One Chamberlain Square is the lead project in a wider vision to create Paradise in Birmingham—the most important development the city has seen in a generation.

With the help of Alumasc offering solutions for the entire building envelope, One Chamberlain Square is set to be a vibrant mixed use development that will not only be the new home of professional services firm PwC, but will endeavour to maintain a balance between busy urban hub and the natural world.

To do this, Alumasc provided a range of products and services encompassing the entire building envelope, specified by Weedon Architects. This included a Blackdown Greenroofs Extensive Brown Roof, applied over Hydrotech Hot Melt Waterproofing, alongside Harmer Roof Outlets and bespoke solutions from Roof-Pro, for building D: an eight-story commercial building over a podium car park. Inside, bespoke blinds by Levolux, also an Alumasc company, were installed.

“This is an extremely high-profile development, which demanded trusted, standard setting products,” said Owen Doherty, Director at Weedon Architects and Project Architect for the venture. “All systems decided on were chosen on quality, durability and enhanced design life compared to competition.”

On the roof of Paradise

Blackdown Greenroofs Extensive Brown Roof is a green roof in the making. Covering approximately 4000m² of roof space for this project, One Chamberlain’s ‘brown’ roof is installed without plant life and will naturally seed from plant material that either blows in from the local environment or that is introduced by birds. In this way, it literally replaces the green space that has been taken up by the construction of the building it lies on, encouraging biodiversity by providing and strengthening habitats for wildlife local to the area, with truly local plant life.

Typically, the substrate is mounded to offer habitat variation, therefore the depth of the brown roof can vary be between 92-170mm and have a saturated weight of approximately 113-213kg per square metre, depending on the depths of the substrate.

Beneath this, Hydrotech MM6125 roofing, a hot melt rubber bitumen membrane, delivers sound structural waterproofing. The bitumen is heated and combined with a polyester reinforcement and protection sheet to form a weatherproof layer that has a 100% bond to prepared concrete surfaces. With no product failures in over 50 years, Hydrotech Hot Melt roofing is guaranteed for waterproofing integrity for the lifetime of the structure.

Working in tandem with each other, the Blackdown Greenroofs Extensive Brown Roof helps to extend and reinforce the life and guarantee of the waterproofing, offering a protective layer of natural insulation.

Giving his seal of approval, Owen said: “I only specify Alumasc hot melt at the moment and have done for many years. All products and systems chosen here have had zero product failures and I have never had any issues with technical specifications on previous high-profile buildings.”

Only just slightly closer to the ground, controlled descent three-stop blinds by Levolux were installed, anticipating the sunlight that will beam into the glass fronted building upon completion and giving thought to end user comfort.

A roller blind system unique to Levolux, each blind is designed to automatically descend to one of three stops in a controlled manor when the operation chain is released, for a uniform look. Bespoke ‘Z’ brackets were fabricated to support the recessed headbox surrounding the blinds.

Levolux offer an extensive range of blinds ideally suited for offices, public buildings, hospitals, schools and other locations where glare control is important. Established 1984, Levolux became part of Alumasc in 2007.

Providing efficient drainage

Given the huge expanse of roof space involved this project, effective flat roof drainage was essential. Harmer AV high capacity aluminium roof outlets were installed for this purpose. Suitable for all regular flat roofing applications with continuous membranes, these outlets are lightweight, durable, non-corrodible and have been proven to drain 40% more roof area than conventional gravity outlets, therefore further ensuring the long life and service of other flat roof systems.

Aiding project completion, Roof-Pro support systems were also tailored bespoke to meet the roof structure requirements. Free-standing support and access solutions were devised that would allow work to be carried out safely, efficiently and without causing damage to any of the roofing systems being installed.

Owen explained: “The challenges that we had to overcome to ensure the project was a success were the number of upstands, parapets, pitch pockets and davits to content with, but we are extremely satisfied with how the project has turned out so far.

“Technical support from Alumasc is very good; all support is geared towards aiding technical understanding, and solutions were developed for every challenge.”

