• BriggsAmasco completes green roof installation at revolutionary Hillside Cottage development

    As part of a groundbreaking new-build subterranean home – semi-submerged in the Helsby hillside – planners decreed that any visible element of the family home had to replicate the original Hillside Cottage. To achieve this, whilst providing outstanding environmental performance, BriggsAmasco was appointed to install a lawn-covered roof that would blend seamlessly into the scenic hillside.

    In its green belt location and with much of the 15,000 sq ft building underground, it was vital that all aspects of the project had minimal environmental impact, ensuring it would meet and exceed the stringent planning restrictions. Incorporating a number of eco-friendly specifications – including timber frame, own water supply and bio-fuel energy – the project was completed to a high environmental standard

    To complete the application, all of the BriggsAmasco operatives were enlisted onto a Derbigum and Green roof product training course. This ensured each of the highly-skilled installation team was fully qualified to perform every aspect of this cutting-edge project to meet the client’s high specification.

    The company also applied a reinforced bituminous membrane and green roof and installed Dow Roofmate insulation – ideal for insulating green roofs to deliver outstanding environmental performance.

    The futuristic project has garnered both regional and national news attention thanks to its innovative use of sustainable construction materials and techniques. With the bespoke, high specification roofing solution provided by BriggsAmasco, the Hillside Cottage stands as a fine example of high performance, eco-friendly construction.

  • BriggsAmasco creates top-notch entrance at largest shopping centre in Scotland

    At Scotland’s largest shopping centre, the £275 million Union Square in Aberdeen, BriggsAmasco was appointed to install the development’s complete roofing application. For the main entrance atrium roof, the company provided a stylish roofing system comprising singe ply membrane, insulation boards, walkway tiles and a series of stunning rooflights.

    As part of a comprehensive £5 million roofing and waterproofing contract, BriggsAmasco specified several market leading products to ensure the main entrance met the scheme’s high standards, for both performance and aesthetics. These included Sarnafil S327-18EL membrane in Light Grey, Kingspan insulation, Xtralite circular rooflights, all mechanically fixed using SFS fixings supplied by Sarnafil.

    For the barrel vaulted roof, BriggsAmasco utilised the flexibility of the single ply membrane, enabling a smooth and efficient installation process onto the building’s metal decking. To ensure safe and secure rooftop access, a number of SarnaTred panels – made from 100% recycled materials – were also applied to create a durable walkway for the provision of rooftop maintenance.

    To provide natural lighting within the shopping centre, reducing energy costs whilst promoting a positive commercial environment, BriggsAmasco installed four large circular rooflights each with a diameter of approximately 2 metres. Creating vast light wells, these were expertly fitted without compromising the structure or waterproofing membrane.

    More than 6 million shoppers have entered Union Square shopping centre in just six months since the new facility opened. As the main feature of the shopping centre’s north entrance, BriggsAmasco’s exceptional workmanship and attention to detail has ensured the atrium roof is befitting of one of Aberdeen’s most visited venues.

  • BriggsAmasco delivers green roof solution at Teddington School

    At the new £36 million Teddington School in Middlesex, BriggsAmasco installed some 4,000m2 of roofing elements to meet the project’s strict environmental and performance specifications. The UK’s leading waterproofing and roofing specialist overcame severely restricted access – utilising an on-site tower crane – to deliver the school’s complex roofing system.

    With the school’s grand opening set for September 2010, BriggsAmasco had to complete the entire roofing installation within a tight timeframe. To achieve this without compromising on quality or performance, the company specified and installed a durable roofing system comprising PermaTEC Hot Melt and Sarnafil PVC membrane, both offering fast and efficient application processes.

    BriggsAmasco applied the PermaTEC Hot Melt directly onto the building’s concrete roofing substrate, before insulation and paving slabs were installed on top to form the inverted roof system. With an inverted roof, the main insulation material is applied on top of the weatherproof covering, so that the complete roof construction including covering remains warm during winter months and ambient throughout the summer.

    For the new-build’s higher level timber deck, BriggsAmasco also installed 1,250m2 of Sarnafil PVC membrane which was then followed by the installation of a series of large circular rooflights. Providing a lightweight, yet watertight, roofing solution –Sarnafil is regularly specified for its long term durability and high quality performance.

    Faced with a series of logistical challenges, BriggsAmasco used its vast expertise to ensure these wouldn’t affect the project deadline. During the installation, the school provided only one access route with restricted access. To overcome this, the company had to utilise a tower crane for the distribution of materials across the site. With many other trades on-site, the roofing specialists worked closely with the main contractor to co-ordinate a complex delivery timetable for maximum efficiency.

    By using sustainable materials, high specification and careful consideration for both waste and transport, BriggsAmasco ensured the roofing installation was delivered to the finest standard possible. With a thorough design and delivery of the mixed-specification roofing systems, the company also helped the building to achieve its BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’.

  • BriggsAmasco provides stunning roof at new Unite HQ

    At the new 30,000 sq ft District HQ for Great Britain’s largest union, Unite, a comprehensive refurbishment – including a new roofing installation – was required. BriggsAmasco, the UK’s leading waterproofing and roofing specialist, was appointed to install 600m2of single ply roofing membrane and create a complex zinc-lookalike rooftop facade.

