The specification

Budget was key on this project as whatever wasn’t spent on the building fabric was then available to be used for care providers. Therefore, economic design was critical. This started with some design workshops with the architects, Squire & Partners, to look beyond our package of works as to how our waterproofing would be detailed to rainwater goods, cladding and what structure below was required to decide the most efficient design. The project costs were also reduced greatly by the main contractor, 8 build, generously carrying out the project as a not for profit contribution.

A large donation was pledged if a single source green roof system could be provided and subsequently installed by green roof specialist contractors. Bauder fully met this criteria, offering a single source solution and guarantee, with Bridgman and Bridgman landscapers carrying out the green roof installation. Bauderflex bituminous waterproofing system, installed by Bauder approved contractors Voland Roofing, was utilised on the two wings where a Biodiverse roof was planned. Bauder also organised for the solar panels to be funded by Schools Energy Coop, a community fund, which significantly reduced the overall capital expenditure to the client and enabled an increased PV array to be installed saving over £84,000 in energy costs to the client over a 20-year period. We believe this to be the first community funded BioSolar scheme in the UK.

To the central atrium an aesthetically pleasing finish was required so our Thermofol PVC was specified. We supported the project with a reduced cost for our materials from initial budget and maintained the price despite insulation and raw materials increases.

Project challenges

The onsite challenge was having three specialist contractors installing the key elements: waterproofing and insulation, biodiverse landscaping, and PV. We achieved a manageable programme by agreeing the areas under each contractor and the process and timeframe for handing over to the next team, prior to works commencing. In most Bauder green roof installations the waterproofing installer would fit the protection and drainage layers. However, that fell to the landscape specialist, Bridgman and Bridgman, for this project. The team had to work off finished waterproofing, so an understanding and respect for others’ works was key to avoid damage and disagreement. Bridgman and Bridgman had an apprentice working on this site, so this demonstration of collaborative working was very valuable to her learning. She was assessed by the college as part of the works.

This was a very difficult site to manage logistically. Narrow roads leading to the site meant that only small vehicles could be used to deliver goods and there was no room to get a crane in for the lifting operations. All deliveries had to be timed and the telehandler had to be unloaded three quarters of a mile away and driven to the work area. Whilst trying to load the tonne bags of substrate to the roof, the telehandler was sinking in heavy clay. The plant had to be relocated to an area of hard standing meaning there was only one loading point. This resulted in huge amounts of wheelbarrow work to get the 150 cubic meters of growing medium onto the roof successfully.

The result

On completion of the works and after sign-off from Bauder site technicians following inspections, Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice roof was awarded a comprehensive product and workmanship guarantee. The client was thrilled with the process and the welcoming nature of our team supported by Squire & Partners architects and 8 Build main contractors, showing parents, visitors and donors to the charity around the site and how the roof would produce energy and areas for wildlife (all inducted and wearing PPE).

Bridgman and Bridgman have maintained the roof several times since the project was completed as part of their ongoing commitment to keeping the costs down and ensuring the performance of the system as a whole.

Bauder Thermofol PVC System with BauderFLEX and BauderSOLAR G LIGHT