A word from the contractor

Christian Bradley of Briggs Amasco, who installed the roofing, commented: “One Chamberlain Square and the surrounding podium waterproofing form part of the largest construction programme in Birmingham. We are extremely proud to be working on this landmark project.

“The products and systems installed all have long legacies of successful projects behind them, and there are no better guarantees than real results. They also offer excellent value for a competitive cost. These are just a few of the reasons why we love working on Alumasc projects. Alumasc offer a single source for all solutions, bespoke design detailing and the technical support is always on-hand when you need it.”

Due for completion in autumn 2019, One Chamberlain Square forms an integral part of a masterplan redevelopment that will transform part of Birmingham City Centre.

Find information on all Alumasc products and services here: www.alumascwms.co.uk/  |  www.alumascroofing.co.uk/
Explore more from Levolux here: www.levolux.com/

Keep up with Weedon Architects here: weedonarchitects.co.uk/

Find more information about Briggs Amasco here: briggsamasco.co.uk/

Alumasc Derbigum Olivine roofing absorbs and neutralises CO₂ on contact, as it falls in rainwater. This ground-breaking technology has been used in the recent redesign and refurbishment of Nottingham Trent University’s Clifton Campus Library, which now features over 1000m² of Olivine, providing a waterproof, BBA approved roofing solution.

As one of the UKs most environmentally friendly universities, NTU has a reputation to uphold. The UK market for green construction projects has grown significantly in the last 10 years and is poised to grow further in the next three. As society’s collective environmental conscience grows more aware, developments which design with environmental concerns in mind have become more revered. This seems to be the case increasingly so with students and younger generations.

As well as teaching the effects of positive actions towards the environment, NTU has decided that the best way to impress the importance of their students is to demonstrate it in their campus buildings.

M & J Roofing installed the membranes, after it was identified as the most appropriate waterproofing solution that would also offer the sought after added environmental benefits. As a bituminous felt system, Derbigum Olivine is 40% recycled, therefore from an environmental point of view, it has an edge over many competitor brands.

“Alumasc Derbigum Olivine roofing contains a naturally occurring mineral upper layer that irreversibly neutralises CO₂ that falls in rainwater, on contact,” explains Ben Green, Divisional Marketing Manager for Alumasc WMS and Alumasc Roofing. “When the rainwater rolls off the roof and eventually reaches the drains, it’s carbon-free. The olivine grains decrease in size with each reaction, however are large enough to last 30 years plus before having completely reacted. It’s construction industry science at its finest!

“The membrane itself is guaranteed for 40 years, carrying the longest British Board of Agrément (BBA) certificate in the UK. It’s high melting point ensures membrane stability in the hottest weather whilst the polyester/glass fibre reinforcement provides high tensile strength.”

This refurbishment also included the specification of Alumasc Rooflights and Harmer aluminium Roof Outlets, coupled with GX Pressed Aluminium Gutters and Heritage Circular Pipes, ensuring adequate drainage could be achieved for the new roof.

Alumasc Rooflights provided an ideal solution to allowing natural daylight into the building from above. The unique kerb design incorporates both security and waterproofing to create a reliable, safe and secure rooflight, allowing horizontal termination of the waterproof membrane. This makes water penetration virtually impossible. The domed glazing is moulded from Marlon FSX Longlife, premium quality solid polycarbonate, which has an impact resistance up to 200 times that of glass.

Technically sophisticated, Harmer AV high-performance aluminium roof outlets are chosen for this project as they guarantee a trouble-free performance and are especially suited to flat roofing applications featuring continuous membranes.

Harmer AV roof outlets combine innovative product design with full industry compliance to meet the needs of rainwater drainage in any construction project, with the ability to drain up to 40% more roof area than conventional gravity outlets. Further to this, their lightweight, durable, non-corrodible design means that they will do so for up to 40 years.

GX Pressed Aluminium Gutters are robust box section gutters designed for traditional wet jointing on site. They’re especially suited to applications where maximum capacity gutters are required. For the very large drainage area of the campus roof, they were perfect.

