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Designed by architects Space and built by the Sewell Group for the Esteem Consortium, the Thomas Ferens Academy replaced the existing Sir Henry Cooper School and is set to become a beacon of outstanding practice.  In a building which featured a number of cutting edge green technologies, BriggsAmasco were appointed by Sewell to deliver the full roofing design and specification for three different elements of this distinctive new school.

Throughout the design process, BriggsAmasco worked closely with other designers to ensure all detailed interfaces, of which there were many, were integrated in order to offer the most robust solution.  Detailed planning was needed to ensure that the programme wasn’t compromised, allowing critical internal works to progress unhindered.

For the main roof areas, BriggsAmasco installed a Sarnavap vapour control layer and 130mm thick tapered and flat insulation which was laid on trapezoidal decking.  This 5600m² watertight, high performance roofing system was completed with the mechanically fixed Sarnafil G  and S 1.2mm thick single ply membranes in light grey to meet the client’s aesthetic and quality criteria.

The BriggsAmasco operatives installed a 600m² Bauder Built Up Felt roofing system on the Energy Centre which was fully insulated to meet current regulations, and then finished with a Bauder Green Sedum Roof.

Completing the roofing installation, the plant room specification featured a self-adhesive vapour control layer bonded to the concrete deck, PIR insulation, 18mm plywood and the Sika liquid plastics system.

“BriggsAmasco were appointed as part of the team to construct the fantastic Thomas Ferens Academy, delivering three roof areas and taking on the design risk,” commented Martin Standley, Project Manager, Sewell Group. “They were involved throughout each stage of the project and were always there to serve the client’s needs. They embraced the site culture of ‘total quality’ and were part of the positive and professional set of subcontractors that worked together to deliver a world class facility.”

BriggsAmasco’s exceptional workmanship and attention to detail contributed to the design and construction of this high quality sustainable academy which now opened offers a cutting edge facility for more than 1250 students and staff and is set to transform schools in Hull.

Joining forces with the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA), BriggsAmasco’s apprentice scheme will train, educate and develop the UK’s next generation of liquid applied roofing contractors.

“Training and development has always been a crucial part of our company ethos,” said Dave Maginnis, BriggsAmasco Managing Director. “Our dedicated training centre in Cradley Heath, Birmingham offers up to date classroom facilities and training rigs for hands on learning, and provides a fantastic base for the new LRWA apprenticeship scheme.”

The company’s training and meeting room facilities are available to any company or training provider wanting to improve the skills of its workforce.  Whether you need to improve your company’s green credentials, or keep your employees up to date with health and safety, having a trained workforce is integral to the future of your roofing business – transferring relevant skills to your employees enriches the whole company, increasing productivity and reducing costs.

Working for main term contractor Wates and in collaboration with Liquid Plastics and client The City of Edinburgh Council, BriggsAmasco had to design and specify a complex flat roof system for the ‘Siporex Estate’ which could encapsulate the existing roof envelope, protect the vulnerable concrete roofslabs beneath from wind and rain, and further insulate the flats beneath.

As part of Phase 2 of the upgrade, the team had to refurbish 750m²of flat roofing for two interlinked deck access blocks of flats which covered 19 flats in total.  The Phase 3 part of the refurbishment programme was a similar complex construction and specification but covered a smaller area of 140m².

For both Phase 2 and 3, the BriggsAmasco team were faced with the challenge of laying the top coat in one continuous coat to eliminate the patch effect and meet the client’s stringent aesthetic requirements.

The BriggsAmasco team were also able to handle further challenges on both blocks of flats such as the intricate detailed work around the parapet walls and chimneys, a number of fascia changes and projections as well as galvanising powder capping to the perimeter.

“BriggsAmasco worked successfully with our Term Contractor to deliver a first rate refurbishment solution to ‘hard to treat’ homes in Crewe Road West, Edinburgh. Their expertise was put to the test in applying this modern system to a 1960s building with numerous detailing complications to overcome.’’ commented Ryan Timpson, Building Surveyor, Edinburgh City Council. “Their experience and technical abilities overcame these with ease and resulted in a new high performance roof covering guaranteed to last for the next 25 years and beyond.”

The project consisted of a 900m² Decothane Delta 25 roofing system which was fully insulated to meet current regulations and carried out by BriggsAmasco’s skilled team to the highest standards.

To provide long term waterproofing integrity, the Decothane System included a Liquid Plastics’ vapour control layer, 130mm Decotherm insulation and a carrier membrane. Two coats of Decothane completed the roof and ensured the roofing system met the highest industry standards.

