Finally, an extensive ZinCo green roof was installed over Hydrotech to the roof of the steel car stacking units to soften the impact of the units on the view from overlooking residential buildings. ZinCo Green Roofs from Alumasc are available in four broad application categories to suit all needs from extensive sedum roofs to fully landscaped parkland, backed up by alternative waterproofing systems to provide a complete roofing solution from a single source.

For more information, on Hydrotech, click here

The Hydrotech MM6125 Structural Waterproofing system from Alumasc has been used in the construction of the Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine (SCRM) – a brand new 9000m2 research facility for the University of Edinburgh.

The £35 million SCRM building was designed by architects Sheppard Robson and built by Miller Construction. Its stunning design includes a number of innovative renewable technologies resulting in a world-leading facility that is both energy efficient and significantly reduces operational costs. The project won the Considerate Constructors Scheme Gold award 2011.

Approximately 1500m² of Hydrotech was installed on the protected roof area by Alumasc’s approved contractor, Grainger Building Services Ltd, using the proven hot melt liquid application method. Hydrotech is a seamless waterproofing membrane that proved ideal for the intricate detailed design elements of the unusual roof. The highly efficient system has also helped the SCRM in becoming the first BREEAM “Excellent” research facility in the UK, achieving a target U-value of 0.15W/m²k.

Throughout the design and installation stages, Alumasc worked closely with Grainger Building Services to successfully meet the varied demands of the project. There were numerous plant decks requiring roof penetrations but it was essential that there could be no risk of water ingress into the building. At this point, Hydrotech came into its own, offering a high performance bituminous rubber blend allowing fast and simple installation around the penetrations and various architectural features including two glass atriums.

Hydrotech unique formulation guarantees lifetime performance and is manufactured using 10% post-consumer recycled material.

Hydrotech is fully warranted, BBA accredited and has European Technical Approval ETA-05/0152.

For more information on Hydrotech, click here

Hydrotech MM6125 Structural Waterproofing and a ZinCo Green Roof system from Alumasc have been successfully used on the new £44 million campus of Belfast Metropolitan College. The project recently won Environmental project of the Year at the Sustainable Ireland Awards 2011 and has achieved one of the top BREEAM ratings.

The impressive 20,000m² facility, designed by Todd Architects, is set around an inner courtyard and roof garden. 4,000m² of Hydrotech was installed on the concrete podium of the courtyard which is situated above a basement car park.

Landscape architects, Paul Hogarth, specified Hydrotech as part of the green roof package as it can be installed with zero falls, thereby keeping podium height as low as possible. Combined with Hydrogard protection layers and root barriers, Hydrotech offered the ideal waterproofing solution for use beneath Alumasc’s ZinCo Intensive Green Roof.

ZinCo Intensive Green Roof systems enable virtually any type of ‘garden’ landscape to be created and the deep substrate can support a range of plants, trees and shrubs. The College courtyard, where the ZinCo system was installed, offers the benefits of a small urban park, providing a welcome habitat for wildlife as well as additional recreational space for the students.

At Belfast College, Hydrotech impressed main contractor, Patton, who approved its use following a demonstration of its benefits at Alumasc’s headquarters. Roofing Contractors on the scheme were Willart Roofing, who received full training from Alumasc to ensure a successful installation.

For more details on Hydrotech, click here

For more information on ZinCo Green Roofs, click here

Alumasc’s Hydrotech waterproofing and ZinCo green roof systems have played a key role in creating high quality new homes and leisure spaces at Kidbrooke Village in London SE3.

The regeneration project by Berkeley, meets Code 3 for Sustainable Homes and provides for approximately 4,000 private and affordable homes, surrounded by open space, shops, community facilities and an improved transport system.

The specified systems met a strict list of criteria from Berkeley who required a BBA accredited structural waterproofing solution that could be laid to zero falls and would last the lifetime of the scheme. Hydrotech proved ideal for this project as its monolithic nature enabled its use in the phased construction and allowed quick installation.

The first apartments in Phase 1, City point, are now complete, incorporating Hydrotech and ZinCo systems on the podium areas, private balconies, terraces and main roof areas. The roofing specification included Hydrotech inverted waterproofing systems with Hydrogard 20 for the hard landscaped areas and Hydrogard 40 Anti-Root for the soft landscaped areas. The ZinCo intensive and semi-intensive green roofing areas contain growing substrate and appropriate planting.

In total, Tilbury Contracts will install over 12,000m² of Alumasc waterproofing across a total of seven blocks. Tilbury, who were already prequalified to work with Berkeley, put together a highly experienced and trained team of installers who brought Phase 1 of the project to a successful conclusion.

For more information on Hydrotech, click here

For more information on ZinCo Green Roofs, click here

Alumasc’s Derbigum Rapido waterproofing system is a key component in the UK’s largest curved green roof – installed at the new Peacehaven Wastewater Treatment works in East Sussex.

The roof itself covers over 17,000m² – the equivalent of 2.5 football pitches – and required over 16,000m² of Derbigum Rapido.

The sustainable roofing solution roof helped to secure planning permission for the Peacehaven facility, following a decade of delays, by convincing planners of its ability to marry perfectly with the surrounding countryside.

The Derbigum Rapido waterproofing system was a vital element of the green roof and one of the main contributors to the success of the project. The roofing solution was developed by Alumasc and their approved contractor, Prater Ltd who installed over 16,000m² of Derbigum Rapido over the HPS200 coated metal deck single ply structure.

Derbigum waterproofing systems combine durability with the speed and ease of installation of a single layer system. Options are available for completely flame-free, high speed spray installation (in excess of 800m² per day) which is BBA approved and fully warranted.

For more information on Derbigum, click here

Hydrotech MM6125 Structural Waterproofing from Alumasc, has been used on the new Sainsbury Laboratory, overcoming numerous challenges presented by the roof’s unusual design.

The award-winning scheme, designed by architects Stanton Williams is an 11,000m² plant science research centre set in the University of Cambridge Botanic Garden. The concrete roof deck features a range of complex details such as photovoltaic panels, roof lights, exposed roof edge details and sunken wells housing mechanical and electrical services.

Alumasc’s Approved Contractor Fenland Flat Roofing installed 6000m² of Hydrotech MM6125 structural waterproofing over the concrete roof deck during a six-month period which took them through the winter of 2010/11. The Hydrotech system was chosen for its high performance bituminous rubber blend which allows fast and simple installation over complex roof details and around penetrations.

The building’s environmental features also tested the skill of the installers. Pebbles were used as ballast around the photovoltaic cells, whilst paving slabs have been used as walkways to provide access to the sunken wells which are designed to hide the M&E services below the roofline.

The project has won several major awards including 2011 World Learning Building of the Year WAF Award; the 2011 Concrete Society Award and was highly commended in the Major Project category of the British Construction Industry Awards. It has also been awarded a BREEAM “excellent” rating for its outstanding environmental performance.

Manufactured using 10% post-consumer recycled material, Hydrotech’s unique formulation guarantees lifetime performance.  Hydrotech is fully warranted, BBA Accredited and has European Technical Approval ETA-05/0152.

Click for more information on Alumasc’s Structural Waterproofing Systems

 A Derbigum warm roof system from Alumasc has been used in the roof refurbishment of Doddington Community Hospital in Cambridgeshire – a project requiring complex liaison between the contractors who were working around the demands of one of Europe’s largest ever temporary roofs throughout the installation.

The hospital roof had come to the end of its lifecycle and urgently needed replacing.  Following the consideration of a number of options, the client,  NHS Cambridgeshire, decided the entire roof should be replaced.

The versatility of Alumasc’s Derbigum system was a major contributor to the work being finished on schedule, despite the scale of the project and the complicated logistics.

The main contractor, Morgan Sindall, was asked to remove the existing waterproofing and deck and install a new plywood deck. Alumasc approved contractor, Camflat Roofing, installed 1700m² of the Derbigum warm roof system with a mineral surfaced Derbigum cap sheet, carrying a 20 year warranty. The system comprised a 4mm thick dual reinforced Derbigum membrane based on APP modified bitumen with a decorative mineral weathering surface, offering a combination of high performance protection plus speed and convenience of installation.