Designed to fully accommodate thermal movement at every joint, they are lightweight, durable and noncorrodible, and, upholding the environmental prerequisites of this project, they are 100% recyclable.

Finally, Heritage Circular Pipes are available in 4 pipe diameters and 3 pipe lengths, together with a complete range of fittings. Can be factory finished to replicate cast iron or with BBA certificated powder coatings in a range of colours.

Download a PDF copy here

Boasting iconic views over the River Thames, taking in the London Eye, Big Ben, and the iconic Houses of Parliament, Waterloo’s shining Whitehouse Apartments are iconic in their own right.

Standing fourteen stories tall among the Southbank’s cultural swathe, the impressive, polished residential buildings, have recently been completed with state-of-the-art Alumasc Derbigum roofing.

Craig La-Thangue, Senior Contracts Manager at Acclaim Contracts, who installed the roof, explained, “Our project at the Whitehouse Apartments was very enjoyable to complete, for many reasons, including the spectacular view, and of course working with Alumasc Derbigum membranes, as the high-quality product made the project run very smooth.”

Over the entire 2200m² roof area, Craig and his team first removed the old roofing that was in place—which just so happened to also be an Alumasc product!

“When we got up there, we were surprised to find that the roof that was in place was actually still in good condition,” Craig explained. “It had been up there for 30 years, but the only places that were showing serious signs of wear were the patches around installations such as air conditioning units and skylights that had been installed after the roof was laid.

“These roofing membrane patches were from another brand, which hadn’t fared well at all, and had visibly deteriorated to the point where they were letting in water.

“Over time, this would cause damage within the building that could lead to other more serious problems further down the line, so it was important for us to replace the roof and do a good job.” 

Derbigum is a high-performance waterproofing membrane that carries a BBA certificate confirming its service life in excess of 40 years. It offers performance properties including excellent flexibility, fire ratings, strong reinforcement and ease of application.

Derbigum is ideal for warm roof applications; its high melting point ensures it will remain stable even in the hottest weather. Alongside this, the polyester/glass fibre reinforcement within the membranes provide high tensile strength.

Giving specifiers and contractors peace of mind, Alumasc Derbigum membranes are manufactured in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015.

The project ran smooth from start to finish, from December 2018, to April 2019: “The only obstacle was the sheer size of the project!” commented Craig.

“Working with Alumasc is always hitch-free. We have worked with them on a number of other projects and they always have been reliable. Even if there is an issue, it’s sorted out quickly, efficiently and professionally. It makes us feel very confident in both the company and the roofing products,” Craig concluded.

Keep up with Acclaim Contracts and their current projects here: acclaimcontracts.co.uk/

Find more about Alumasc Derbigum Roofing here: alumascroofing.co.uk/products/waterproofing/bituminous-membranes/derbigum-flat-roof-membranes/

Find out more about the full Alumasc roof refurbishment offer: https://www.alumascroofing.co.uk/support/

Download a PDF copy here

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

A place that seeks to find the perfect balance between work and play, The Old Vinyl Factory is home to a large, young community and provides them with commercial and leisure facilities, restaurants, shops, cafes and bars.

But this isn’t all. Far above the ground, a series of roof gardens and patios have also been sensitively developed by Blackdown Greenroofs, catering to the large number of young families and working parents in the community.

The four main blocks rise above a central podium area, hiding their private oasis from the general public, making them a haven of calm and tranquillity that extend the idea of living space to the outdoors.

Landscaped to provide opportunities for relaxation as well as play areas for children, small trees and shrubs provide the gardens privacy, while playground apparatus complete the area.

Having a recreational green area is a huge and often rare benefit to urban and city dwellers, who may not have access to nearby public parks or natural areas. Research has shown that those who regularly spend time in a natural environment have improved mental, physical and even emotional health.

The gardens also replace most of the green space that may have otherwise occupied the space where The Old Vinyl Factory buildings sit, encouraging local natural wildlife and aiding biodiversity.