    After taking control of the former Transport and General Workers’ Union (TGWU) building in Liverpool, Unite ordered a complete renovation to bring the building up to standard. Following ten years of being vacant and as part of an extensive repair programme, an entirely new roofing system was provided by BriggsAmasco.

    The company started the project by covering all of the main roofs in SpectraRoof TPE. The main roof works proved straightforward for the company, with the new build decking and single ply system installed onto an extra floor that had been added to the new metal frame. The metal deck system was installed across the entire 600m2roof area, followed by the SpectraRoof TPE membrane and 100mm thick insulation.

    As the stand-out aesthetic aspect of the job, BriggsAmasco provided exceptional detailing around the building’s high level perimeter to create a stunning vertical zinc-lookalike facade. This consisted of Spectraroof TPE Lead Grey membrane with a standing seam welded on to create a mock seam, designed and installed by the company’s specialist team.

    Now complete and renamed Jack Jones House – after the former trade union leader and General Secretary of TGWU – all aspects of the roofing contract were completed to the highest standard. The high quality refurbishment project at one of the city centre’s landmark redevelopments will form an important part in the city centre’s regeneration.

  • BriggsAmasco waterproofs new £11m Edinburgh University Pavilion

    As part of an £11 million improvement scheme at the University of Edinburgh, works have been completed on the extension, refurbishment and remodeling of the Grade II Listed Adam Ferguson Building. To provide a high quality learning environment befitting of one of Scotland’s oldest educational facilities, BriggsAmasco was appointed to provide the complete roofing specification.

    Part of a £150 million scheme to revamp Scotland’s capital city, the project has provided a stunning new state-of-the-art facility for students of the University’s Business School. To ensure the roofing system met the client’s high standards, BriggsAmasco delivered the entire system in-house. The company supplied and installed Sarnafil single ply membrane and a CGL insulated gutter system, and specifying a liquid-applied roofing system for the building’s new-build 4th floor.

    The high-profile contract was awarded to BriggsAmasco due to the company’s partnership agreement and completion of major project awards working with Sarnafil. The Sarnafil single ply membrane, installed by BriggsAmasco’s team of specialists, provides the pavilion roof with unrivalled levels of durability and performance.

    Completing the roofing installation, a liquid polyroof was applied to the new 4th floor maintenance area – contracted by sister company, BriggsAmasco Maintenance. All elements of the roofs were individually specified to meet the client’s aesthetic and quality criteria, ensuring the project met and exceeded all expectations.

    The University of Edinburgh provides a high quality learning environment for nearly 30,000 students every year and so it was important that the renovation project was completed to the highest standards. By appointing BriggsAmasco for the installation, the students, staff and visitors are guaranteed a high performance roofing system that is sure to stand the test of time.

  • BriggsAmasco roofing installation tops it all at Central Saint Giles

    BriggsAmasco has installed a series of roofs – totalling an incredible 4,000m2 – at the £175 million Central Saint Giles 12-storey development, one of London’s largest and most eye-catching new construction schemes.

    Replacing a dull, brown government building, the new-look Central Saint Giles is a cluster of buildings adorned with bright orange, yellow and green glazed ceramic. Extending this contemporary aesthetic to the roofs, its design incorporates a large sedum roof and two accessible roof terraces and gardens, to encourage informal meeting spaces whilst contributing to the area’s biodiversity.

    To create the roofs, BriggsAmasco specified a series of products, including single ply membrane, hot melt inverted roof and green roof with sedum mats – creating an inspiring, modern working environment that met the client’s demands perfectly. Overcoming severely restricted access caused by the site’s city centre location, BriggsAmasco completed the highly complex installation without any compromise on quality.

    Utilising sustainable sourcing of materials, choice of specification, waste and transport – BriggsAmasco ensured high environmental principles were maintained throughout the design and delivery of the scheme. This attention to detail enabled the development to achieve the targeted ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating, an outstanding accomplishment for a building of its size.

    The striking Central Saint Giles mixed-use development provides 375,000 square feet of office space, 24,500 square metres of restaurant and retail space, 56 private apartments and 53 affordable homes, plus a selection of restaurant and retail units at ground level as well as an outdoor public piazza.

    Now complete, the roofing installations at Central Saint Giles have helped to create a stunning series of landmark buildings that will enable the area to realise its exceptional potential.

  • BriggsAmasco installs show-stopping roof at Usher Hall

    Since 1996, Edinburgh’s Usher Hall – one of the world’s most outstanding concert venues – has been undergoing a £30 million pound renovation. As the extensive project neared completion, leading waterproofing and roofing specialist, BriggsAmasco, was appointed to install a new roofing system and complete an overhaul of the existing roofs at the landmark building.

    Refurbishment began in 1998 with the renewal of electrical systems, installation of new ventilation and heating systems and the repair and redecoration of the auditorium and foyer. Following additional funding of £11 million, Phase II in the venue’s regeneration commenced in 1999 with the upgrading of existing facilities, plus the construction of a new wing, leading to the requirement for new roofs.