The requirement for the roofing system to be “totally seamless” was very important for the housing services department who were highly delighted with the final aesthetic appearance of the product and its application.

With BriggsAmasco involved in every step of the process from design through to completion, the company’s experience, exceptional workmanship and attention to detail helped to deliver a seamless and versatile roofing system which will ensure these Edinburgh Council blocks of flats remain protected from the elements for years to come.

The installation forms part of Sainsbury’s 20 by 20 Sustainability Plan which will see the supermarket chain significantly reduce its carbon emissions and protect it from future rises in energy costs.

The project partners completed the solar PV installation of 50 and 150 kilowatt peak systems at select Sainsbury’s stores across the south.

‘The main challenge of this project was to meet strict Feed-In Tariff deadlines. Our committed team of expert engineers and strong partnership with BriggsAmasco allowed us to install a typical 50 kW system in less than three days – just half of the market average time,” said Paul Gribben, Chief Executive, Renewable Resources.

Extensive knowledge of commercial roofing systems and solar power combined with reliable and high-quality technologies allowed the project partners to complete the installation without any disruption to the stores’ operation.

Originally invited by client ‘Places for People’ to investigate water ingress in and around the communal and private balconies, BriggsAmasco was challenged to produce a specification that would offer a proven track record and a guarantee to back this up. Following this successful pilot scheme, the company was appointed for the full renewal programme of the waterproofing membrane.

The company worked with IKO Permanite to produce a comprehensive specification which would fit the bill, selecting Permaphalt polymer modified roofing. Permaphalt offers uses advanced polymer technology to offer long term durability, increased resistance, improved temperature stability and ease of installation.

BriggsAmasco completed the 4000m² application on time, on budget and whilst the flats were fully occupied. The company also completed a series of associated works including: overlay of the main flat roof, renewal of patio doors, concrete repairs and new lighting, as well as the installation of aluminium capping, external drainage and a steel enclosure for the escape stairs.

In addition to the company’s role as specialist contractor, BriggsAmasco took on the responsibility of principal contractor – employing and managing several sub-contractors from primary steelwork to concrete repair specialists to ensure the project remained on time and was completed to exacting standards.

Demonstrating excellent communication with tenants and the highest health and safety standards throughout, BriggsAmasco has been appointed to complete the project’s fourth and final phase in 2013 – helping to transform the ageing urban village into a safer and more engaging area.

Suffering from water ingress for a number of years, the surface of Wilberforce Walkway had become beset with cracks and uneven surfaces. Causing trip hazards and uncomfortable walking conditions for students and staff alike, the walkway required a comprehensive refurbishment programme to return it to its very best. For this, leading waterproofing and roofing contractor BriggsAmasco was appointed.

Starting the project during the University’s summer break to minimise disruption, BriggsAmasco stripped the existing paving slabs and screed. The company discovered that due to years of water and frost damage, the concrete base had started to fail. As a result, the company’s own installation team completed an additional 120m² of concrete repairs before the asphalt installation could even begin.

Following these repairs, BriggsAmasco applied the 15mm Permapark Waterproofing layer and 25mm one coat Permapark Paving layer, before completing the system with a 40mm Permapark Paving crimped finish surface.

Completed on budget and on time, ready for the new academic year’s intake of students, the project perfectly demonstrates the radical change from an old style paved walkway to waterproof mastic asphalt. Acting as a waterproofing layer, whilst removing the constant issue of damaged paving slabs and trip hazards, mastic asphalt proved the ideal solution for the project.

The new Wilberforce Walkway will provide University of Hull students with safe and reliable access for many years to come – made possible with the high quality asphalt application by BriggsAmasco.

Built to be aesthetically sympathetic to the Lake District in terms of environment and architecture, the mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments were also designed to be representative of the area’s contemporary lifestyle. To deliver the highest standards of watertightness and durability – whilst maintaining these aesthetics – leading roofing and waterproofing BriggsAmasco was appointed to complete the project.

Requiring a waterproofing system with proven performance to offer exceptional resilience to the extremes of the Lake District weather, mastic asphalt was chosen for its durability, value for money and ability to provide a watertight surface.

Using a highly skilled team of operatives, BriggsAmasco was able to overcome the restrictions caused by the unpredictable UK weather which had made a huge impact on the main contractor’s build programme. With exceptional resilience and a fast application, the specification of mastic asphalt ensured the contract was delivered on time and defect free.