A huge HAKI temporary roof was used on the project to prevent any possibility of water ingress into the hospital while the roof was being replaced, enabling it to stay open to patients. Even though the temporary roof was one of the largest ever erected in Europe, it still only covered half of the space being re-roofed. All work in progress had to take place under the covered section which was moved on rails to the other end of the roof half way through the job. The work also included detailing around new windows, roof lights, and plant and courtyard areas.

Mick Smith of Camflat Roofing comments: “This job was complex in terms of the logistics and working under the temporary roof. Alumasc’s advice and support during the project was highly valuable and the speed and versatility of Derbigum was also a major factor in successfully completing the job.”

Derbigum warm roof systems combine the proven durability of the Derbigum range, with the speed and ease of installation of a single ply system. Options are available for completely flame-free, high speed spray installation (in excess of 1000m2 per day) which is BBA accredited and fully warranted.

For more information on Alumasc’s Derbigum high performance roofing membranes, click here 

Alumasc provided a comprehensive package of high performance roofing products to the Downe Hospital in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland.

Designed by the URS / Scott Wilson Group, Downe Hospital is a £64million state-of-the-art healthcare facility, delivered by the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust to provide a wide range of healing services to the local community.

Hydrotech MM6125 Structural Waterproofing and Derbigum Single Layer membrane were specified by the designers who had a good relationship with Alumasc’s Technical Team, following the successful use of their roofing products on a number of previous projects in Northern Ireland. The package provided a complete waterproofing solution supported by Alumasc’s unrivalled technical expertise and warranties.

13,000m² of Hydrotech MM6125 was installed by approved contractor Grainger Building Services, across various areas of the roof requiring a structural waterproofing solution. Lightweight, tough and flexible, BBA Accredited Hydrotech is ideal for protected roofs, plaza decks, green roofs, water features and access roadways. The system offers a unique formulation combined with reinforcement to guarantee lifetime performance.

9000m² of Derbigum Mineral in a light grey finish was installed on the flat roof areas. Derbigum is BBA Accredited and manufactured under ISO9000 & 14001 Quality and Environmental Management Standards. The system is available in a choice of finishes and colours including the fine mineral chippings specified for the hospital. Its many benefits include flexibility, excellent fire ratings, stronger reinforcement and suitability for all methods of application.

2000m of Alumasc’s Aluminium Skyline Copings have also provided an economical and easily installed finish to the parapets on all the flat roof areas.

For more information on Alumasc’s range of Structural Waterproofing systems, click here

Alumasc’s Derbigum Waterproofing system has played a key role in vital refurbishment work carried out on a prestigious London residential scheme.

Boss House is an upmarket warehouse conversion situated in the Shad Thames District of London. The existing 14-year-old roof urgently needed a complete upgrade, requiring Alumasc to work closely with Lamberts Chartered Surveyors to provide an innovative solution which would avoid the displacement of residents for the duration of the works. Whilst conventional approaches such as temporary roofing would have been prohibitively expensive and highly inconvenient for residents, Alumasc rose to the challenge, providing a competitively priced solution enabling everyone to remain in the building throughout.

The proposal involved attaching a new plywood base to the existing standing seam roof using timber packers fixed into the metal structural purlins. Working with the installer Tower Asphalt Ltd, Alumasc carried out tests on the roof to ascertain the correct fixings and to confirm that it would be possible to carry out work with residents still inside the premises. Tower Asphalt installed 1600m² of 4mm Derbigum Mineral Charcoal, and throughout the project Alumasc liaised closely with the building surveyor, to ensure a smooth operation resulting in work being completed ahead of schedule.

Designed for situations requiring high performance and time efficiency, Derbigum Waterproofing was the ideal solution for Boss House, applying the proven durability of Derbigum with speed and ease of installation. Options are available for completely flame-free, high speed spray installation (in excess of 1000sq.m per day) which is BBA approved and fully warranted. The system is suitable for use on warm roofs with metal, concrete or plywood decks, both for re-roofing or new build applications.

For more information on Derbigum, click here

Alumasc has provided a stunning ZinCo green roof for Coworth Park Hotel Spa, the ‘ground breaking’ new eco-luxury spa opened by the Dorchester Collection.

The luxurious spa is situated in Ascot on the borders of Windsor Great Park, buried within the natural contours of the landscape. The building is camouflaged by the ZinCo green roof which is also being used to cultivate thyme, lavender, chamomile and other fragrant herbs for use in natural treatments at the Spa. The pioneering design by architects, Purcell Miller Tritton, has kept the building’s volume and footprint to a minimum whilst intimately relating the spa to its sensitive green belt setting.

Throughout the design and installation, Alumasc liaised closely with Purcell Miller Tritton to find the optimum solution for the unique semi circular design of the Spa’s pitched curved roof.  A total of 700m² of extensive and semi-intensive green roof systems were installed by M&J Flat Roofing over a Derbigum Warm Roof waterproofing system, also from Alumasc.

Click here for further details of Alumasc’s green roofs

Ckick here for further details of Alumasc’s Derbigum Waterproofing Systems

Alumasc have donated  their Firestone RubberGard® EPDM single ply roofing system to Balsall Heath Church Centre in Birmingham as part of a unique refurbishment project.

The Church’s new roof represents the UK’s very first use of  an innovative Photovoltaic System from Advanced Green Technologies (AGT) with Firestone RubberGard® EPDM.

Rubbergard® provides outstanding performance at extremes of both hot and cold temperatures, making it AGT’s system of choice for use with AGT Flexlight solar panels.

Installation of the roof was carried out by Close Building Services of Doncaster and Birmingham, a Firestone Approved Installer who worked closely alongside Jericho Construction for the duration of the project.

Reverend Catherine Grylls of Balsall Heath Church Centre comments, “We are delighted with all the help given to allow this project to go forward. The Centre hopes to be a beacon of environmental sustainability. We will earn useful income for supplying clean electricity which will help to fund our work with local elders and we are delighted that this project will also benefit local unemployed young people through our partnership with the Jericho Foundation. For us as Christians it is vital that we try to live well with creation, locally and globally, and so environmental sustainability and addressing inequality are key issues for us.”

For more information on Firestone RubberGard® EPDM from Alumasc, click here.

Download the brochure here.

Green roofs have been increasingly heralded as solutions to many of the challenges that face the UK’s built environment in today’s climate. Recent urban regeneration has led to increased population densities in the UK’s major towns and cities and the associated reduction in soft landscaped areas has created design issues that require sustainable solutions.

Green roofs can counter many of these threats, however, a lack of credible independent reference literature that is specific to the design and installation of green roofs in the UK, has surely restricted the number of installations across the country.

Alumasc has been heavily involved, with a number of fellow contributors, in the development of the GRO Green Roof Code of Best Practise for the UK 2011.

The Green Roof Organisation (GRO) as a body is facilitated by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC). The code is a clear concise guide that aims to:

1. Provide specifiers and installers with the requisite understanding of the key issues that affect the design, installation and maintenance of high quality, flourishing green roofs for the long-term;

2. Highlight the implications of different green roof specifications;

3. Standardise and clarify the terminology used to describe green roof issues and components through the publication of definitions for key terms;

4. Enable specifiers to comparatively assess the different manufacturers’ systems through the provision of guidance as to the function and relevant performance characteristics of each component within the build-up;

5. Guarantee a minimum quality standard for systems that comply with the requirements of the Code;

6. Promote the benefits of green roofs and highlight how different green roof build-ups can be tailored to prioritise specific objectives;

7. Highlight important health and safety issues that must be observed at the early design stages of a project;

8. Encourage green roof installers to undergo specialist, structured training courses to gain the expertise that will underpin greater numbers of quality green roof installations;

9. Provide for the long-term success of green roof installations by encouraging entry into maintenance contracts with the installing contractor;

10. Provide a foundation upon which further iterative developments can, in time, be based; leading to green roof guidelines that are as comprehensive as any available, including the publication of standard procedures for the characterisation of components and of required performance levels, so as to underpin the continuous improvement of green roofs in the UK.

For more information on Alumasc’s ZinCo green roof systems,click here

Firestone UltraPly TPO™ from Alumasc has been used on a new 800-place secondary school building in Melton Mowbray which has achieved a BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good’ and an EPC ‘B’ rating.