    A strikingly elegant building, Usher Hall is located on Lothian Road, in the busy financial district of Edinburgh. It is surrounded by occupied office buildings and theatres, which presented logistical challenges to BriggsAmasco. The company overcame these by utilising two fast-application, non-intrusive roofing systems to cause minimal disruption to local residents.

    The project included a high specification redevelopment at the building’s front of house, including a new flat-roof waterproofing system. For this, the company installed mastic asphalt roofing to provide long-term performance, durability and a fast installation process.

    For the new-build part of the project, a Sarnafil single ply membrane flat roof was specified to provide a subservient extension to the main hall. Again, long-term performance was a key feature in its specification with the quick and simple application ensuring the project met the client’s aesthetic and timescale demands.

    Overcoming severe challenges, including access and noise issues caused by its city-centre location, BriggsAmasco provided outstanding workmanship to deliver a high performance roofing system and complete all aspects of the project to the very highest standard.

    Now the roofing application is complete, the sympathetic redevelopment has embraced the building’s existing architecture whilst bringing the roof up to contemporary standards. Set to house some of the world’s most famous performers – including Don McLean, Ray Davies and Led Zeppelin – the roofs at Usher Hall are guaranteed to provide excellent protection from the elements, for the performers, staff and the audience.

  • BriggsAmasco smooth surface at King’s Cross platform redevelopment

    Leading waterproofing specialist, BriggsAmasco, has begun resurfacing works at Kings Cross Station, improving platforms and walkways, as part of the station’s wider redevelopment programme.

    A team of eight BriggsAmasco operatives and managers are carrying out works throughout the night on a shift basis over a three month period. Using a mastic asphalt system laid across concrete floor slabs, platforms one to eight will each benefit from new surfaces, following removal of any existing asphalt.

    The new asphalt has been mixed with luminous sand which provides both an aesthetically pleasing finish whilst offering a good foot grip and finish. Work by BriggsAmasco is being carried out in rotation with other trades and close communication and a flexible approach by the wider project team is key to the ongoing success of this scheme.

    These works form part of a wider programme which will see King’s Cross transformed into a world class transport hub which can meet future demand and offer the best facilities for passengers. The Department for Transport is investing over £500 million in the station, which is owned and managed by Network Rail.

    BriggsAmasco operate a London branch and all staff involved in this scheme live and work locally. The company continues to utilise mastic asphalt as one its key solutions, specifying this robust and hard wearing system at projects with a focus on roofs, car parks, walksways, bridges and transport platforms.

    Nick Kershaw of BriggsAmasco said: “This is one of the busiest stations in Europe and planning has been an imperative factor in the continued success of this scheme. Work is being carried out on each platform separately to avoid closure across more than one platform at a time and so our involvement in the project has been carried out on a rotational basis. Mastic asphalt has been specified here as it is an incredibly hard wearing system that will provide a tough and durable surface for many years to come.”

  • BriggsAmasco praised for health and safety initiative

    Briggs Amasco Ltd, the UK’s leading roofing and waterproofing specialist, is one of the latest group of successful companies to join a leading edge scheme designed to help industry improve its safety record.

    The national roofing and waterproofing company with its head office at Cradley Heath, West Midlands, has received accreditation from Safe contractor, a programme which recognises very high standards of health and safety.

    Employing 350 people and principally involved in roofing and waterproofing, BriggsAmasco has one of the best health and safety records in the country and is totally committed to best practice in every part of its business.

    Specialising in the commercial and industry sector as well as schools, railways, car parks  and with a £38 million turnover, BriggsAmasco’s most recent clients have included major players such as Marks and Spencer, Bovis Lend lease,  Willmott Dixon and many more.

    Mark Flello, BriggsAmasco’s Northern Safety Advisor commented: “Health and Safety is key to the success of our business and we have always been committed to achieving the highest possible standards in every part of our business so we are naturally delighted to receive this accreditation from SAFEcontractor.”

    The accreditation is expected to enhance the company’s ability to attract new customers and its commitment to safety is likely to be viewed positively by its insurers when the company liability policy is up for renewal.

    John Kinge, Head of Risk at SAFEcontractor said, “major organisations can no longer run the risk of employing contractors who are not able to prove that they have sound health and safety policies”.

    “More companies need to understand the importance of adopting good risk management in the way that BriggsAmasco has done. The firm’s high standard has set an example, which hopefully will be followed by other companies within the sector”.

    Under the SAFEcontractor system, businesses undergo a vetting process, which examines health and safety procedures and their track record for safe practice.

    Those companies meeting the high standard are included on a database, which is accessible to registered users only via a website www.safecontractor.com.

    Employer-organisations who sign up to the scheme can access the database, which enables them to vet potential contractors before they even set foot on site. These employers agree that, as users of the scheme, they will engage only those who have received accreditation.

    Over one hundred and twenty major nationwide businesses, from several key industry sectors, have signed up to use the scheme when selecting contractors for services such as building, cleaning, maintenance, refurbishment or electrical and mechanical work.