To achieve this, Blackdown Greenroofs installed an intensive green roof with integrated bespoke intensive planters containing a variety of wildflowers, sedums and shrubs, alongside some paved areas, benches and decking. An intensive green roof features a substrate of increased depth, so that planting can be similar to that on the ground: planters, lawns, trees and shrubs all have a healthy home here.

Rob Beswick at B D Landscape Architects, who designed the space, said: “I have been really impressed with the completed development. The podium landscape and roof terraces are well installed and it’s great to see a project where the quality of the soft landscape hasn’t been compromised.”

The children’s play area includes large pebble seats, bears, large 3D resin play models and active play equipment. Permanent irrigation systems are installed to ensure the gardens’ longevity and that this area in particular doesn’t flood.

With providing the utmost health and safety in mind, gates and fencing were also installed, all using specialist fixing methods to ensure the integrity of the waterproofing membrane below the green roof was not compromised.

Find out more about Blackdown Greenroofs and what can be achieved at: blackdown.co.uk/

One of the busiest buildings at the University of Dundee was able to benefit from a complete replacement of its waterproof roofing with Alumasc Derbigum Olivine roofing membranes.

The August 2018 project ran for six weeks and was completed on time, without any complications, after a thorough site survey to correctly identify the project needs.

During the survey, it was discovered that the roofing in place had exceeded its lifetime, and was in very poor condition.

After receiving specifications from Alumasc, the client decided to take the opportunity to install a high-quality roofing solution that would also contribute positively to the environment.

“Olivine membranes are extremely special,” explained Permatop Roofing Director Jim McVeagh, who headed up the project. “Olivine is a highly effective, durable waterproofing solution for roofs which also actively purifies the air by neutralising CO₂ in rainwater.”

Olivine membranes use a naturally occurring mineral upper layer that neutralises the most prevalent greenhouse gas via an irreversible chemical reaction when it comes into contact with rainfall. This technology was developed with the objective of contributing positively to the on-going challenge that climate change poses.

The Olivine grains within the membrane decrease in size with each reaction, however, once installed, clients can rest assured that they’ll continue to work for up to 30 years before the grains will have completely reacted. Each membrane is 100% recyclable and British Board of Agrément (BBA) approved.

1kg of Olivine granules have the capacity to neutralise 1.25kg of CO₂, meaning over its 30-year life time, this 600m2 project could potentially absorb nearly 3500kg of CO₂.

Alumasc Derbigum Olivine roofing is ideal for warm roof applications. It’s high melting point ensures membrane stability in the hottest weather whilst the polyester/glass fibre reinforcement provides high tensile strength. In the middle of the summer, this was an extremely important consideration for Jim.

“Personally, I think the technology that goes into Olivine is amazing,” Jim commented. “Anyone who chooses to install Olivine on their rooftop is actually doing something positive for the environment, while also ensuring a high quality, built-to-last waterproof solution for their roof. It couldn’t be easier, so why not?”

Approved by the BBA (Certificate No 86/1593), all Derbigum roofing membranes, including underlays and vapour barriers, are CE marked, with Declaration of Performance (DoP) certificates available.

Alumasc Roofing carefully carry out site surveys, and offer specifications, CAD/BIM calculations and designs, site reports and monitoring and roof maintenance to ensure that each and every project is executed and maintained to the highest standard.

Permatop Roofing are an approved contractor to install Alumasc products, and won the tender for this project based on their experience and expertise in this type of refurbishment work.

“Permatop will only work with the best quality roofing products,” said Jim, “which is one of the reasons why we work with Alumasc: the products are of excellent quality, great to work with, and the company is overall very reliable.”

Find out more about Alumasc Derbigum Olivine Roofing Membranes: www.alumascroofing.co.uk/products/waterproofing/bituminous-membranes/derbigum-olivine-membrane/

Find out more about the full Alumasc roof refurbishment offer: www.alumascroofing.co.uk/support/

Download a PDF copy here

New legislation from the Welsh government, which came into effect on 7 January 2019, stipulates that all new developments of more than one dwelling or where the construction area is 100m2 or more should have Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in place.

