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 information on Hydrotech, click here
For more information on ZinCo Green Roof Systems, 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 Roof Systems, 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
Ecobuild 2012 promises to be an exciting show for Alumasc on Stand number S2010.
A combination of new and well-established products will be on display, demonstrating Alumasc’s focus on sustainable building products for energy and water management within the built environment.
Alumasc Roofing will display leading brands in its Waterproofing and Green Roofing ranges. These include the new Euroroof Impermax cold-applied liquid waterproofing system and Euroroof membranes along with well-trusted brands such as Derbigum, Hydrotech and ZinCo Green Roofs. Alumasc Facades will be showcasing their range of thermally efficient External Wall Insulation solutions in readiness for the forthcoming Green Deal initiative.
Come and see us on Stand S2010.
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 has further strengthened its portfolio of world class roofing products by becoming a Commercial and Industrial Authorised Distributor for Firestone RubberGard® EPDM and UltraPly™ TPO single ply roofing systems in England, Wales and Scotland.
Firestone Building Products entered the commercial roofing industry in 1980 building on its success and experience in rubber polymer technology. Three decades later, over one billion square metres of Firestone’s sustainable roofing membranes have been installed on rooftops worldwide.
Alumasc’s Managing Director Robert Littlewood comments: “We are thrilled to be adding such impressive roofing solutions to our existing portfolio. Alumasc has a reputation for supplying comprehensive and relevant solutions which are designed to meet the demands of contemporary design, whilst also addressing the environmental concerns surrounding our industry. Firestone’s performance record as a leading manufacturer of sustainable rubber membranes worldwide, can serve only to reinforce Alumasc’s position in the UK market.”
For more information on the new Firestone products available from Alumasc, click here.
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
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 19th 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.alumascwaterproofing.co.uk
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
An extensive ZinCo green roof from Alumasc is a key design feature on a new award-winning mental health facility near St Albans.
The Oak and Beech units at Harperbury were built within a green belt environment, to a design by Dransfield Owens De Silva Architects. The project has since gone on to win a prestigious Building Better Healthcare Award for Best Mental Health Design.
Planted courtyards and green roof areas were incorporated into the design after service-users and staff identified the therapeutic qualities of green outside space. The sloping green roofs were installed by Approved Alumasc Installer Letchworth Roofing, over a layout of complex levels around the courtyards, ensuring the green sedum aspects were visible from ground level.
With their relatively shallow substrate, ZinCo extensive green roofs are ideal for lightweight decks, inaccessible roofs and flat or sloping roof areas. Their versatile and economic design provides a ‘back to nature’ solution offering strong ecological benefits, perfectly suited to the site’s green-belt location. The roofs at Harperbury support self-sustaining sedum plants that require minimal irrigation and are highly wind, frost and drought resistant.
The roofs were installed over Derbigum single layer waterproofing, also supplied by Alumasc. Derbigum is a tried and tested roofing solution suitable for warm roofs with metal, concrete or plywood decks and inverted roofs with concrete deck.
For further details on Alumasc’s ZinCo green roofs, click here to visit the website
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
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
Alumasc ZinCo has provided a series of stunning bio-diverse Green Roofs for central London’s new mixed-use development Regent’s Place. Believed to be the first of their kind in the UK, the roofs are designed to create a high value bio-diverse environment through the provision of a broad range of wildlife habitats.
Regent’s Place is a multi-storey development comprising office space and residential dwellings. The roof was designed by Arup who worked closely with British Land, and project architects Terry Farrell and Partners, to implement a corporate Bio-Diversity Action Plan. The brief was to design bio-diverse roofs covering two terraces and a third roof area. With all the spaces occupying prominent locations, the appearance of the roof planting at different times of the year was an important consideration.
Tilbury Contracts of Rainham installed a total of 2600m2 of Alumasc’s ZinCo green roofing over three buildings. Combining all the available types of green roof build-up, the roofs provide instant aesthetic appeal, while enhancing the local ecological resource. The waterproofing membrane and inverted roof insulation was first covered with a reservoir board followed by a ‘puzzle’ pattern of polyester powder coated compartments. Each compartment was then filled with a particular growing medium i.e. pebbles, limestone chippings, pellite, crushed brick and pine bark strippings, semi-intensive soils, sand and hardwood split logs. The substrates were installed at different depths and planted with a wide range of plants, including mosses and sedums, wildflowers and grasses, small shrubs and aquatic species within the pre-formed ponded areas.
The project provides the essential habitats needed for rare and scarce plant species, as well as invertebrates such as bees, spiders and beetles and a foraging habitat for one of London’s bio-diversity action targets, the Black Redstart. ZinCo green roofs also offer other notable benefits, assisting with rainwater management, helping to reduce air and noise pollution and cutting carbon emissions.
Sarah Cary, Sustainable Developments Executive at British Land, comments, “British Land is committed to encouraging biodiversity and we have developed green roofs at many of our properties. By working in partnership with Alumasc, we have used the latest innovation and technology to develop habitats which encourage wildlife and support native plant species in urban areas.”