The John Ferneley College is undergoing a two-phase re-development by the Willmott Dixon Group, the first phase of which boasts an impressive new college building and landscape designed by architects and sustainability consultancy White Design Associates Ltd. The project showcases a number of sustainable features and construction techniques which have contributed to its impressive green credentials.

The Firestone UltraPly TPO waterproofing system was specified for the college roof due to its ease of installation, heat reflective and energy efficient properties. Its light coloured surface reflects sunlight before it can be absorbed and converted into heat energy, thus improving the energy efficiency of the building. The membrane can also be easily recycled, making it the perfect solution for environmentally sensitive applications.

Approved Contractor BriggsAmasco, installed 2500m² of UltraPly TPO Fully Adhered System in Light Grey. The hot-air welded seaming process results in fast, economical installation, which can be carried out all year-round in a variety of weather conditions. The application of UltraPly TPO was part of an ‘enviro-ready’ roof design, enabling the addition of sustainable features such as green roofing and photovoltaics at a later date.

Firestone UltraPly TPO combines aesthetics and outstanding seam strength with strong resistance to ultraviolet radiation and weathering. It contains no plasticizers and no halogen flame retardants resulting in outstanding resistance to UV radiation and ozone. The membrane also exhibits strong resistance to algae and fungi growth and common rooftop chemicals.

For more information on Firestone UltraPly TPO from Alumasc, download the brochure here.

A ZinCo green roof from Alumasc has been chosen for Westfield London – Europe’s largest urban shopping centre.

The excellent track record of the ZinCo systems and Derbigum Rapido waterproofing from Alumasc, made them the natural choice for this prestigious project, meeting the need for a lightweight and commercially competitive waterproofing solution.

Spanning over 149,000m2, Westfield London is a £1.7 billion development featuring an impressive mix of retail, leisure and restaurant space in West London. Westfield worked with international architects Benoy and The Buchan Group, to design and deliver the innovative curved undulating glass roof above the shopping centre, which earned the project a position as finalist in the LABC National Building Excellence Awards.  The award organisers described the roof as “part of a sustainable design that has paved the way for 21st century retail design in the UK.”

Landscape Contract Designs (LCD) of North Yorkshire installed 15,600m² of extensive and bio-diverse green roof onto the structural metal deck roof. The system features sedum plug plants which will flourish over time, offering notable ecological benefits, providing a natural habitat for plants and wildlife, whilst also helping to reduce air and noise pollution, cutting carbon emissions and assisting with rainwater retention and attenuation.

ZinCo green roofs vary from the extensive and biodiverse types used at Westfield – which require minimal irrigation and maintenance – to intensive roofs, which are suited for areas of public and recreational use and require more tending.

Derbigum Rapido waterproofing, also from Alumasc, was installed by leading building envelope contractor Prater Ltd of Surrey, for the warm roof build up.  This high performance single layer membrane gives exceptional long-term performance and durability, warranted for 25 years. Derbigum is BBA Approved and manufactured under the ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management Standards. Furthermore, Derbigum is fire rated F.AA to BS476 Pt3 (EN1187 Pt4), the highest available rating, which allows unrestricted use under Building Regulations.

Throughout the project, Alumasc worked closely with the contractors to ensure that products were supplied to suit available crane time-slots, contributing to the successful completion of the project within deadline and budget.

For more information on ZinCo Green Roof systems, click here

For more information on Derbigum Single Layer Waterproofing, click here

Hydrotech MM6125 structural waterproofing from Alumasc has been chosen for Glasgow’s latest landmark building in a major regeneration project.

Designed by Aedas Architects of Glasgow, Anderston Phase 5 is a £56million mixed-use development from Taylor Wimpey. The impressive structure comprises 7 floors of office space spanning 98,000sq feet and a 20-storey residential apartment block, built on the former Anderston Bus Station site. Forming part of the fifth and largest construction phase of the Anderston regeneration project, the unique ‘L’ shaped building dominates the new Glasgow skyline and is one of the most prominent sights for users of the Kingston Bridge on Glasgow’s M8 – the busiest motorway bridge in Europe.

Alumasc approved installer BriggsAmasco were active in the specification of Hydrotech MM6125, which they recommended to the architects as a durable, more cost effective alternative to mastic asphalt, and which also offered the benefit of not requiring a screed.

Anderston Phase 5 is constructed over several different roof levels, parts of which are used to accommodate heavy roof-mounted M&E plant. BriggsAmasco installed a total of 2,500m² of Hydrotech MM6125 over the ballasted protected roof areas, resulting in a prime example of the design potential and aesthetics that a finished Hydrotech/Protected roof can achieve.

For more information on Hydrotech MM6125, click here

Alumasc’s Swistherm External Wall Insulation in use at Bletchley Leisure Centre – Winner of the BREEAM Bespoke Award.

Sustainable building products from Alumasc have excelled at the prestigious 2010 BREEAM Awards which recognise the UK’s top examples of ecological design.

Alumasc products were specified on no less than 10 of the 16 short-listed projects – with four of the overall winners featuring Alumasc high performance Roofing and Facades systems.

The hotly contested awards, which were presented at this year’s Ecobuild, recognise and reward the highest scoring buildings certified under BREEAM each year. Following independent assessment and certification, the successful projects all achieved ‘Excellent’ BREEAM ratings, earning the most performance credits available in areas such as energy, materials, waste and ecology.

Alumasc’s Swistherm External Wall insulation featured heavily in the winning list, having been specified on the new Bletchley Leisure Centre in Milton Keynes, recipient of the BREEAM Bespoke Award; White River Place in St Austell, winner of the BREEAM Retail Award; and Salisbury Law Court, winner in the BREEAM Courts Category.

Swistherm is a BBA approved, thin coat insulated render system, which can be finished in a choice of silicone or mineral-based topcoats. Offering outstanding thermal efficiency, Swistherm is weatherproof, eliminates interstitial condensation and reduces energy consumption. Insulation slabs are available in a variety of materials including polystyrene, mineral wool or highly sustainable natural cork for environmentally sensitive applications.

Winner of the BREEAM Industrial Award – Defra’s Veterinary Laboratory Agency Store in Weybridge – featured Alumasc’s Derbigum single layer waterproofing system. BBA Approved and warranted for 25 years, Derbigum was chosen for its exceptional long-term performance and durability. It is manufactured under the ISO 14001:2204 and EMAS Environmental Management Standards and is fire rated F.AA to BS476 Pt3 (EN1187 Pf4), the highest available rating, which allows for unrestricted use under Building Regulations.

Chris Lister, Development Manager at Alumasc, commented: “We are delighted that Alumasc products have made significant contributions to so many of these short listed and award-winning BREEAM projects. As a company, we can offer a wide variety of A+ rated solutions, allowing designers and specifiers to achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and ‘Outstanding’ building designs”.

For more information on how Alumasc can help you achieve BREEAM ratings, please click here or call 01744 648400.

Alumasc are proud sponsors of the Green Roof Organisation (GRO) stand at this year’s Greenbuild Expo from 26-27 May 2010 at Manchester Central.

GRO was formed as an independent body to represent the industry trade associations and the key players in the green roof market, developing guidance for specification, design, manufacturing, installation and maintenance of green roofs.

Its 3 principal objectives are:

1. To promote the green roof concept
2. To provide suitable guidelines to manufacturers and installers
3. To recognise and promote correctly trained roofing companies

Greenbuild Expo is an exhibition and conference promoting sustainability in the construction industry and Alumasc will be present on the GRO stand for the duration of the show to provide help and advice on all aspects of green roof specification, installation and maintenance.

Visit us on stand number C8 at Greenbuild Expo

For more information on ZinCo green roofs from Alumasc, please click here.

For more information on the Green Roof Organisation, visit www.livingroofs.org

Following their recent success in The BREEAM Awards, Alumasc was celebrating yet again at the NFRC Awards in London on Friday 14th May.

This time, Alumasc’s ZinCo green roofs were the centre of attention, clinching the NFRC Green Roof Award for the exemplary installation at Rockliffe Park Hotel near Darlington in the North East.