From this date onwards, SuDS on a new development must be designed and built in accordance with the Statutory SuDS Standards published by the Welsh Ministers, while SuDS schemes must be approved by the local authority acting in its SAB role, before construction work begins.

Alumasc WMS have always worked with the philosophy that surface water from both roof and ground level is a valuable natural resource which should be managed in a way that reflects this. This is not only in the interests of the surrounding environment but also to create better places for people to live, work and play.

With this in mind, we believe water management should be considered from the beginning of the development process and throughout, and that it should positively influence the design and layout of the project or space.

So, how can you implement SuDS in your project when it comes to roofing and water management?

The core aim of SuDS is to manage rainfall in a way as similar to the natural process as possible, making use of surrounding landscape and natural vegetation to control the volume and flow of surface water. The benefits of SuDS can encompass flood risk reduction, enhanced biodiversity, creation of natural habitats for wildlife, contribution to better mental health and much more.

Both Green and Blue Roof systems offer SuDS measures, intended to significantly reduce peak rates of rainwater runoff, especially during heavy rainfall. This is not limited to during the event of a storm. As a general rule in the UK, London and East Anglia receive high intensity rainfall incidents, whereas western aspects of the UK generally receive higher total rainfall. So, its not just Cardiff, officially the UK’s wettest City, but the whole of the UK that would benefit from Green and Blue Roof technology.

Green and blue roofs do this is in different ways but can be used in conjunction with each other. Blackdown Greenroofs, for example, retain rainwater through plant absorption and provide replacement of lost animal habitats through the introduction of natural vegetation, occupying otherwise redundant roof space and providing a great opportunity to create new amenity space for people to use for recreation and increased overall wellbeing—a real benefit in dense urban spaces.

Alumasc BluRoof rainwater outlets may be used to drain the excess runoff that is not absorbed by a green roof. They do this in a controlled way, using specially designed flow restrictors: the attenuated stormwater is temporarily kept at roof level for controlled discharge — integral to the mitigation of flood risk. The number and aperture diameters of which are calculated individually per job, to reduce the rainwater discharge to a specific maximum rate advised by the designer. In this way, clients can be confident that an Alumasc BluRoof system can be trusted to provide a water management solution that is tailored bespoke to their needs.

With an Alumasc BluRoof, grey water can be attenuated at roof or basement level and re-used within the building, for applications such as air conditioning or toilets after filtering. This results in less water consumption by the building, and less rainwater discharge into sewer systems: both more environmentally friendly, and more economical. On large commercial schemes this can create client cost savings in the £100,000s per annum.

In its largest building project in over 100 years, the Victoria and Albert Museum’s Exhibition Road Quarter achieves architectural cohesion between museum and street with the help of Alumasc Water Management Solutions (AWMS) and Alumasc Roofing Systems. In a project that demonstrates expertise across the full building envelope, Alumasc Wade HCE drainage channels and access covers were installed to provide almost invisible yet functional water management, and a bespoke hybrid roofing system installed using Hydrotech and Derbigum waterproof roofing.

Designed by Stirling Prize-winning Architect Amanda Levete and her practice AL_A, the landmark project aimed to “break down the barrier” between the great cultural artery of Exhibition Road and home of over 5000 years’ worth of cultural history.

The entire project encompassed the construction of the Sainsbury Gallery, a flexible 1100m2 temporary exhibition space, the Blavatnik Hall, a new entrance into the V&A from Exhibition Road, the Aston Webb Screen, an updated colonnade formed from the original 1909 structure, and the Sackler Courtyard, a key area that strives for unity between the street, the museum, the historical and the modern.

Providing an invisible drainage solution

The Sackler Courtyard challenged Alumasc WMS to devise a water management solution that would be able to accommodate the shape of the building design, discreetly hugging the curved exterior wall of the café, and provide access covers that would seamlessly blend with the 11,000 unique, parallelogram shaped porcelain floor tiles. Providing an invisible yet practical solution, bespoke access covers mimicking this shape were designed upon AL_A’s specification.