A further 11,800m2 of Alumasc’s Hydrotech MM6125 waterproofing was installed to the ground floor and 15 separate areas, including plant rooms and terraces. Hydrotech is the first choice for zero falls waterproofing on inverted green roofs and hard landscaped podium structures in new build applications. BBA accredited, it is designed to last for lifetime of the structure and available with a 20 year warranty. Hydrotech is manufactured and supplied under ISO9001:2000 & 14001:2004 Quality and Environmental Management Standards.
For more information on ZinCo green roofs from Alumasc, click here.
For more information on Hydrotech MM6125 Structural Waterproofing, 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.
Hydrotech in a zero falls application at the Royal Opera House in London
Hydrotech MM6125 from Alumasc, is the UK’s leading structural waterproofing system, successfully used by architects and specifiers for over 45 years on some of the world’s most prestigious buildings.
Hydrotech MM6125 is a monolithic membrane which is applied in a liquid state with a polyester reinforcement to form a 100% absolute bond. This ensures no water tracking below the membrane and no possibility of lap failure, making Hydrotech the first choice for zero falls applications.
The system is unaffected by standing water, dilute acids and fertilizers, and offers cost savings due to the omission of screeds to falls and on the reduction of weight and curing time involved. In addition, the membrane is self-healing and minor damage will be rectified automatically.
Hydrotech MM6125 is fully warranted and in over 23 years of application in the UK, has had no material failures. It also boasts the original and longest continuously valid BBA Certificate for falls and no falls waterproofing in the UK in its category (certificate numbers 90/2431 and 2432).
As a thermoplastic membrane, Hydrotech MM6125 offers the following features:
- – Seamless
- – Self-healing characteristics to minor construction damage
- – Sets quickly – allowing for efficient site programming
- – Homogeneous day to day laps allow for work to be executed out of sequence
- – Tolerates adverse weather immediately after installation
- – Easily repaired
- – Simple detailing
For more information on Hydrotech in Zero Falls applications, click here
For an overview of Hydrotech’s features and benefits, click here
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:
- To promote the green roof concept
- To provide suitable guidelines to manufacturers and installers
- 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
Alumasc’s ZinCo green roof at Coworth Hotel and Spa
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.
To view a copy of the The Green Roof Code of Best Practice for the UK 2011, click here
For more information on Alumasc’s ZinCo green roof systems, click here
Ecobuild is over for another year, with exhibitors now returning to their offices to evaluate the success of the new venue at London’s Excel Centre.
Alumasc’s stand was a hive of activity for the duration of the show, with main attractions on the brand new stand being 3 Zones focussing on Energy Management, Green Roofing and Water Management.
Alumasc were also involved in live daily seminars discussing ‘Top Tips For The Successful Installation And Maintenance Of Green Roofs In New-Build Properties’ and ‘Practical Applications for Natural Materials’, all of which proved highly popular with visitors to the show.
Alumasc achieved ISO14001 environmental certification in 2007 and is a UK market leader in the provision of sustainable building products. For more details, click here.
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.
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 ZinCo green roofs
Ckick here for further details of Alumasc’s Derbigum Waterproofing Systems
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
To download the Derbigum Brochure, click here
Firestone RubberGard® EPDM waterproofing from Alumasc has been used on the new eco-friendly visitor centre at the world-famous Batsford Arboretum.
The Arboretum, near Moreton in the Marsh, Gloucestershire, is home to the largest private collection of trees and plants in the country. The new visitor centre is part of a £2m project coordinated by main contractor BEAM Construction (Cheltenham) Ltd and funded by the Batsford Foundation. The scheme incorporates a number of environmental features including a ground source heat pump, sheep’s wool insulation and a low-profile roof which will reduce volume and minimise energy consumption
Following careful consideration of the surrounding landscape, John Falconer Architects presented a unique and challenging ‘wave’ roof design to emulate the rolling Cotswold Hills, thus minimising the visual impact of the Centre. Firestone RubberGard® EPDM waterproofing was chosen for the project due to its eco-credentials, ability to form clean edge detail and its life expectancy of up to 50 years.
RubberGard® EPDM is a fully cured single ply membrane composed of EPDM polymer and carbon black, offering unrivalled resistance to ozone and UV radiation. Membrane characteristics remain stable over time thus providing a sustainable roofing solution which perfectly suited the Arboretum project. RubberGard® does not contain any plasticizers or flame retardants and as no toxic substances are released this allows collection and use of run-off rainwater.
RubberGard® EPDM is available in panel sizes up to 15m in width and 61m in length, giving the benefit of fewer field seams and a shorter installation time. It is inherently durable, remaining flexible at temperatures down to -45ºC, is competitively priced and delivers low life-cycle costs due to minimal maintenance requirements.
Alumasc worked closely alongside Firestone Authorised Contractor Cardiff Single Ply Roofing for the duration of the project, providing full technical support on all of the roof details.