Roofclad Systems of Durham installed 1600m² of Alumasc’s ZinCo green roof system on the new golf clubhouse at Rockliffe – located in the preserved countryside of the listed hotel building.  The project presented a challenging design brief to architects Browne Smith Baker of Newcastle, who worked closely with Alumasc’s Technical Team to create the ideal solution for the project. The location for the new clubhouse building was carefully identified to ensure it sat low down in the landscape, with the green roof blending seamlessly into the countryside, making the clubhouse almost invisible from the hotel.

A variety of wild grasses were chosen to harmonise with surrounding plant species and to complement the natural timber profile of the clubhouse facade. Requiring only a shallow growing medium, the green roof offered a much lighter option than turf, which in turn enabled the specification of more cost effective materials for use in the underlying roof structure, which, as a result, would not be required to support as much weight.

The green roof was applied over Alumasc’s Derbigum high performance waterproofing membrane, for exceptional long-term performance and durability.

Finishing close behind Rockliffe was Alumasc’s installation at Regent’s Place in London. The bio-diverse green roof was installed by Tilbury Contracts of Rainham over Alumasc’s Hydrotech MM6125 waterproofing system. The impressive terraced roof, which comprises a number of compartments to form a stunning puzzle pattern, will provide essential habitats to support the survival of some of our rare and scarce plant species, together with a natural habitat for bees, spiders, beetles and birds.

Alumasc’s Managing Director Robert Littlewood comments: “Rockliffe Park is a shining example of how green roofs can be sensitively applied in areas of natural beauty. This award is testament to Alumasc’s Approved Contractor Roofclad and our own Technical Support Team who pulled out the stops to ensure the successful delivery of such a stunning roof.”

For more information on ZinCo Green Roofs from Alumasc, please click here.

For Architects, Developers and Designers considering BREEAM ratings and green credits, the specification of a green roof can contribute to a successful assessment. Simon Poe of Alumasc explains:

The inclusion of a ZinCo green roof system on the roof and terraces at Regents Place in London contributed to its BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’.

A range of benefits can be attained across BREEAM assessment – from water detention to energy consumption reductions and responsible materials sourcing to life cycle costing – however, the availability of credits in the ‘Land use and ecology’ section, is of most relevance to green roofs.

The exact number of credits available will vary depending on location (e.g. the re-use of land at brownfield or previously-contaminated sites) and application (e.g. schools earn credits by using green roofs in education and forming wildlife partnerships), however the majority of credits required to attain an ‘Excellent’ or ‘Outstanding’ rating can be achieved irrespective of site placement.

There are two principal stages:

1. The replacement of habitat that would otherwise be lost through the construction process – mitigating the impact of the development and protecting ecological features of the site.

2. Creation of new habitats that will enhance the ecological value of the site to provide long-term biodiversity benefit.

Green roof solutions can be devised to score credits in both categories, with the planting strategy critical to habitat creation appropriate to the wildlife habitation objectives. Schemes can be devised to include appropriate mixes of plant species to attract different wildlife.

For more information on Alumasc’s ZinCo green roofs, click here

For more information on how Alumasc can advise on BREEAM assessments, click here

A ZinCo green roof from Alumasc assisted with the BREEAM rating of Hetton Lyons School in Sunderland.

Minister of State for Schools and Learners, Vernon Coaker MP, has been talking at the recent BSEC conference about his impression of the nations schools.

He described the governments BSF programme as a “real record of  achievement” and spoke of the significant change brought about in our primary and secondary schools, touching specifically on the award winning architectural designs that make our modern school buildings “inspirational and exciting” places to be.

Mr Coaker continued “The important thing now is to bring every school building up to the standard that we want. To make them modern, light and airy and environmentally friendly.”

Alumasc’s Aqualine gutter system and Flushjoint downpipes were used on Windygoul Primary School near Edinburgh. The project earned East Lothian Council a Carbon Trust Award for Low Carbon Building.

Alumasc has long been involved in school building initiatives and we are working closely alongside a number of architectural and contract partners on some of the country’s most innovative school buildings. Alumasc’s green roofs, waterproofing systems, thermally efficient external wall insulation and recyclable rainwater systems have all been specified on educational projects to help minimise their impact on the environment.

Let’s hope that by building greener schools, the young generations learning inside them can be confident of a more positive outlook for the earth’s resources.

16 of the country’s ‘most sustainable’ buildings were recognised at the 2010 BREEAM Awards at this year’s Ecobuild exhibition in London.  ‘These buildings have comprehensively demonstrated their remarkable environmental credentials’ comments BRE Global Chief Executive Carol Atkinson.

The award-winning schemes achieved Excellent BREEAM ratings earning the most performance credits available in the areas of energy, materials, waste, water, ecology, pollution, transport, management and health and well-being.  Each development has been independently assessed and certified.

Alumasc are proud to announce that 4 of the award winning schemes had Alumasc high performance Roofing and/or Facades systems installed on them.  These were:

Bespoke Project – Bletchley Leisure Centre, Milton Keynes – using Swistherm External Wall Insulation (EWI).

Law Courts Project – Salisbury Law Courts – using Swistherm EWI  and Armaseam standing seam metal roofing.

Industrial Project – VLA Stores, Surrey – using Derbigum Flat Roofing System.

Retail Project – White River Place, St Austell – using Swistherm & Swisrail EWI.

For more details on how Alumasc’s sustainable building products can assist with your BREEAM ratings, please call 01744 648400.

Alumasc’s ZinCo Green Roof system and Hydrotech MM6125 Waterproofing in use on the internal courtyard at Ormeau Bakery

Following the unfortunate demise of Interbuild last year, the government’s first Chief Construction Advisor, Paul Morrell, has been speaking at a launch meeting for the new show BEST (Built Environment Solutions and Technologies) which premiers at Birmingham NEC in October.

In his speech, Mr Morrell was keen to tackle the subject of retrofit, reminding us that existing structures consume around 40% of the nation’s energy.

Retrofit requires close co-operation between suppliers and specifiers, and at Alumasc we are more than familiar with the processes involved. We work alongside architects and designers on hundreds of projects every year, to encourage the specification of sustainable products and systems to create healthy, efficient buildings that benefit not only the wider environment, but those living and working inside them.

The recent refurbishment of the beautiful Ormeau Bakery in Belfast into high quality apartments, is the perfect example of how new technologies are being used to improve existing structures. Alumasc’s ZinCo green roof and Hydrotech waterproofing systems created a peaceful haven on the podium roof of the late 19^th century building, which will offer recreation access to residents and a rich habitat for local wildlife.

For details on ZinCo green roof systems click here

For details of Hydrotech  click here

For Alumasc’s full range of waterproofing solutions, please visit www.alumascroofing.co.uk

Alumasc is proud to have been involved with the stunning new development from Gentoo Construction at The River Quarter in Sunderland.

Alumasc’s ZinCo green roof has created a roof top retreat for residents of the luxury apartment complex which sits on a former brownfield site and includes a bowling emporium and café bar.

Working closely alongside Napper Architects, our technical support team also designed a complete waterproofing solution for the project which presented a number of challenging design features. Hydrotech MM6125, Alumasc’s BBA Approved structural waterproofing system, was used under the green roof whilst Derbigum Rapido and Derbifoam thermal insulation board were used to create a warm roof build up. Derbigum is BBA Approved and manufactured under an ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management System.

You can find out more about these widely specified living roof systems at Alumasc’s stand at Ecobuild – Stand 1547, Earls Court 1.

For further information visit www.alumascgreenroof.co.uk

Project Overview

Located on the south side of Bolton in Greater Manchester, Farnworth Green is a new and ambitious development from Capital&Centric.

The project is intended to attract new homeowners to an area of vibrant independent business, food, drink, outdoor events, music, and a vast expanse of outdoor space. The scheme has been delivered under the new Capital&Centric “Neighbourhood” brand, and comprises 12 family homes, over 20,000 sq.ft of commercial space, a community hub, a new public square with events pavilion, and ample greenery to introduce an element of nature to the town centre. Residents also enjoy the exclusive benefits of a rooftop garden, gym, lounge and co-working space.

Farnworth Green will be used as the ‘blueprint’ for future redevelopments of suburban communities across the Greater Manchester Area, with more projects set to be rolled out under the ‘Neighbourhood’ brand. These communities promote a people-centred ethos, encouraging social interaction, relaxation, the arts, and a healthy work-life balance.

