The Catalyst Innovation Centre is a flagship building in Newcastle upon Tyne on the high-tech, city centre Helix Science Site where a number of building are being constructed. The client wanted an integrated PV system that didn’t compromise the integrity of the green roof solution being installed. Bauder was asked to design and supply a 30.78kWp system, generating an estimated 26,140kWh per annum. The innovative BauderSOLAR G LIGHT system is manufactured to ensure the performance of both the green roof and PV systems are maximised, taking into consideration the need for access and maintenance.

The specification

The chosen waterproofing for this project was Bauder’s Bakor hot melt system. The building is also benefiting from a BauderSOLAR G LIGHT upgrade consisting of a beautiful wildflower green roof and solar power generation. Adding these additional products to the system will protect the waterproofing from degradation by UV light and also lessen the risk of mechanical damage as the BauderSOLAR G LIGHT system is ballasted by the substrate and vegetation, meaning no mechanical fixings.

Project challenges

The city centre location required teamwork to negotiate challenging deliveries including craning materials onto the roof. Bauder’s site technician delivered onsite training for the AP2 cap sheet and also for the laying of the unique green roof system which the approved contractors carried out in addition to the waterproofing. The PV system was then installed by Energize Electrical Services Ltd. Bauder had a strong collaboration with the approved contractor, Chemplas Ltd, to maintain project deadlines and navigate challenges.

Bauder Hot Melt Structural Waterproofing

Suitable for a variety of applications on both new build and refurbishment projects and can be used in warm, cold and inverted roof scenarios.

BauderSOLAR G LIGHT

An integrated solar PV mounting system specifically for Bauder biodiverse or extensive green roofs. BauderSOLAR G LIGHT is designed for applications where both a green roof and solar PV solution are required to meet planning and/or BREEAM requirements. The green roof substrate and vegetation provide the ballast mechanism for the entire solution which removes the need for penetrating the waterproofing to secure the units to the roof and maximises the available area for the plants. Bauder Biosolar should be used in conjunction with our BauderFlora 3 seedmix which contains both drought and shade tolerant herb and wildflower species and is suitable for roofs with a fall of up to 3°.

WB Native Wildflower Blanket

A vegetation blanket containing a broad mix of British Wildflowers grown in substrate on a coir carrier. The natural fibres of the coir carrier promote the rapid rooting of the blanket into the substrate.

Advocacy

Andrew Connell, Project Manager at Energize Electrical Services Ltd:

“Working with Bauder makes life so much easier because we can really tap into their expertise. The BauderSOLAR G LIGHT PV system is a straightforward and quick system to install, incorporate that with Bauder's excellent support team made the project installation was a dream to work on, and most importantly it looks great.”