BRIGGSAMASCO’S AWARD-WINNING WATERPROOFING

BriggsAmasco supplied the waterproofing and finishes for a stunning, state-of-the-art sports and science centre that will provide a world-class training environment for generations of students.

The project, which was delivered by McLaren Construction, formed part of a £38m transformation of Brighton College. Designed by award-winning Dutch architect, OMA, the stunning centre boasts a cinema-style auditorium linked up to science departments across the globe, 18 university-standard laboratories, six break out spaces for personal research and tutorials, a 25-metre pool, a strength and conditioning suite, a rooftop running track with panoramic views and a double-height sports hall.

Selected to fulfil the centre’s waterproofing requirements, BriggsAmasco was confronted with a challenging installation. It involved creating a watertight seal for the centre’s 2,650m2 main roof, a winter garden, entrance stairs, a step tread area and a car park. The college development was planned with the environment in mind. It contains high-quality elevations enclosing a development with high levels of sustainability – the offices boasting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC ‘A’ ratings.

The project’s waterproofing aspect included a number of complexities. The centre’s main roof area was located on the building’s uppermost fourth floor, which meant a standard installation process was not possible. Challenges such as these were exacerbated by waterproofing work taking place during periods of extreme weather, with heat, heavy wind and rainfall making surfacing works difficult. Multiple changes to the working environment and the requirement to work alongside numerous other trades were also hurdles to overcome for Briggs’ installers. Additionally, the team needed to ensure material deliveries were scheduled in advance to allow works access to the onsite crane.

In terms of design, the biggest challenge was to create a waterproofing system that was capable of incorporating a range of features and activities in order to optimise the centre’s main roof space. A rest area with benches and a barbeque, a running track and rooflights were included as part of the imaginative roof design. It also featured a green roof with architect OMA, in conjunction with BriggsAmasco and material supplier IKO, being responsible for the buildability aspect of the main roof’s overall design. Prior to the roof’s installation, BriggsAmasco took part in site inspections, design meetings and problem-solving brainstorm exercises to ensure the roof’s waterproofing programme progressed smoothly.

For the installation, BriggsAmasco installed the following waterproofing systems: IKO Permatec Antiroot (IKO Permaflash-R reinforcement and IKO Permaguard-F protection membrane), IKO FCS liquid cold-applied system and an IKO built-up felt system. BriggsAmasco’s excellent workmanship was underpinned throughout by a superb collaborative working relationship with IKO and OMA. Quality inspections were carried out throughout the project’s lifetime and as part of the company’s all-round service provision, BriggsAmasco drafted a detailed works programme to ensure deliveries were timed and workflows were not disrupted. The schedule included one-month ‘look aheads’ to incorporate programme changes, crane and weather conditions. This intensive project management was required throughout the works programme to ensure the new facilities were delivered within a rigid timeframe.

The redeveloped Brighton College was opened in January 2020. Described as ‘an expression of global ambition’ by architect OMA, the site’s new facilities have introduced a world of academic and sporting opportunity for students. For BriggsAmasco, as well as taking pride at having delivered an intricate waterproofing programme with such precision and panache in the time available, its performance on the project earned the company a ‘Contractor Recognition’ honour at the annual IKO Awards.

www.briggsamasco.co.uk