Farnworth Green links two busy streets in the area, creating easier, more pleasant routes through and around the town centre for those on bikes and on foot. It also represents the first zero emission homes in Bolton, which the developers say will save new residents significant amounts on their energy bills.

Client Brief

Due to the varied roof designs, different levels and sizes across the scheme, Vermont Construction were keen to work with a single-source supplier who could provide consistent technical expertise, and solutions that would prove to be both technically and commercially viable across the whole development.

In line with the client’s environmental objectives and the project’s zero emissions goal, the sustainability and life-cycle credentials of the chosen solutions were of primary consideration.

Solution

For the main roof areas on The Hub and Blocks A to D, Alkorplan single-ply reinforced membrane was specified due to its versatility and ease of installation across the different substrates. The flexible properties of the membrane combined with the skill and experience of Alumasc’s Registered Contractors, Enviroply Roofing, made it the ideal choice for working on the complex detail interfaces presented at Farnworth Green.

Alkorplan is a multi-layered thermoplastic roofing membrane boasting a 45-year track record and the highest levels of certification and testing. It is BBA certified and achieves a fire classification of Broof(t4) in accordance with BS EN 13501-5.

Blocks A and B presented flat roofs with pitched tiled areas. Here, Alkorplan was mechanically fixed to the plywood substrate, with PIR foil-faced flat board insulation to the field area, and a tapered insulation scheme to the gutter, in line with BS6229. The same system provided the perfect waterproofing solution for the flat roofs at The Hub, and blocks C and D, where Alkorplan’s ease of application proved invaluable for detailing around the valleys and pitched tiled areas.

The lift overruns and higher roof areas of block D, benefited from the Alkorplan mechanically fixed membrane installed over the PIR foil-faced tapered insulation, designed to 1:60 to achieve a minimum falls of 1:80.

The concrete roof deck on block E used the Alkorplan fleece-backed membrane and protection layer with tapered PIR glass tissue faced insulation. This build-up created a fully adhered system beneath a Blackdown Extensive Green Roof, also supplied by Alumasc.

In total, 1000m² of Alkorplan was installed at Farnworth Green. The system conformed with the project’s environmental strategy thanks to the mechanically fixed PVC, which can be easily removed at the end of its life and recycled back into the production process into new raw material. It was supplied with a 25-year warranty, and when installed and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions, will enjoy a life in excess of 40 years.

High Performance from Derbigum

The areas of high foot traffic across blocks C and D, demanded the robust and well-trusted performance
of Derbigum Black: Alumasc’s reinforced APP polymer modified bituminous waterproofing system, which is particularly suited to buried membrane applications.

The balconies on block C (including cold balconies), presented concrete substrates, with paved surfaces
on pedestals. For the warm balconies, we installed our self-adhered vapour control layer, followed by a tapered PIR glass tissue faced insulation scheme to create the required falls. Our fully bonded 2-layer Derbigum Black system was then installed over the the insulation. For cold balconies, the same system but omitting the AVCL and insulation.

On block D, the above Derbigum systems were installed to the buried recreational terraced area. The plant room did not require surface finishes, so our Derbigum Charcoal membrane in mineral finish was chosen for its aesthetic appearance.

Due to the flat concrete substrate, tapered insulation schemes were designed for both areas to meet BS6229 requirements.

Derbigum is BBA certified and achieves a fire classification of Broof(t4) in accordance with BS EN 13501-5. It has a proven track record dating back to 1967 and is subject to the highest levels of testing and certification. It was supplied with a 35-year warranty, and when installed and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions, will enjoy a lifespan in excess of 50 years.

Unrivalled Support

Enviroply Roofing worked alongside multiple trades on site, to coordinate the installation of the membranes with other ongoing works, in particular the installation of slate roof tiles. Synchronised timings and open lines of communication were essential, to ensure all roofing works were completed
within program.

Alumasc and Enviroply worked closely with BDP Architects and construction partner Vermont Construction, to overcome complex interface details across the scheme. Regular Teams meetings and site visits were held, to explore the most robust waterproofing option for each detail.

A prime example of this was the design of the balconies and attachment of the balustrade on block C. Bespoke detail drawings were produced for the client, and it was decided that our Caltech QC Detail product, which is a cold-applied liquid, be installed as a secondary waterproofing barrier to ensure no water ingress.

In all cases, Alumasc’s wide range of waterproofing solutions ensured the seamless specification of the most suitable system.

Project Overview

Van Mildert College is one of the largest colleges at Durham University, and is ranked joint 89th in the Top 100 QS World University Rankings for 2025. Durham University is committed to delivering sustainability across all of its activities, and has founded the Greenspace Movement; an initiative that brings together all of the university’s policies, plans and procedures as it contributes towards the net-zero transition.

The existing roof on the Tunstall Block of Van Mildert College was aging and showing signs of wear, including insulation deficiencies and minor leaks. It required an upgrade to enhance its thermal performance, address water ingress issues, and to provide a suitable foundation for solar panel
installation in line with the university’s long-term sustainability goals.

Client Brief

The primary goals of the refurbishment and solar installation were to extend the lifespan of the roof, whilst improving energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of the building in accordance with the university’s commitment to sustainability and long-term infrastructure resilience.

Solution

The scope of the refurbishment and solar installation involved a comprehensive approach to enhance roof durability, whilst integrating renewable energy solutions. Key steps included:

Roof Survey & Assessment

A thorough initial inspection was carried out, incorporating core sampling to determine the existing condition of the roof. This process helped identify areas needing immediate attention and provided critical data for developing the refurbishment strategy.

Roof Refurbishment

Based on the survey findings, a specification was developed for a high-performance waterproofing system, designed to improve weather resistance and extend the lifespan of the roof. Insulation upgrades were implemented to enhance thermal efficiency, and reduce overall heating costs for the building. Additionally, drainage improvements were introduced to ensure effective water management and prevent future ingress issues.

Quality Assurance & Compliance:

Stringent quality control measures were in place throughout the project. Alumasc Site Technicians conducted regular site inspections to verify compliance with industry standards, and to ensure that all workmanship met the specified requirements. Alumasc worked closely with registered contractors O’Connor Roofing Services to confirm the correct execution of both roofing and solar components. Detailed site reports were compiled, providing a transparent record of progress and adherence to best practices.

The System

The refurbishment incorporated the use of Alumasc’s Derbigum Olivine High Performance Roofing System, a premium CO₂-neutralising reinforced APP polymer-modified bituminous waterproofing membrane. The system, which includes underlays, insulation boards, and air and vapour control layers (AVCL), is BBA certified and achieves a fire classification of Broof(t4) in accordance with BS EN 13501-5.

Derbigum has a proven track record dating back to 1967, and is subject to the highest levels of certification and testing. Using a variety of installation methods and build-ups, the system is designed to meet the individual requirements of every project for use across all building sectors in both refurbishment and new build roofing and waterproofing projects.

Derbigum Olivine aligned perfectly with the university’s environmental goals thanks to the natural olivine granules in its surface layer. The granules – a magnesium iron silicate – cause a chemical reaction in CO₂ in rainwater, which converts it to silicon dioxide (sand) and magnesium carbonate, two products that are harmless to the environment.

Solar Installation

The integration of solar panels was a key component of the project. High-efficiency photovoltaic (PV) panels were selected to maximise energy generation. The panels were installed to the roof structure using Alumasc’s SolaCell PV Supports: a non-penetrative system of rails and retention strips that are heat welded to the roofing membrane, so as not to compromise its integrity. The strategic positioning of the panels optimised their exposure to sunlight, while ensuring seamless integration with the roofing system. The expected energy output was calculated to align with the University’s sustainability targets, contributing to their overall carbon reduction strategy.

Challenges

During the initial assessment, it was discovered that bats were living within the cavity walls of the building. Due to bats’ protected status, the client took advice from ecological consultants, to ensure the habitat was preserved whilst allowing the project to progress. A special design was incorporated into the roof copings, leaving a gap between the parapet and vertical sections, allowing the bats safe access in and out of the cavity.