The curved exterior wall of the Sackler Courtyard Café posed a further challenge that was overcome by the custom design of a curved Wade HCE stainless steel drainage channel. Nestled flush against the wall, this provides a discreet direct water flow into a below surface linear drainage system, designed to accommodate large water volumes and withstand heavy foot traffic above. Ideally suited for draining large areas finished with block paving, this channel can be designed to accommodate a range of paving thicknesses (min. 15mm) and flow rate requirements.

David Adams, Area Specification Manager- Building Drainage at Alumasc WMS commented: “The V&A building in itself is considered one of the London cultural quarter’s most iconic buildings. This was why it was so important to find a water management solution for the new and updated areas of the site that wouldn’t interfere with or detract from its magnificence.

“We were able to offer AL_A high quality, practical solutions to their design specifications that would respect the history of the V&A by remaining as inconspicuous as possible and that would, in this way, help fulfil the project aim of achieving seamless cohesion between the museum and the adjacent public space.”

Caption: The darker coloured floor tiles indicate the bespoke access covers amongst the 11,000 floor tiles covering the Sackler Courtyard. The curved HCE drainage channel hugs the outside of the museum café.

The roof of the issue

A long way above floor level, work on the V&A building also meant updating the roofing system in place to improve waterproofing and insulation. A long-lasting solution was needed that would also be respectful to the history of the building and take into account the environment and the detrimental effect of VOCs on historical artefacts.

Brian Connington, Area Manager for Alumasc Roofing explained: “In conversation with the V&A and AL_A, we were able to devise a hardwearing and safe roofing solution. A hybrid system between Hydrotech and Derbigum was decided upon, and installed on the podium and the main roof areas.”

Hydrotech is a hot-melt rubber bitumen membrane which is heated and combined with a polyester reinforcement and protection sheet to form a weatherproof layer. It has a 100% bond to prepared concrete surfaces and has become the first choice for zero falls structural waterproofing.

Derbigum bituminous flat roof membranes offer enhanced performance properties including flexibility, durability and first-rate fire ratings, as well as ease of application and a 40-year BBA durability approval. Its high melt point ensures membrane stability in the hottest weather whilst the polyester/glass fibre reinforcement provides high tensile strength.

“This system, which was the product of collaborative efforts between all parties to devise a tailored solution, offered guaranteed waterproofing for the lifetime of the building, and a crucially CFC and HCFC free insulation.

“The entire project is a great example of AWMS and Alumasc Roofing Systems’ ‘complete building envelope’ approach to water management,” Brian concluded. “Alumasc offer a single source, complete roofing and drainage solution from rain to drain, and by specifying Alumasc products across the spectrum, we were able to gain a full picture of the project and really understand its goals. In this way, we are better placed to mitigate any risk and the client has a much easier task on hand when dealing with one company as opposed to one for each project area.”

The launch of the V&A Exhibition Road Quarter marks the beginning of a new era for the Museum. It has taken six years to realise and has transformed the V&A’s former boiler house yard. Tristram Hunt, Director of the V&A said upon it’s opening: “With its mix of ingenuity and imagination, the V&A has always been a meeting point for historicism and modernity. The V&A Exhibition Road Quarter bridges the two by offering fresh insights into our historic building with pioneering new architecture creating London’s leading exhibition space.”

How often do you look up, beyond the ground floor office lobbies, shopfronts, or restaurants that line the high street?

There is an entire other world that exists above us, away from the buzz and bustle of the busy city; a new kind of urban jungle is being cultivated on our rooftops.

Across the world, there is ongoing intense increase in urban development and with it, city living and working. This demands of us an ever-greater understanding and conscientiousness of global climate change, and our part in it. As our population increases, we must develop sustainable and compact approaches to growth in order to avoid over-development, or further development into green belt land.

Green roofs can be a way of balancing our urban development by providing pockets of nature. If every city centre roof top were to go green, the impact upon our environment could be significant, in terms of the effect it could have on maintaining cleaner air quality, on reintroducing local wildlife and on providing places of calm and serenity in the middle of the hectic city.

