Bradford Ambulance Station

Synopsis

This project involved the comprehensive refurbishment of multiple roof areas at Bradford Ambulance Station. A detailed site survey confirmed significant defects affecting both the distinctive barrel‑vaulted roofs and the lower flat roofs, highlighting the need for a carefully coordinated programme of works to restore performance, resilience, and appearance.

The survey identified several issues across the site. The barrel‑vault roofs exhibited a failing liquid‑applied coating, saturated insulation, and regular internal water ingress. The lower roofs lacked adequate insulation, contained widespread wet insulation, and featured a fragile stramit (compressed strawboard) deck that had begun to fail. Given these conditions, the only viable approach was a full strip-and-reroof of all areas, including complete redecking of the stramit sections.

A full thermal upgrade was incorporated across every roof as part of the works. On the barrel vaults, careful design ensured that the existing concrete rooflight kerbs and apertures were successfully integrated into the new build‑up, resulting in a cleaner and simpler appearance. The curved geometry and varying pitch of the vaults required close coordination throughout installation, particularly regarding robust detailing, waterproofing integrity, and maintaining correct head‑lap retention.

The project was completed with the installation of a 248‑panel solar photovoltaic system (95.5 kWp output) along the spine of the barrel vaults, providing renewable electricity for the site and supporting newly added EV charging points. Overall, the refurbishment transformed a series of failing roof areas into a durable, more thermally efficient, and future‑focused roofing system that enhances both the functionality and long‑term resilience of Bradford Ambulance Station.

Bauder building board