Outcome & Benefits

The refurbishment at Van Mildert College successfully enhanced the roof’s durability and thermal efficiency, contributing to reduced heating costs for the student accommodation. The solar panel installation provided a renewable energy source, helping to offset electricity consumption and lower the building’s overall carbon footprint. These improvements aligned with Durham University’s sustainability initiatives and long-term infrastructure goals.

The project exemplifies a successful combination of roof refurbishment and solar integration to achieve maximum energy efficiency and sustainability. Durham University and its students, will benefit from a more resilient and environmentally friendly accommodation facility, whilst future projects can adopt the project as a template for future works, to further enhance the university’s commitment to green energy and infrastructure longevity.

Project Overview

Whitley Bay Train Station, a historic and well-used transport hub, required essential refurbishment work to restore and enhance the performance of its guttering system. Water ingress issues were affecting the station’s infrastructure, and a durable solution was needed to extend the lifespan of the gutters and improve drainage efficiency.

Alumasc Roofing supplied the Caltech QC liquid waterproofing system for the project, working alongside Orchard Roofing, who carried out the installation.

Existing Gutters

The gutters at Whitley Bay Train Station had suffered from long-term wear and tear, leading to poor water
management and potential risks of leaks. Key issues included:

• Deterioration at Joints – Water ingress due to ageing and ineffective seals.
• Inadequate Falls – Limited drainage efficiency, leading to standing water and debris build-up.

Scope of Works
Gutter Survey & Assessment

• Conducted a full assessment to evaluate existing damage and water flow issues.
• Identified areas requiring reinforcement and adjustments before coating application.

Gutter Refurbishment

• Joint Preparation – Joints on braces were mastic-filled before Caltech QC installation to ensure a watertight seal.
• Cleaning & Priming – Gutters were thoroughly cleaned and primed to prepare the surface for application.

Application Process:

• A preparation layer was applied and sanded down where necessary to ensure a smooth, even surface.
• The first coat of Caltech QC, a rapid-curing liquid waterproofing system, was applied to form a seamless, reinforced membrane.
• A second coat was then applied for additional durability and long-term waterproofing protection.
• Drainage Improvement – New falls were created within the gutters before the coating was applied to enhance water flow and prevent future pooling.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• On-site inspections ensured correct preparation and application of the waterproofing system.
• Collaboration with Orchard Roofing ensured all detailing was completed to specification.
• Final checks confirmed that the system provided long-term protection against water ingress.

Challenges & Solutions
Intricate Joint Detailing

The complex design of the station’s gutter system required careful detailing at all joins to ensure a fully watertight solution. The flexibility of Caltech QC allowed it to form a seamless, reinforced waterproof layer, overcoming this challenge.

Creating Effective Falls

Before applying the coating, the existing gutter structure had to be adjusted to create a sufficient fall for water drainage. Precision levelling techniques were used to ensure proper water flow, preventing future pooling issues.

Outcome

The project successfully delivered a fully refurbished gutter system, ensuring improved water management and long-term protection for Whitley Bay Train Station. The Caltech QC solution provided a durable, low-maintenance finish, while collaboration with Orchard Roofing ensured expert installation to the highest standards. Antoinette Stubbs, Orchard Roofing, said “as a registered contractor for Alumasc, choosing their products was the only option. Their products never fail to deliver, and the support from
the company is fantastic. The results speak for themselves.”

Project Overview

Castello Court is a residential high-rise development in Newport, South Wales. The existing roofing system had failed due to numerous issues, and was in need of refurbishment. The project represented an opportunity for Alumasc Roofing to collaborate with a new Housing Association client, working closely to gain an understanding of their requirements, work flows and operational preferences. The installing contractor, Nautilus Roofing and Exteriors of Pontyclun, brought the benefit of their experience, having completed many previous projects using a range of Alumasc Roofing systems.

Client Brief

The client sought a system comparable to the existing roofing, which would be a similar colour whilst excelling in terms of performance. The new system also had to be suitable for overlaying onto the existing system, and offer the added long-term assurance of a comprehensive warranty.

Solution

In total, 1300m² of Alkorplan Fleece-Backed Membrane from Alumasc Roofing was installed by Nautilus Roofing and Exteriors, over the existing system. Alkorplan comprises a multi-layered thermoplastic roofing membrane reinforced with a glass fleece. It has a proven track record exceeding four decades, and is subject to the highest levels of certification and testing. The system is adhered using a compatible cold applied adhesive, and it is particularly adaptable to refurbishment roofing projects where overlaying of an existing waterproofing system is required.

Alkorplan is BBA certified and achieves a fire classification rating of Broof(t4) in accordance with BS EN 13501-5. It was supplied with a 20-year warranty, ensuring complete peace of mind for the client, and continual performance and durability for the remaining service life of the roof.

Attention to Detail

Prior to work starting, the Alumasc Roofing technical team undertook a thorough inspection of the existing waterproofing system at Castello Court, and ascertained that it was in a suitable condition for overlaying. There was evidence of historic water ingress, and missing grates were in need of replacement, but existing falls were found to be working sufficiently. Outlets were inspected thoroughly for blockages, and water tested to ensure free drainage. Increased thickness of the system build-up required the extension of soil and vent pipes in order to achieve a 150mm upstand above the finished roof level. Finally, the existing capping was temporarily removed, allowing the new system to encapsulate the parapet.

The client was updated with progress at every step via detailed site visit reports; another element of Alumasc’s unrivalled technical support, which was essential in cementing trust and peace of mind for the client, as they embarked on their first project with Alumasc.

Project Overview

Buchan Street and The Meadows is a community-focussed project in Arbury, Cambridge, designed by Pollard Edward Thomas Architects and delivered by The Hill Group for Cambridge Investment Partnership.

Former community facilities have been consolidated into a highly sustainable community hub spread across two sites, offering essential local amenities, energy efficient housing, leisure and retail space, and extensive landscaped areas. More than 93% of the original open space has been retained by the development, which also sees the planting of 109 new trees.

Seventy-eight new one- and two-bedroomed council-rented flats have been created at The Meadows, with a further twenty-eight at Buchan Street. Impressive levels of sustainability have been achieved at the properties by way of thermally efficient insulation, gas-free heating, solar panels, mechanical ventilation, and heat recovery to filter air within the homes.

A new community centre at The Meadows site has been designed to BREAAM Excellent specifications, putting it in the top 10% of non-domestic buildings in the UK for energy efficiency.

Client Brief

The project required a single source waterproofing and green roof system, with The Hill Group and Pollard Thomas Edwards Architects preferring to deal directly with a supplier offering one sole point of contact for any technical enquiries arising.

Enviromental factors were key to specification. It was imperative that the chosen systems contribute to achieving the BREAAM Excellent standard on the community centre, whilst also offering unrivalled performance and maximising sustainability across the entire project.

The overall objective was to create future-proof homes and facilities, that will adapt to the ever-changing needs of the community.

Solution

In total, 3,000m² of Hydrotech Waterproofing and Blackdown Green Roofs were installed across all of the new buildings at Buchan Street and The Meadows, including the new apartment blocks and community centre.

Hydrotech is a hot-melt monolithic membrane boasting 40% recycled content and zero product failures in over 50 years. It is appied in liquid form to achieve no seams, and installed with XPS insulation to further improve energy efficiency, in keeping with the client brief.

The system, which is BBA and ETA certified, achieves a fire classification rating of Broof (t4). It was supplied with 35-year warranty, ensuring complete peace of mind for the client, and continual performance and durability for the full service life of the roof.

Blackdown green roofing systems also aligned perfectly with the environmental considerations of the project. They assist with rainwater retention, improve air quality in the immediate vicinity, and encourage biodiversity by providing habitats for a variety of birds, insects and other wildlife.

Nurturing Relationships

Only by being involved with a project from the outset, can we earn the trust of our construction partners and ensure the most effective product specification.

Our technical team worked closely in collaboration with Pollard Thomas Edward Architects and The Hill group from the early design stages. We were able to overcome a number of detailing queries, specifically, low roof and door threshold junctions, AOV upstands, lift overuns and smoke shaft junctions.

Expert installation was carried out by Cambridge Flat Roofing, who have previous experience of Alumasc Roofing systems and a well-established relationship with our technical team.