They can even contribute towards the performance of a building, by providing insulation, energy balance and reduction of CO2 emissions, aiding SuDS with rainwater attenuation and surprisingly, even extending the life of roof waterproofing and therefore saving money. Facilities such as schools and office blocks can even make use of roof space for synthetic rooftop sports courts, conveniently encouraging people to make time for their own wellbeing and maximising BREEAM ratings for buildings.

Green roofs are not a new phenomenon, but the ways in which they are devised, designed, installed and maintained has developed. Modern green roof systems have been used around Europe for over 50 years and are commonplace throughout western Europe. Ranging from intensively vegetated (intensive) to extensively vegetated (extensive) to recreational, there are already many examples of living roofs in London including at Canary Wharf, Bishops Square, the Laban Centre, Deptford and Offord Street, Islington.

Blackdown Greenroofs originally specialised in the supply, installation and maintenance of roof planting systems with the main purpose of creating a natural habitat for wildlife in the urban environment. But as is the nature of nature, we’ve grown into a complete roof top, podium and balcony landscaping specialist.

Nurturing extensive knowledge and the sharpest skills when it comes to planting, we are uniquely equipped to advise our clients on the most appropriate green roof scheme for the project’s requirements, offering bespoke intensive green roof design, landscaping and installation. Whether seeking to fulfil biodiversity action plan requirements, optimise BREEAM ratings, or provide an aesthetic roof covering that stands out from the crowd, Blackdown Greenroofs can provide the optimum sustainable green roof design and tailored advice.

The real urban jungle is high above the paved forest floor, and is one viable way to contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future for our cities and our population.

Redcliff Quarter is a bustling new neighbourhood for Bristol, bringing together restaurants, a 4-star hotel, offices and apartments. The 600,000 sq ft development has an urban artisan design reflecting the area’s industrial heritage. The architecture includes wider pavements, rooftop and courtyard gardens, balconies and terraces, targeting BREEAM excellent ratings for the commercial buildings.

 

 

Derbigum Blue Roof System:

Alumasc’s Derbigum BluRoof is designed to alleviate flood risk by reducing and controlling the peak rate of discharge, in compliance with design requirements. This facilitates the detention of stormwater up to a prescribed maximum hydraulic head for subsequent controlled discharge over an elongated period.

The retention of stormwater in the green roof layers complements the detention of stormwater by the blue roof, providing valuable additional drainage capacity.

The Derbigum BluRoof system benefits from the combined expertise associated with Alumasc Roofing Systems and Harmer Engineered Drainage Systems; allowing a truly single source blue roof solution that is integral to a system of this nature. The Derbigum BluRoof system is fully BBA approved and Alumasc provide a service package that provides the client, specifier and end user with complete confidence in the integrity of the waterproofing and drainage solution.

 

Green Roof and Landscaping:

Blackdown Greenroofs installed a combination of extensive sedum green roofs, intensive green roofs, paving on terraces and podiums and over the Alumasc Derbigum BluRoof. Blackdown also installed the bespoke papyrus coloured powder coated planters, with integral hard wood seating. They were specifically designed to make the roof spaces a recreational asset to those living in the apartments. Planted with mixed herbaceous, shrubs and trees, the hard and soft landscaping areas provide the perfect place to relax.

Alumasc Roofing Systems provided design assistance throughout all architectural, structural and drainage engineering stages. The technical team worked closely with the Main Contractor providing further assistance throughout construction stages. Blackdown Greenroofs worked with both the Main Contractor directly as well as via Span Roofing who carried out the roofing installation sub-contractor package. Alumasc Roofing’s site monitoring technical teams carried out regular site visits to ensure compliance with the warranty and that codes of practice were observed through to completion.

 

 

One system supplier, one point of contact, one waterproofing installation team and Alumasc’s Blackdown Greenroofs provided a single source solution to the successful completion of the works thus limiting potential split responsibility.

 

For more information about Alumasc’s Derbigum BluRoof system click here or for technical advice, please call 03335 771 500.