Working on a project in this picturesque location and delivering traditional values in the construction industry, the high standard of BriggsAmasco’s application helped to create a modern and stylish roof finish whilst using a truly traditional roof product.

Built by Wates Construction for Doncaster City Council on the site of the former Doncaster College, the five-storey, 157,500 sq ft civic offices will become the council’s new headquarters and a showpiece in the city centre.  As part of the £20 million project, BriggsAmasco was awarded the comprehensive waterproofing contract.

With environmental considerations at the forefront of this challenging design, the roofing system had to provide more than just traditional protection from rainwater. The architects specified the durable and self-healing monolithic waterproofing membrane Hydrotech Monolithic MM6125 which proved ideal for a development with such complex roof details.

When complete, the new building will have strong ‘green’ credentials as it features the latest environmentally friendly and sustainable technologies such as natural ventilation and roof top planting for rainwater harvesting.  A significant roofing aspect is the sustainable sedum roof with wildflower planting which covers the whole of the perimeter areas and the utility building.  These features will make the low carbon offices highly efficient with low running costs.

Ensuring the project was completed to the highest standards and helping the building to achieve its BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’, BriggsAmasco’s highly skilled team delivered the detailed programme with consistent quality.  As part of the design, a large number of plinths were required to construct the atrium with the louvre screen supports being a particular challenge.  The use of permanently shuttered pitch pockets contributed to the successful installation eliminating vulnerable multi-cornered flashing details.

Other notable elements delivered to BriggsAmasco’s exacting standards were the louvre screens to the central plant area as well as weatherproofing of steel ‘I’ beam stanchions to concrete plinths which was achieved with a combination of the pitch pocket, Vertical Roofmate LG-A and a bespoke metal capping which provided a watertight and aesthetically pleasing result.

Set to open in the autumn of 2012, the new roofing system will provide the Civic Centre with outstanding resistance to weathering and excellent flexibility – playing a significant part in the dramatic development of Doncaster’s Civic and Cultural Quarter.

Designed by WPP Architects, Willowbrook Primary School has been built to be as environmentally friendly and sustainable as possible. Working in partnership with client Essex County Council, BriggsAmasco delivered the comprehensive contract on time and on budget.

The project consisted of a 1250m² Bauder built up felt roofing system which was fully insulated to meet current regulations, finished with a Bauder Green Sedum Roof – all carried out by BriggsAmasco’s skilled team to the highest standards.

Associated works included a 750m² slated central roof area, Velux rooflights, Alumasc guttering and pipe work. Further complicating the installation were the number of specialist trades involved who worked alongside each other to skilfully deliver the slating, felting, green roof works as well as the downpipes, fascia and cappings.

The BriggsAmasco team were also faced with the challenge of severe winter weather, whilst the fact that the existing school was adjacent to the construction site necessitated timed deliveries and working around school opening hours and closing hours.

With BriggsAmasco involved in every step of the process from design through to completion, the company’s experience, exceptional workmanship and attention to detail helped to deliver a high quality sustainable school which will remain protected from the elements for years to come.

Built by main contractor May Gurney Ltd for North Lincolnshire Council, the project forms part of the multi-million pound North Lincolnshire Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme. At the new-build facility, BriggsAmasco specified a comprehensive single ply membrane system – including PIR insulation, vapour control layer and waterproofing membrane – that combined long term waterproofing integrity and a fast application.

A majority of roofs on site were prepared by BriggsAmasco with the installation of a metal deck on to the main steel structure. To create the watertight, high performance roofing system, the company then installed a Sarnavap vapour control layer and a high performance 130mm thick insulation. The system was completed with the mechanically fixed Sarnafil S327-18L single ply membrane in light grey.

For the additional roofs, May Gurney Ltd had installed a precast slab and screed onto which the BriggsAmasco operatives installed a felt vapour control layer, tapered insulation and the hot air weldable Sarnafil G410-EL – also in light grey. This completed the high performance, long term waterproofing application that will ensure teachers and students remain protected from the elements for many years to come.

BriggsAmasco’s exceptional workmanship and attention to detail contributed to the design and construction of the high quality sustainable school that now offers a cutting edge facility for more than 900 students and staff.

Following the success of the Melior Community College project, BriggsAmasco has been appointed to complete a further two BSF schemes at Malet Lambert High School in Hull and Northern Academy in Sheffield. Once again, the combination of BriggsAmasco and the Sarnafil single ply roofing system is proving to be the ideal roofing solution for contemporary educational facilities.