The challenge
Corby Technical School is a state-funded secondary free school for Corby families. An EMPA Framework project, Wates Construction Limited (WCL) recently built a brand-new extension which has effectively doubled the size of the school, increasing the number of students it can accommodate along with the variety of subjects that it offers. The new build project has created 3500 m2 of floor space and comprises; 25 classrooms, lecture theatre, drama studio, music practice rooms and office spaces. The project design follows Wates’ ADAPT model for schools.
Key points
As part of the 2nd stage tender process, WCL needed to select a highly robust waterproofing system. With an eye to the future, the selected roof finish needed to tolerate foot traffic by following trades and unsupervised routine maintenance once the building is in use.
IKO’s Mach One single layer bituminous membrane BBA approved flame free system (adhered) was selected as a PV array was to be mounted on the roof. Mach One also has a non-slip granular finish and therefore no extraneous walkways were needed. The black slate finish added a final touch of aesthetics to the installation. Based on a series of ADAPT school projects, Mach One has evolved as the membrane of choice in this context. The roof work had to be undertaken by a IKO approved contractor. Mach One offers a 20-year IKO insurance backed guarantee covering approved contractor insolvency.
Roofing strategy
The Project team then put in place the following successful roofing strategy:
- An initial meeting with AccuRoof to identify IKO single layer bituminous systems that offered the best overall value to the client in terms of a robust solution, together with IKO’s materials and workmanship 20-year single point warranty –
- After consideration, the WCL team proposed the IKO’s Mach One and UltraPrevent built-up bituminous system products
- Through early engagement in the project, AccuRoof , in liaison with WCL, worked from GSS Architecture’s section drawings following the ADAPT model to provide detailed roofing drawings in readiness for roof installation work. The overall design responsibility remained with the architects.
- A key challenge was for AccuRoof to design the cut-to-falls system to the area to the rear of the plant room to enable rainwater to drain effectively from the outlets. Issues to overcome were height restrictions and the ridgeline element to the structure.
- Bills of quantity for the roofing package were produced by WCL which were then issued to the market for pricing i.e. WCL preferred and IKO approved subcontractors, so that comparisons could be secured for review by WCL and AccuRoof.
- Phase9 Roofing Limited secured the package in a competitive tender.
- Roofing package value was £200K (approx.).
Key dates
From November 2016, AccuRoof began designing the complex 1700 m2 (approx.) roof comprising two roof areas in total. A total of 16 drawings were produced plus revisions.
After a competitive bidding process, AccuRoof registered contractor Phase 9 Roofing of Birmingham, were appointed for this key roofing project offering a 20-year single point guarantee also covering contractor insolvency.
Challenges from the Subcontractor perspective included the project’s logistics, the buildings taking up the footprint with no access to the rear elevation, access and storage or materials at ground level, multiple roof areas, different waterproofing solutions to differing roof area.
Phase 9’s quantity surveyor, Jag Rai said: “The Corby Technical School project is one of series of successful projects for WCL. With a decade of experience under our belts, we are competent at installing a wide range of flat roofing systems. We find that Mach One is a great product. Quick and simple to install, it’s also cost effective when compared to other bituminous systems. AccuRoof’s design service really facilitated project progress. They enabled us to work more efficiently on site and prevented any unnecessary queries from arising. Engineers from manufacturers, IKO visited the project and issued reports.”
The outcomes and benefits
As a risk averse business, the Wates Group favours early engagement with its supply chain, thus enabling AccuRoof to develop the very best flat roofing solutions using their wide portfolio of materials on each Project where they are engaged. In turn, the Wates Group can secure best value whilst trading with approved AccuRoof / IKO and WCL preferred subcontractors.
WCL expectations were achieved through the close working relationships between the project team, AccuRoof and the SIG Roofing branch. Through this informal partnering approach, Steve Scottorn at AccuRoof and Jag Rai Phase 9 Roofing Ltd Roofing have gone on to secure further projects with WCL Midlands using the IKO roofing flat roofing solutions.
AccuRoof has worked closely with Wates for several years and based on the projects supplied, there have been no roof defects found in a programme comprising a multitude of projects.
In Wates’ words
Martin Bloomfield, Project Manager for Wates said; Corby Technical School project is a flagship example of sharing best practice. AccuRoof have worked in an informal partnership with the Wates Group to create a unique roof design consultancy service which is available to all project teams. This close working relationship has enabled AccuRoof to understand Wates’ protocols and to develop a way of working which follows the project design through four stages from initial project enquiry through to completed design.”
Download the Corby Technical School – roofing that’s well ADAPTed for learning case study
Main contractor: Wates Construction Limited
Roofing contractor: Phase 9 Roofing Ltd
Main contract value: £8.27M
Roofing contract value: £200K