For more information on Alumasc’s Firestone products, click here
The Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) is launching a new Specialist Apprenticeship Programme (SAP) that will provide roofing professionals with the opportunity to develop an expertise in the installation of liquid waterproofing systems.
Starting in October 2011, the course combines classroom and workshop sessions with instruction on site. Successful candidates will obtain an NVQ Level 2 qualification.
For further information on the course and the range of grants available, please e-mail Terry Wain at info@lrwa.org.uk or go online here.
Alumasc has further strengthened its portfolio of high performance Waterproofing solutions, with the introduction of Euroroof Impermax.
The Impermax system is a 100% cold-applied, single component liquid waterproofing membrane which forms an elastomeric, seamless membrane to waterproof virtually any substrate on both flat and pitched roofs.
With a variety of installation options and surface finishes available, the BBA approved Impermax system is equally suited to roof refurbishments or new-build construction of roofs and podiums, and carries a life expectancy in excess of 25 years. A range of warranties are also available.
Alumasc Waterproofing systems are installed by a national network of Approved Contractors and are fully supported by our unrivalled technical team.
For more information on Euroroof Impermax from Alumasc, click here
To download the Impermax Product Overview document, click here
For more information on the full range of Alumasc Waterproofing systems, click here
Firestone RubberGard® single ply waterproofing from Alumasc has been used for a major re-roofing project at the Caterpillar Logistics facility in Desford, Leicestershire.
Firestone RubberGard® not only met Caterpillar’s stringent environmental and insurance criteria, but was also installed to a tight time schedule during harsh winter conditions and without any disruption to business.
The Caterpillar facility comprises several buildings housing both warehouse operations and administrative offices over a total of 1.8 million square feet, providing comprehensive logistics services to a wide range of clients and distributes materials worldwide.
38,000m2 of Firestone RubberGard® was installed by Alumasc’s Approved Contractor Modern Roofs of Leicester.
The system specification will help to increase the roof’s insulation performance and improve heat retention whilst its ‘Enviro-ready’ design offers the potential to cope with any subsequent installation of green systems i.e green roofs or photovoltaic systems.
Now complete, the roof is already delivering tangible benefits in terms of an improved working environment inside the building.
Firestone RubberGard® EPDM membranes offer a unique combination of features and benefits which have been demonstrated on countless commercial, industrial and residential rooftops around the world. They comprise a fully cured membrane composed of EPDM polymer and carbon black offering unmatched resistance to ozone and UV radiation. As the membrane is inert and does not contain any plasticizers, its characteristics remain stable and unchanged over time thus providing a sustainable roofing solution offering Caterpillar the additional benefits of low life-cycle costs and minimal maintenance requirements.
To find out more about Alumasc’s Firestone products, click here.
Hydrotech MM6125 Structural Waterproofing from Alumasc has been used on the Titanic Belfast Building - the world’s largest Titanic visitor attraction.
Specified in favour of four competing systems, Hydrotech offered an innovative and practical waterproofing solution for the intricately shaped podium roof on Titanic Belfast, created by Civic Arts/Eric R. Kuhne & Associates and Todd Architects. The distinctive design of the building and surrounding podium roof, situated above an underground car park, presented a number of challenges to Alumasc and their Approved Installer Grainger Roofing which demanded a unique configuration of waterproofing system and expansion joint.
At specification stage, Alumasc demonstrated to the construction and design team how the waterproofing and expansion joint would work together to accommodate the changes of direction and elevation presented by the podium expansion gap.
Hydrotech is the ideal solution for podiums and highly detailed waterproofing schemes such as Titanic Belfast. The high performance bituminous rubber blend allows fast and simple installation at low temperatures, even over complex roof details. The robust system enables details such as up stands to be completed first allowing other trades to proceed. Highly site trafficked areas can be left until last to avoid the need for protection or the possibility of damage.
Opening in March 2012, the 14,000m2 Titanic Belfast building tells the story of RMS Titanic, and houses Northern Ireland’s largest dedicated banqueting facility. The project, built by Harcourt Construction (NI) Ltd, is jointly funded by the Northern Ireland Executive, Belfast City Council, Belfast Harbour and Titanic Quarter Ltd.
For further details on Hydrotech MM6125 please click here.
A ZinCo green roof from Alumasc has provided a pleasant recreational space for residents of a new housing scheme in Guernsey.
Designed by architects Lovell Ozanne and Partners, the Hougue a La Perre housing development is situated on the northern outskirts of St Peter Port and is managed by Guernsey Housing Association. The project entails the development of 77 houses and flats constructed in 2009 on the site of the former Grand Bouet bus depot in order to create a sustainable and attractive neighbourhood.
The ZinCo green roof from Alumasc was specified for the podium deck above an underground car-park, which forms a courtyard for use by the residents. The green roof will offer notable ecological and amenity 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.
To find out more about Alumasc’s Green Roof systems, click here.