Simon Redgrave is the Senior Site Manager for The Hill Group, he comments:

“The whole installation at Buchan Street and The Meadows was straightforward and ran extremely smoothly. There were no supply issues, and deliveries of materials to site were timely, which was critical for co-ordinating crane lifts. Cambridge Flat Roofing were well organised and clearly very familiar with the Alumasc products.

Alumasc’s technical team visited site at regular intervals to check progress and test the system for watertightness. Everyone was very easy to deal with, and having now seen the process through from the outset, I have every confidence that the Alumasc system will stand the test of time, providing the project with the long-term, sustainable, leak-free roofing solution it needs.”

Exceeding Expectations

The Hydrotech and Green Roof systems installed at Buchan Street and The Meadows, will contribute directly to the 60% carbon reduction forecast by the project, which significantly exceeds the Cambridge Local Plan target of 19%.

The inclusion of green roofing will also enhance the existing meadows and woodland areas, to further support the overall 60% improvement in biodiversity achieved by the development.

Project Overview

White City Living is a new mixed-use development from St James (a member of Berkeley Group) that has seen the gradual transformation of a former industrial site into a thriving urban quarter of West London. The development provides over 1800 multi-tenured homes above a ground floor comprising commercial, business and leisure facilities, set within 8 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens. Phase 3 of the development involved the construction of Cassini Tower – an elegant new curved landmark – and the creation of one of the largest water features within a mixed-use development in the UK.

Our objective was to provide a comprehensive waterproofing package to meet the exacting performance and sustainability requirements set out by St James.

Client Brief

Sustainability is an essential element of the St James ethos across all of its developments. At White City Living, the waterproofing needs were diverse, due to the varied ‘zones’ across the complex. Unparalleled waterproofing was vital across all zones, and the client’s preference was for a single source solution. We were required to present a robust and flexible package to address the sustainability and lifecycle credentials which were key to the specification. St James also requested leak detection tests, in order to ensure the ongoing integrity of the product package.

Solution

Having built a successful working relationship with Berkeley Group/St James across Phases 1 and 2 of White City Living, and many of their previous high-profile developments, we worked closely with the technical team and specialist roofing contractor, Fenland Flat Roofing, to deliver an unrivalled combination of products, expertise and on-site support.

Our Hydrotech hot melt system was chosen for the podium, main roof areas, terraces and balconies of Cassini Tower. Hydrotech is a monolithic membrane applied in a liquid state resulting in no seams. It has a well-established reputation for suitability to new build applications, and can be used to designed zero falls. The system is designed to last the lifetime of the buidling structure, and has over 50 years of global use, and zero product failures.

Hydrotech was used to waterproof the unique water feature, further highlighting the system’s durability and long-term reliability. This was an intricate installation requiring careful collaboration between Alumasc, the architect Carey Jones Chapman Tolcher, Fenland Flat Roofing, and the ceramic artist who created unique mosaic tiles installed within the waterscape.

Hydrotech was also used to detail the balustrades and roof penetrations of Cassini Tower. This liquid waterproofing system adapted seamlessly to the building’s curved design and continuous balustrade, providing a waterproofing solution with a seamless pitch pocket detail that extended around the entire perimeter on every alternate floor. Meanwhile, Caltech QC Detailing was used to waterproof the external perimeter of the high level canopy.

To complete the package, Blackdown Extensive Green Roofs were installed on the main roof areas. This maximises green space and further contributes to the overall sustainability of the development within its urban surroundings. Air quality, wildlife habitats and energy consumption will all be massively improved, and importantly, the green roofing will also mitigate the risk of flooding by absorbing and retaining rainwater.

Collaboration

Close teamwork is an important part of any successful project, but on one which presents as many individual challenges as White City Living Phase 3, it is crucial.

Alumasc Roofing has nurtured relationships with Berkeley Group and Fenland Flat Roofing over previous years and multiple prestigious projects. Our technical teams were instrumental in refining design details, and in providing extensive support to the architect and St James on
detailing and wide-ranging technical queries.

Chris Buckley, Technical Design Manager, Alumasc Roofing, said “our technical team worked in close collaboration with the St James team to overcome various design challenges, including the intricate requirements of the water feature. The design successfully balanced both the aesthetic elements and the functional demands, ensuring that multiple penetrations were carefully managed. This approach preserved the integrity of the system while accommodating the essential features specified.”

This collaborative approach maximised our combined knowledge and expertise, resulting in a mutual trust and fluency that gives a project like this its very best chance of success.

Alumasc Innovations

We are constantly advancing our product portfolio by enhancing the building envelope with innovations such as biosolar, CO₂-neutralising membranes, and materials with increased recycled content.
Our collaborative approach with all stakeholders enables us to address challenges effectively and achieve both environmental objectives and high-performance standards.

Project Overview

King’s Road Park is a 17.35-acre redevelopment project in Fulham featuring 24 building plots. It will deliver 1,800 private and affordable homes set within 2.7 hectares of newly created public spaces, including a public park that preserves the world’s oldest gas holder.

Alumasc was appointed to deliver the waterproofing on Phase 1, which includes the construction of 345 apartments spread across three buildings, complete with a private landscaped podium garden and ground-level commercial space.

Client Brief

Driven by a strong commitment to sustainability and innovative design, Berkeley Homes embarked on the King’s Road Park project with a clear vision. They sought a durable and flexible waterproofing system that would guarantee the building’s longevity and support their commitment to sustainability, as well as meeting design challenges with ease and efficiency.

A key element of the project was its strong emphasis on promoting and enhancing biodiversity within the urban environment. The design incorporated a blue-green roof to align with the Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) strategy developed by the civil engineering team.

Solution

After a thorough assessment of the project specifications, we identified our Hydrotech Hot Melt System, BluRoof Stormwater Management System, and Extensive Green Roof System as the optimal solution. This approach leverages Caltech QC Detail to form complex details, such as balustrades and pipe penetrations.
Hydrotech has a proven track record for durability, exceptional waterproofing capabilities, and its design to last the lifetime of the building structure. With over 50 years of global use and zero product failures, Hydrotech has consistently demonstrated unparalleled reliability, making it the perfect choice for this project.

By combining a blue and green roof, it creates a highly efficient, multifunctional roofing system that brings together the advantages of both water management and environmental sustainability. The BluRoof is designed to alleviate flood risk by attenuating stormwater via controlled discharge over a 24-hour period at roof level. Whilst green roof systems retain rainwater through plant absorption and provide replacement of lost habitats through the introduction of natural vegetation.

Collaboration

In this recent collaboration, Alumasc Roofing, EPR Architects, Berkeley Homes, and AYM Services combined their strengths to deliver an exceptional residential development. Early engagement and working in transparency was fundamental to ensure that the correct waterproofing solution was specified and design challenges were resolved.

Paul Webb, Contracts Manager, AYM Services says “I have worked in conjunction with Alumasc for a number of years on numerous projects and was pleased that I would be working with them again on the King’s Road Park Project. AYM commenced the waterproofing works in 2021 and completed phase 1 in 2024, we are working on phases 2 & 3 at present. Alumasc Technical and AYM carried out the waterproofing design, Alumasc Customer Services have processed orders efficiently and organised logistics, always being very helpful and finding ways of overcoming problems along the way.”

The King’s Road Park project is a testament to the effectiveness of early-stage involvement, comprehensive planning, and sustainable design. Alumasc’s innovative waterproofing solutions, commitment to sustainability, and collaborative approach ensured the success of this ambitious development.

Alumasc Innovations

We are constantly advancing our product portfolio by enhancing the building envelope with innovations such as biosolar, CO₂-neutralising membranes, and materials with increased recycled content.
Our collaborative approach with all stakeholders enables us to address challenges effectively and achieve both environmental objectives and high-performance standards.

Project Overview

Stockport Exchange is part of the £1billion pound investment to regenerate Stockport, placing it firmly on the map as one of the North West’s thriving business hot spots. Both Two and Three Stockport Exchange are Grade A office buildings, with Three Stockport Exchange having a stunning communal roof terrace.

Our objective was to deliver a solution that would not only protect these buildings from water ingress, but also align with the clients’ sustainability goals and support their overall architectural vision.

Client Brief

Muse and Ryder Architecture required a waterproofing system that would guarantee the buildings’ longevity and durability while supporting their commitment to sustainability.

Alumasc’s involvement in previous phases of the development highlights our strong and trusted collaboration with Muse and Ryder Architecture. Our proven track record in delivering high-quality reliable waterproofing solutions has earned us the confidence of these industry leaders.

Solution

Following a comprehensive evaluation of the project’s requirements, we determined that our Hydrotech Hot Melt system was the ideal solution. This specification was based on its proven track record for durability, exceptional waterproofing capabilities, and its design to last the lifetime of the building structure. With over 50 years of global use and zero product failures, Hydrotech has consistently demonstrated unparalleled reliability, making it the perfect choice for this project.

Working in Partnership

As with most new build projects, early engagement and working in complete transparency is fundamental to ensure that the correct waterproofing solution is specified based on the functionality of the area in which it is to be installed.

Maintaining a trusted, collaborative relationship with Muse and Ryder Architecture throughout the entire project lifecycle—from the early design stages to onsite support, and especially during handover and aftercare—was crucial to the project’s success. Muse was particularly impressed with the aftercare provided by Alumasc Roofing’s internal and external technical support teams.

By providing full support and maintaining regular communication and coordination throughout every stage, we were able to consistently review key milestones and make necessary adjustments as needed. This approach ensured the project was delivered according to the client’s expectations and within the required timeframe.

The partnership between Alumasc and Muse is especially fulfilling due to our shared values. Muse’s dedication to integrating social values and fostering resilient, sustainable communities aligns seamlessly with our own commitment to environmentally focussed, responsibly sourced, and ethically driven solutions.

Naomi Gornall, New Build Manager North & Midlands, says “by partnering and engaging with all stakeholders early on, we have successfully collaborated to advance greener construction practices, a responsibility we take immense pride in”.

Alumasc Innovations

We are constantly advancing our product portfolio by enhancing the building envelope with innovations such as biosolar, CO₂-neutralising membranes, and materials with increased recycled content.
Our collaborative approach with all stakeholders enables us to address challenges effectively and achieve both environmental objectives and high-performance standards.

Project Overview

This development introduces 60 new sustainable and affordable homes, specifically designed for Manchester residents and workers. Located on the former Manchester College Moston Campus, this project rejuvenates an unused site and addresses the urgent need for affordable housing in the area.

Comprising of 50 two and three-bedroom houses, with 33 designated for affordable rent and 17 for
rent-to-buy. Additionally, there will be 10 one and two-bedroom apartments, all available for social rent.

Client Brief

Watson Homes is committed to delivering sustainable developments and innovative social housing projects for their clients. As their preferred supply chain partner, we worked closely with them to create a detailed specification tailored to their project needs.

They required a flat roof waterproofing solution for the apartment block, along with coping systems and matching window sills for the housing units. These elements were designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the traditional pitched roof construction and make the windows stand out against the beautiful red brick exterior.

To fulfil this, we specified our Alkorplan single ply waterproofing system, known for its durability and ease of installation, along with our Skyline aluminium coping system and window sills. The coping system and sills were provided by our sister brand, Alumasc Water Management Solutions (AWMS), ensuring a fully integrated approach with expert support and coordination from a single trusted supplier.

Solution

Our Alkorplan system was the ideal solution due to its proven track record of over 45 years in delivering reliable waterproofing solutions. Renowned for its durability, Alkorplan has been a trusted solution in numerous projects within the social housing sector. Additionally, the system comes with a robust 20-year warranty, offering long-term protection and peace of mind to the client. This combination of proven performance and comprehensive warranty made Alkorplan the perfect fit for ensuring the longevity and resilience of the roofing solution at Moston Campus.

Alumasc Water Management Solutions, in collaboration with Alumasc Roofing from the early design stage, provided the parapet sloping coping system for the homes at Moston Campus. In addition, we addressed the window sill and head details, which were custom surveyed and manufactured on-site to meet the project’s specific needs. All components were designed, produced, and powder-coated to the specific RAL colour in-house, with the powder coating being BBA approved.

Building Envelope

Moston Campus represents our first successful building envelope project with AWMS for our valued client, Watson Homes. By providing a single-source solution, we streamlined the project with integrated services from Alumasc Roofing and AWMS. This approach provided seamless project coordination, expert support and service from a single supplier, and a comprehensive warranty.

Collaboration

We worked closely with our approved contractor, Enviroply Roofing, who installed the Alkorplan system to a high quality. The remaining installation was expertly handled by the team at Watson Homes. Providing durable, sustainable, and attractive dwellings that future residents will enjoy for years to come.

The development, designed by Falconer Chester Hall, signifies a transformative addition to Liverpool’s skyline, delivering 336 apartments for the build-to-rent (BTR) sector. Spanning 282,617 square feet, Pall Mall Press is a striking 22-storey tower featuring a mix of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.

The design, characterised by a concrete frame and brick façade with punch windows, seamlessly integrates into the existing urban environment. Sustainable elements, such as green roofs, rainwater recycling, solar panels, and well-lit interiors to minimise reliance on electric lighting, are key features of the development. Alongside addressing the demand for local housing, the project includes retail space and a private garden terrace for residents.

Client Brief

Our client required a durable, high-performance waterproofing and insulation solution to ensure long-term protection and enhanced energy efficiency. We specified our Alumasc Hydrotech Hot Melt waterproofing system for the main roof and recreational terrace areas. For the inset balconies, we utilised our reinforced bituminous membrane, Derbigum Black, and our Caltech QC cold-applied liquid system to waterproof the complex detailing.

To complement this waterproofing system, we incorporated XPS and cellular glass insulation. XPS provides high compressive strength and moisture resistance, while cellular glass offers superior fire resistance and thermal performance. This comprehensive approach meets the client’s needs for a resilient, efficient, and sustainable solution.

Durable Solutions

With Alumasc’s extensive waterproofing product portfolio, we can utilise various technologies to provide fully compatible waterproofing solutions that excel in both durability and performance. Hydrotech delivers a monolithic, seamless membrane that ensures watertight integrity for the lifetime of the building, while Derbigum offers robust bituminous waterproofing with excellent resistance to weathering and UV radiation. Both systems are BBA certified and hold fire classification of Broof (t4) in accordance with BS EN 13501-5.

Cellular glass insulation, renowned for its fire resistance and impermeability, offers superior thermal performance and protection against thermal bridging. When combined with our hybrid waterproofing system, these insulation materials contribute to a highly efficient building envelope, enhancing both energy efficiency and structural integrity. This combination ensures the building remains protected, well-insulated, and energy-efficient, delivering optimal performance and longevity.

The successful integration of these systems not only meets the stringent requirements set by the client but also contributes significantly to the overall efficiency and sustainability of the Pall Mall Press development. The use of innovative waterproofing and insulation solutions underscores the project’s commitment to creating high-quality, resilient housing that benefits both residents and the broader community.

This case study highlights the importance of using advanced materials and techniques in modern construction to achieve durable, sustainable, and energy-efficient buildings.

Hydrotech and Derbigum’s advanced membranes are redefining sustainable building solutions. Both are dedicated to environmental responsibility, providing products that meet stringent fire resistance standards and incorporate high levels of recyclable content.

Renowned for their durability and performance, these products contribute to waste reduction and resource efficiency through their recyclable materials. These innovations promote sustainable construction practices.

Teamwork

In this recent collaborative project, Alumasc, Falconer Chester Hall, Graham Group and Primeseal, combined their strengths to deliver an exceptional residential development. Falconer Chester Hall’s expertise in innovative and sustainable design seamlessly integrated with Graham Group’s proficiency in high-quality construction and infrastructure. Together, we alongside our trusted contractor Primeseal Roofing created a build that not only boasts contemporary aesthetics and functional design but also adheres to the highest standards of sustainability and safety. This partnership exemplified how meticulous architectural planning, robust construction capabilities, innovations and skilled workmanship can come together to exceed client expectations, resulting in a landmark development that sets new benchmarks in the industry.

Project Data:

Architect: Falconer Chester Hall
Main Contractor: Graham Group
Alumasc Registered Roofing Contractor: Primeseal Roofing Ltd